The set-up: The Blackhawks opened the season at home vs. the Blues but after taking a 2-1 lead, they took three straight minor penalties late in the second period that led to two power-play goals which gave the Blues a 3-2 lead. St. Louis extended it to a 5-2 final, outshooting 32-19. Tonight's game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville will be the Predators season-opener. Nashville surprised Anaheim in the first round of last year's Stanley Cup playoff but then lost in seven games (5-0 at San Jose in Game 7) to the eventual Western Conference champion Sharks in the second round.

Chicago: The Blackhawks feature reigning Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews but Chicago had five rookies in Wednesday's lineup, four of them were making their NHL debut. The Blackhawks were outshot 32-19 and the team's breakdowns in discipline (silly penalties) were costly. Chicago converted on an NHL second-best 22.6 percent of its opportunities with the man advantage and was successful on one of four chances against St. Louis.

Nashville: The Predators dropped 14 games in overtime or in shootouts last season, with only Carolina (16) doing worse. That can't happen again this season and the Predators believe that the their blockbuster deal of acquiring P.K. Subban from Montreal will be a "difference maker." Subban will join All-Star Roman Josi and fellow defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis.

The pick: Expectations are riding high in Nashville but questions abound regarding veteran goaltender Pekka Rinne (turns 34 in November), who saw his save percentage dip under .910 for the third time in four seasons.These teams meet again tomorrow in Chicago and the bet here says, the Blackhawks will be going for the home-and-hone sweep Saturday night. Chicago is a 10* play.