Heading into Game 1, many expected the Chicago Blackhawks to run away with the series against the Minnesota Wild. Unfortunately, Chicago's 2-1 overtime victory indicated that the series might not be as short as previously expected.
Not only did Minnesota push the NHL's top team to the extra session, but it also scored the first goal of the game and stifled the Chicago's top scorers. The Blackhawks eventually got eventually got a game-winner from their third line of Bryan Bickell, Victor Stalberg, and Andrew Shaw.
"I didn't think we were great during the first five games [of the season], but we made some strides during that stretch and after that we started playing better," Stalberg said about his line's play. "It seems like we kept improving throughout the year and getting better. I thought we had a pretty good year overall."
The Wild know that they let a good opportunity get away. However, the team proved that it belonged and has a major opportunity to draw even in the series in Friday's Game 2.
"I think we can do a better job of making their D, if they're going to go back and make a play and break out of the zone we got to leave a mark on them and make them feel it each time down the ice," Wild forward Michael Rupp said. "I've played against some pretty good 'D' over the years in the playoffs. When you can hit in Game 1, 2, you can start to notice it in Game 5, 6, 7."
Chicago will continue to play without center David Bolland and backup goalie Ray Emery.
Prediction: Chicago dominates 4-1.
TV: TV: NBCSN, CBC, FS-N, CSN-CH
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