Predators ride momentum into Game 6

In one sense, the Predators head into Saturday's matchup against the Blackhawks in the exact same predicament they were in prior to Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinal playoff series.

They still can't afford a loss.

But after cracking the previously impenetrable shell of goalie Scott Darling in Thursday's win, blitzing the Blackhawks with a four-goal third period and keeping the series alive, the Predators have some momentum.

"The guys are playing well right now and I'm pretty confident about that," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "I know we have an opposition that's very good and very dangerous, and we've got a big challenge here in front of us. But we can only focus on what we can control, and that's our game and confidence and what we can take to Chicago."

Here are three reasons the Predators should feel confident heading to Chicago and three reasons for concern:

THREE REASONS FOR CONFIDENCE

Pekka Rinne's improvement: Rinne was one of the league's elite goaltenders through most of the season. But in the first three games of the playoffs, his save percentage was just .898 and his goals against average was 2.65 — certainly below his standards.

Rinne looked especially impressive the last two games, however, stopping 73 of 78 shots (.936 save percentage) and posting a goals against average of 1.86. If he stays hot, he could give the Predators a big advantage.

"The last couple of games he's been outstanding, really solid, and that definitely makes a huge difference," center Mike Fisher said. "He's one of the best for a reason."

Fisher's return: Fisher isn't flashy, but he's Nashville's best two-way center and an invaluable player. He can contribute the kind of impressive assist he did on Filip Forsberg's second goal on Thursday and also play a hard, grinding defensive game.

His return from injury for Game 5 helped the Predators hold Chicago's highly productive first line — Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa — without a point.

"Fish really plays the body," teammate Roman Josi said. "He's hard on guys. I think he's one of the toughest players in the league to play against. To have a guy like him back is definitely huge for us."

Colin Wilson's reversal: Wilson couldn't find the net late in the regular season, going without a goal for the final 15 games. But the playoffs have been a completely different story for the former first-round pick, who has already set a franchise record with five goals in this series.

He showed some stick wizardry in Game 4, taking a pass near the Chicago crease, spinning toward the net and managing to get elevation on his short-range shot to score Nashville's third goal.

THREE REASONS FOR CONCERN

Still no Shea Weber: It didn't come as much of a surprise, but the Predators on Friday ruled out any possibility of their injured captain returning before the end of this series.

Though they managed to win without him on Thursday, their record without Weber in the lineup over the past two seasons is only 2-6-2.

When facing as offensively talented a team as the Blackhawks, Weber's presence would have been a huge boost to the defense.

Kane heating up: When this series began, Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane hadn't played in nearly two months. Even though he posted a goal and two assists (both on the power play) in the first three games, he wasn't a dominant puck-possession force.

That changed over the past couple of games, as he has looked increasingly dangerous at full strength — witness the slick assist he had on Chicago's final goal in Game 5.

When Kane plays at a high level, it gives the Blackhawks two very dangerous offensive lines.

Windy City woes: The Predators have yet to win a game in four tries in Chicago this season, including two playoff games.

The good news for the Predators: it's not as if they've been blown out. Three of the four losses went to overtime, and the other was a 4-2 loss in Game 3.

Reach John Glennon at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @glennonsports.

SERIES SCHEDULE

Blackhawkslead 3-2

Game 1: Blackhawks 4-3 (2OT)

Game 2: Predators 6-2

Game 3: Blackhawks 4-2

Game 4: Blackhawks 3-2 (3OT)

Game 5: Predators 5-2

Saturday: at Chicago, 7 p.m., WSMV-4

Monday: at Nashville, TBA, if nec.

DID YOU KNOW?

Predators coach Peter Laviolette led the Philadelphia Flyers to one of the NHL's most memorable playoff comebacks, as the Flyers rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to defeat Boston 4-3 in 2010. That's only happened four times in league history.