Minnesota Wild (30-21-5) vs Chicago Blackhawks (28-22-6)
United Center @ 7:00PM CDT Television: Versus (HD)
Listen live on Wild.com, or locally at 830 AM
For the Chicago perspective, check out Second City Hockey
Current issue of The Committed Indian:
| Minnesota Wild | Chicago Blackhawks |
| Andrew Brunette - Mikko Koivu - Antti Miettinen Niklas Backstrom | Patrick Sharp - Jonathan Toews - Patrick Kane Duncan Keith - Brent Seabrook Corey Crawford |
The last time the Wild played the Hawks, they beat them 4-2. It is now being pointed to as "the moment" when things turned around for the Wild. I'm not sure about that, but if that is what it takes for the Wild to admit they can play, then so be it. I am glad they have a rallying point. Now, go out and prove it.
The Hawks are three points back, their coach is in the hospital, and they are still the Cup champions. They want the playoffs, they have the experience of being there, and they will be coming out hard and riled up. They have talent oozing from every corner, and if the Wild think they can just waltz in with swagger and beat the Hawks, they are mistaken.
It will take a game plan, much like they had last night, and a few bounces. They can not let the fact that they dominated the Nucks and still lost affect them. They need to take this as a new game, with new opportunities, and the chance at two badly needed points.
Stand tall, do what you have been doing. Don't try to change things now just because they didn't work in one game. Defense, physical play, standing up for your team mates and especially your goalie. That's what got you where you are. Keep it going.
The Hawks are relatively healthy, and they have a ton of weapons. Shut them down and pounce when they get frustrated. Protect Theodore, and come out with a win.
Five Questions:
- Bad night last night. Can the forget about it, or does it seep in?
We want to see a Koivu goal. Will we see it tonight?
Can the Wild really shut down the potent Hawks offense? - Is Cory Crawford the rookie of the year?
- JS predicted a 2-1 Wild victory. Does he have a gift?