The Blackhawks lost 3-2 in overtime to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, but managed to pick up a big point. Here are three takeaways:
Poor start
The Wild seemed to have a lot more pep in their step than the Hawks at puck drop on Tuesday. Minnesota lost 6-1 to the Boston Bruins on Saturday and seemed determined to gain ground on Chicago and be in on the Western Conference's wild card race. The Wild trailed Chicago by four points entering the game, with the Hawks' three points out of a playoff spot.
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The Blackhawks, who beat the Coyotes 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday in their first game after the bye week, recorded a measly four shots on net in the first period to the Wild's 12. Kevin Fiala scored at 3:53 of the first with Corey Crawford screened.
Chicago didn't get a shot on goal until defenseman Olli Maatta put one on net at 12:38 in. It took until 18:06 in the first for a Blackhawks forward to register a shot (Jonathan Toews).
The sluggish play continued into the second period, despite the Blackhawks matching the Wild's 10 shots in the frame. The quality looks weren't there in the first and second. Fiala scored his second goal of the game on a Wild power play at 15:08 into the second period.
Comeback came too late
NHL
After an uneventful first two periods, the Blackhawks played a more sound third as head coach Jeremy Colliton continually juggled the lines. They had a better pace and they were generating better chances. Defenseman Adam Boqvist scored his third career goal at 6:23 of the third to bring Chicago within one.
Maatta scored on Alex Stalock from a tough angle near the wall on the left wing side to tie it 2-2 at 16:50 of the third.
The Hawks would pick up a crucial point and head to overtime after regulation. Matt Dumba scored 2:21 into extra time to win it for the Wild and hand Chicago the overtime loss.
More to Crow about
Crawford had another strong game in his second straight start. After recording 40 saves on Saturday against the Coyotes, Crawford made 31 saves on 34 shots through overtime on Tuesday.
The goalie made a huge save when he robbed Ryan Donato of a goal during a breakaway around the midway point of the third period to keep the Blackhawks within one.
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