The Nashville Predators need this one.
Down 3-1 in their first-round series to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Preds find themselves on the verge of elimination. A comeback is far from impossible, but given the state of their roster, it will be extremely tough: Shea Weber has been ruled out with a lower-body injury and center Mike Fisher is dinged up, too. Fisher could dress, but it's not clear how effective he can be at this time. Certainly, the Preds -- who lack a true No. 1 center -- could use the veteran pivot's services.
Most importantly, Nashville needs goaltender Pekka Rinne to return to form. The 32-year-old is averaging 2.54 goals against in the postseason -- not bad, but not the Vezina-caliber play he exhibited earlier in the year. Rinne will likely need to give his team a Herculean effort for them to defy the odds.
The Blackhawks will make such a task incredibly difficult. Patrick Kane, who led the league in scoring before breaking his collarbone, looks dangerous; Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp have been solid, as well. Additionally, Scott Darling has been tremendous for Chicago between the pipes, surrendering just 1.05 goals per game during the series.
Game 5 coverage
9:30 p.m. ET | Game 5, Western Conference Round 1
Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, TN
Local: FS-TN, CSN-CH+ | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN360
Live stream at NBC Live Extra
More coverage: Predators blog | Blackhawks blog