Blackhawks No Longer Perfect

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -The Blackhawks came close to staying undefeated but give the Minnesota Wild credit.It wasn’t as if the Wild dominated the contest but the Hawks could not find a way to score in the final forty minutes of regulation. Once a game goes into overtime and then a shootout, anything can happen. Actually this match gave everyone their money’s worth as it wasn’t decided until after Patrick Sharp hit the crossbar in his shootout attempt. The Blackhawks are no longer perfect on the season as they dropped a 3-2 decision in Minnesota.The Wild had a tough first period as the Hawks were the better team. Credit has to be given to Minnesota head coach Mike Yeo who didn’t wait long to replace starting goal tender Josh Harding. Niklas Backstrom, usually Minnesota’s number one goalie, came on and was perfect on the night. Including OT, Backstrom played 58:15 and stopped all 28 shots he faced.

It appeared the Blackhawks would have an edge as the Wild played the night before and were starting their back-up goal tender. Harding did allow two scores and did let in one soft goal but that was all the Chicago scoring. The Wild seemed to be a bit winded in the late going but they hung tough. In this case the winning team should be credited more than the loser blamed.

The Wild did a nice job in the second period of making life difficult for Chicago defensemen. They kept the pressure on while also keeping the Hawk forwards out on the perimeter. Corey Crawford played well enough to win on most night but when the offense can only manage two scores victories won’t come so easily.

Andrew Shaw had his best game of the season and picked up his first goal. His linemates, Bryan Bickel and Viktor Stalberg played well as they were crashing the net early. Unfortunately they couldn’t sustain the same effort in the late going.

Michael Frolik is having a fine season and has been very good as a penalty keeper. Frolik has been skating hard and is noticeable. Last night he was credited with a game high six shots on goal.

On the other end of the spectrum was Dave Bolland who was basically invisible.
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