Game Thread: Minnesota @ Chicago

[IndyAndy]

Last season they were Western Conference Playoffs 1st round opponents: Now they are getting ready to kick off a 'Home & Home' double-header.

Who's ready for this?!

 

[IndyAndy]

Good effort so far by Minny: They seem to be holding their own, with a couple of extended attacks on the Chi end of the ice.

And just like that...

Parise!!

Just seconds into Minny's 1st PP.

 

[IndyAndy]

Brodziak!!

A deflection off of a one-timer by Scandella.

... And Backstrom is really on it tonight (so far). He's showing no signs be playing hurt or being rusty.

 

[packfancjh]

I watched the first period and was very happy with their pressure. Usually we fold against Chi.

 

[IndyAndy]

Not sure that I understand: Stoner had that puck trapped under him, then was pushed bodily into the net.

So; goal or no goal?

Did Chi high stick it into Stoner/the net?

 

[IndyAndy]

NO GOAL!!

 

[IndyAndy]

Bickell finally gets Chicago on the board.

 

[IndyAndy]

Pominville!!

Hopefully, that takes some of the wind out of Chi's sails, as they were building up a late 2nd period head of steam.

... And just like that, Chi puts themselves in a 5 on 3 hole for nearly 2 minutes.

 

[IndyAndy]

And, again... Pominville!!

After Minny made their 5th PK, they picked Chi's pockets while they were making a sloppy pass.

 

[IndyAndy]

Minny's 6th PK falls short: Kane gets Chi's 2nd goal.

 

[IndyAndy]

Fontaine!!

5-2 Minny with less than 4 minutes to go: That should about do it.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Nice win for the Wild tonight - they earned this one

 

[IndyAndy]

Kruger gets one more for the Blackhawks in the closing minute; but it's not enough.

Final score: 5-3 Wild.

Awesome return effort from Backstrom.