Chicago Blackhawks rally, fall short in shootout
When the postseason rolls around, the Chicago Blackhawks seem to have no problem dealing with the Minnesota Wild.
As for the regular season?
Well, that's a different story altogether.
“The Blackhawks are our bar,” said Minnesota coach John Torchetti, a Blackhawks assistant coach from 2007-10. “We can't be too happy being knocked out by a team in the playoffs several times.”
Three straight times, to be exact.
Minnesota has managed to take its frustration out on the Hawks all season. The Wild prevailed 3-2 in a shootout Sunday night at the United Center.
It was the Wild's fourth win over the Hawks in 2015-16 and sixth straight in the regular season overall.
“Our history the last couple years against them, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth,” said Charlie Coyle, who scored the only goal in the shootout. “This year it's not hard to get up for these games against them.”
The Wild jumped out to a 2-0 lead on second-period goals less than six minutes apart by Erik Haula and Nino Niederreiter.
The Hawks fought back, though, as Andrew Shaw broke an 11-game goal-scoring drought 94 seconds after Niederreiter's goal, and Richard Panik evened the score at 13:21 of the second period with a gorgeous wraparound tally.
Duncan Keith had a chance to win it in the last minute of overtime, but Devan Dubnyk got just enough glove on the slap shot to keep the game tied.
“Hard-fought game,” Keith said. “It's tough not to get that extra point. … Still think it's a step in the right direction from the way we played (during a four-game losing streak).”
One scary moment for Hawks fans came early in the third period when Patrick Kane was hit by Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, and Kane was taken off the ice. Right after the hit, Panarin jumped Dumba, which drew a roughing penalty.
Kane did return after being checked out in the locker room.
“I loved the response (by Panarin),” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Just like the crowd did.”
Zach Parise nearly scored on the ensuing power play, but Scott Darling kicked his right leg out and kept the puck out with 14:32 to go. Darling, making his third straight start, finished with 32 saves, including 2 in the first period on Jason Zucker that easily could have given Minnesota an early lead.
The Blackhawks wasted a golden opportunity when Michal Rozsival drew a double-minor penalty after taking a high stick from Zach Parise at 2:15 of the first period. Quenneville's squad had several chances but came up empty — the 17th straight time they've failed to score with a man advantage.
The line of Shaw, Panik and Andrew Desjardins had a monster game, combining for 10 shots on goal and 6 hits. Shaw was particularly impressive, especially on his second-period goal where he showed great patience by sliding past Ryan Suter, then firing a shot that slid under Dubnyk's pads.
“He brought us energy. Got the first goal,” Quenneville said. “Made several plays where the puck was protected with motion and movement. … I thought that line was very good tonight for us.”
The Hawks, who host Dallas on Tuesday, remain in third place in the Central Division, 2 points behind the St. Louis Blues and 4 behind the Stars. Minnesota is 1 point behind Colorado for the final playoff spot in the West.