In their second game in 24 hours, the Nashville Predators went on the road to the United Center and beat the Jonathan Toews-less Chicago Blackhawks, 3-1. Pekka Rinne made 25 saves in the win, collecting his franchise-best ninth consecutive victory. The Preds have now moved into a tie for third place in the Central Division, fifth in the Western Conference.

The Preds benefitted from another fast start, as they carried a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. At the 11:49 mark of the first period, Craig Smith capitalized on a turnover to record his 11th goal of the year. Brandon Yip provided a screen on Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford, and Matt Halischuk jumped on the turnover, to help put the Preds up 1-0.

With less than three minutes left in the first, the Preds took a 2-0 lead when Patric Hornqvist kicked the puck to an open Mike Fisher in front of the net. It was Fisher’s fourth goal in the last four games, as he continues his hot offensive stretch. Since coming to Nashville, the Preds are now 10-1-1 when Fisher scores. This season, the team is 7-0-1 when he scores.

The Preds played well in the second period, out-shooting the Blackhawks 10-7 in the middle frame, but couldn’t take advantage of a pair of power play chances.

In the third period, they had to survive an onslaught from the Blackhawks. Dave Bolland scored on the power play to cut the Preds’ lead in half, but Rinne and the penalty kill stepped up in the later stages to keep the ‘Hawks off the board. Colin Wilson scored on an empty net to cement the Preds’ 3-1 win.

With the victory, the Preds gained ground on every Central Division opponent and moved into a tie with Chicago for third. St. Louis lost in a shootout, so the Preds now sit one point behind them, three points behind Detroit. The Preds are also 11-2-2 against divisional opponents this season. Four of those wins have come in the last four games, where the Preds to out-score Columbus and Chicago by a combined score of 15-4.

Rinne kept up his great play as well, as he is now 12-1-0 in his last 13 starts and 19-2-0 in his last 21 decisions. He didn’t look fazed by the back-to-back situation. Something to keep in mind: his best hockey in the last three years has come after the All-Star/Olympic break.

The Predators (30-16-4) head into the All-Star break with 12 victories in their last 14 games. In that time they’ve moved from the playoff bubble to division contention.