Minnesota Wild Vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Recap

Minnesota Wild 3 - 4 Chicago Blackhawks (SO)

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The first period was all Hawks. The Wild looked tired before the game even started. They got their first shot on goal 16 minutes into the game, after the Hawks already had 11. The Wild simply couldn't keep the puck for more than a few seconds before dumping it in or losing it outright and it was always back into their own end. The defense was solid, sure, but if not for some solid goaltending and a post, the Wild would've been trailing after 20.

Looking at a gif later in the game, it looks like Keith's skate touched Cullen's skate, leading him to lose his footing. It was accidental if you ask me, but that's likely why Cullen was so irate.

So the Wild worked their way back into this game, as they always do, but were sparked by a missed icing call. Of course, the Wild weren't just given a goal, they worked for it, but the play was supposed to be called dead. I'm reluctant to call Keith's touching of Cullen's skate a trip. I thought it was a good non-call and Cullen should've known better than to let his temper get the best of him. Fire is good in a player, but you have to be careful not to get burnt.

The worst news out of this game is the loss of Guillaume Latendresse yet again. I half expected this, since his return was quite hasty. We can only hope he won't be bothered by this too long.

Games like this one makes me want to go through with the realignment tomorrow. This was a hell of a game.