VIDEO: Predators' Neal opens scoring early with nifty backhand goal vs. Blackhawks

With their playoff lives on the line, the Nashville Predators got exactly the start they wanted. 

The Predators opened the scoring just over a minute into Game 6 against the Chicago Blackhawks on a slick backhand goal by forward James Neal. 

Neal picked up the puck just inside the Blackhawks blue line and took it wide on defenseman Johnny Oduya before sliding the puck low blocker-side on goaltender Scott Darling. 

The Blackhawks lead the series 3-2. The goal was Neal's third of the series and his fourth point.