Another series that everyone is picking as too close to call.
I'm not sure I can take the Wild being eliminated by the same team three playoff seasons in a row (even the Twins never lost to the Yankees three years in a row). So I think I'll cheer for the Wild in this round as well.
Historical pessimism:
- The Wild have lost all six playoff games they've ever played in Chicago.
- The Wild have never won a game 1 in the second round (0 for 2).
The big question is whether Crawford in goal for the Blackhawks can give them a chance. If he keeps games close, most people seem to think the "veterans who just know how to win" on the Hawks will prevail over the Wild.
The Wild didn't have to win any games that were too close in round 1 (no overtime, only one lead change all series). It will be interesting to see if they can continue to lock down and extend leads in the same way. (also: scoring first is always good - something they struggled with against Chicago the last two years)
Suboptimal start
The game is on NHL network, for people who are frantically searching for it.
Welp, at least the twins are ahead tonight.
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp. =/
The Wild are looking sluggish tonight. The Blackhawks are skating all around them.
So, it's game 4, then?
This is kind of dumb.
I was just set to go out to a bar to watch this game, and then I read your comment. I'll just finish capital America.
Sooooo, cribbage?
I was just about to email you.
Oooh, the Wild got one back.
PARISE!!!!!!
This is kind of better.
I just checked in. Looks it's better yet.
what a goal!!!!!
all tied up!
I went to go spend time with my wife down 3-0. Looks like I missed some fun.
dido. sorry, honey.
Same.
Gah
Power play. This could be big.
Terrible power play. Sloppy.
trying to go 1-on-4 is better than 1-on-5, but not by much.
I mean, it could be super underwhelming, too.
This. This could be the power play that's big.
Can't be much worse than the previous.
pretty solid PP, lots of chances
And most of it was spent in the offensive zone.
Better, I suppose.
So close.
That Zucker whiff on the bunny rebound....
Heart attack hockey
It's crazy, but I love it.
Last two years this is when the Hawks killed the Wild. Minnesota would push and push and push for a goal and leave just a little opening for Chicago, who would bury it.
Not like the old days. These teams don't seem to hate each other. Back in my day....
Holy crap, he very nearly made something out of absolutely nothing
NOOO...
It's frustrating to see them getting into great opportunities and just not able to do much about it.
Frickin Pominville.
Oh man. That was it.
It was.
Is it just me, or does it seem to be about 1,000,000 times more difficult to get past Chicago's blue line than St. Louis's?
There was so much less space this game. Chicago played well, but the second period has to have them a little worried.
And Vanek gets smashed in the face to negate the man advantage...
Man...
That's all I got right now.
Suter made a ridiculous glove save there, not that it mattered.
I was just gonna say "At least that was nifty"
I forget until every spring how much I despise Chelsea Dagger.