Probably the series everyone thought might be a sweep lasted one game longer. Minnesota had a bad start to the series when Backstrom went down in warmup, pushing Harding into net. Harding did keep Minnesota in the game, stopping 37 shots. But in the end, Chicago got the last laugh, as Bickell slid a backhander past a sprawling Harding to give Chicago the series lead. The Blackhawks kept it going in Game 2, as 2 goals by Sharp in the third was more than enough to put the game away and extend the lead. Minnesota caught a break in Game 3, as Zucker scored a bad angle shot to help the Wild avoid a sweep and earn a win in this series. The was the last of the breaks for Minnesota, as Chicago took over from there. The Blackhawks shut out the Wild in Game 4, where Harding went down with an injury and left after the first. In Game 5, Harding returned, but it was too late for the Wild. The Blackhawks had little trouble ending the series with a 5-1 win. The Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Minnesota Wild, and resting for their second round opponent.
Games
Minnesota Wild 1
Chicago Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Minnesota Wild 2
Chicago Blackhawks 5
Chicago Blackhawks 2
Minnesota Wild 3 (OT)
Chicago Blackhawks 3
Minnesota Wild 0
Minnesota Wild 1
Chicago Blackhawks 5
Three Thoughts On The Series
- Minnesota goalies really should avoid warmups.
- It speaks to Chicago's depth when Toews and Kane can go goalless and yet the Blackhawks won handily.
- Susannah Collins got unfairly terminated for what was a Freudian slip/probably a really accurate statement (they do have Kane on the team).
For all that he went through this season, it's nice to see Harding get at least one win in this series.
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| (Image via Pioneer Press) |
Play Of The Series
Bickell's overtime goal. Mainly chosen for the pass of the glass.
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