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Jonathan Toews helps Chicago Blackhawks beat Nashville Predators 4-2 for 2-1 series lead

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad, left, celebrates with right wing Marian Hossa after scoring a goal during the second period in Game 3 of an NHL Western Conference hockey playoff series against the Nashville Predators, Sunday, April 19, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Desjardins (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring his goal during the first period in Game 3 of an NHL Western Conference hockey playoff series against the Nashville Predators Sunday, April 19, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Jonathan Toews had a goal and an assist, and the Chicago Blackhawks used a three-goal second period to beat the Nashville Predators 4-2 on Sunday for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Marian Hossa had two assists and Scott Darling made 35 saves to help Chicago win for the 20th time in its last 24 postseason home games. Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook and Andrew Desjardins also scored in an impressive response by the Blackhawks after Friday night's 6-2 loss in Nashville.

Darling, a native of the Chicago suburb of Lemont, made his first postseason start after Corey Crawford was ineffective in the first two games of the series. The rookie also replaced Crawford in Game 1 and made 42 saves as the Blackhawks rallied for a 4-3 victory in double overtime.

Mike Ribeiro and Mattias Ekholm scored for Nashville, and Pekka Rinne had 26 saves.