Minnesota Wild (5-0-1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3-2-3)
Xcel Energy Center @ 7:00
Television: Versus (HD). Channel 68 - Comcast; 603 - DIRECTV; 151 - DISH
Listen live on WCCO.com, or locally on 830 WCCO
For the Chicago perspective, check out Second City Hockey
Lines
| Minnesota | Chicago |
| Miettinen - Koivu - Brunette Nolan - Belanger - Bouchard Veilleux - Sheppard - Gilles Weller - Pouliot - Boogaard Burns - Schultz Bergeron - Skoula Johnsson - Zidlicky Backstrom Harding | Versteeg - Toews - Kane |
With the ridiculously early firing of Denis Savard, and subsequent placement of Joel Quennville as head coach in Chicago, the Hawks are seeing wins on the ice, but many still fail to see the reasoning behind the change. When you evaluate Savard, look at the success he had while dumping the vets and going with the kids. This is exactly the type of program the NHL needs right now. I am excited to see the Blackhawks in town tonight. Kane, Campbell, Toews, Versteeg, Byfuglien, Burish and Skille are all young, talented kids who make up a great nucleus in Chicago. This team should be awfully good for years to come. However, right now they're still going to be fighting for the 8th spot, and should be cannon fodder for the Wild.
Notes
- Everybody skated but Marian Gaborik this morning
- Owen Nolan has 38 goals in 41 career games against Chicago
- Niklas Backstrom is 12-0-5 with a 1.74 goals against average and a .941 saves percentage in his past 17 decisions
Questions to Answer
- If they get a lead, can they actually keep it in the 3rd?
- Will youth be served or is this one up to the gritty vets?
- Will tonight be the night the PK finally gives one up?
- Where or where have Antti and Bruno gone? Seriously? Anyone?
- Does Secord still suck?
Andrew Brunette
Erik Belanger