Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild. It’s a matchup that was under most people’s playoff radar; until last night. A majority of pundits had the Chicago
Blackhawks sweeping the Wild. Regardless, this will be an interesting series. The Blackhawks came out flat against a Minnesota Wild team that was at the top of their game in game 1 of the playoff series Tuesday night.
The Wild experienced a set back as well as star goalie Niklas Backstrom was scratched from the game after injuring himself during pregame warm ups. No word yet as to when he’ll return.
Perhaps one of the best stories of the night was Wild back up goalie Josh Harding, who was diagnosed with MS prior to this season and hasn’t started in net since January 30th, tallying a spectacular 35 saves against a very powerful Blackhawks offense.
The Blackhawks picked up the slack midway through the 2nd as Marian Hossa scored off a pass from Patrick Kane. The game went to Overtime and would end in epic fashion as Johnny Oduya bounced a puck high off the glass, making a nearly rink-long pass to Viktor Stalberg, who then passed it to Brian Bickell for the game-winning backhand, 5-hole goal. The Blackhawks took game 1 of the series 2-1. The series will continue Friday night at the United Center.
The Blackhawks were victorious in the season series going 2-0-1 with the Wild and winning the only game at the United Center. Brian Bickell and Marian Hossa each scored 2 goals in the season series and the Blackhawks outscored the Wild 8-6.
Another interesting story line with this series is Blackhawks emerging defenseman Nick Leddy being originally from Minnesota and even starting in the Wild organization. The Minnesota Wild made possibly the worst trade in professional sports history by trading Nick Leddy to the Blackhawks for a mannequin going by the name of Cam Barker.
Let’s not forget center Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter of the Wild. Before the lockout, the Wild organization spent a fortune on acquiring the two star players and they are very dangerous when playing at their full potential.
Guest post by Scott King of Hawk Crazy and Class Act Entertainment
For always great photo galleries, check out Hawk Crazy on Facebook and Twitter
–Scott King
Comedian, ChicagoNow.com writer
Comedy Central’s Open Mic Challenge Finalist * WGN TV’s Chicago’s Next Top Comic Finalist * CBS Chicago’s Most Valuable Blogger Finalist