Ryan Hartman cross-checks Craig Smith IN THE FACE.

The Blackhawks faced the Predators tonight in Chicago in what ended up being a total massacre. The Nashville crew won 5-0 in a real one way game in which not many positives can be highlighted for the Hawks. 

Of course, these games are the perfect soil to grow hatred into and this is exactly what happened late in the third. In a disgusting sequence, Ryan Hartman literally cross-checked Craig Smith right in the face. 

This was totally unecessary and disgraceful. 

The Preds are up 2-0 in the series and the next 2 games will be played in Nashville. Needless to say, the Hawks are in trouble in what could become the biggest upset this year.