Wild Game Day number 73 Wild Record (33-28-11 77 pts) Road Record (15-15-7)
Opponent: Chicago Blackhawks (42-24-6 90 pts) Home Record (24-10-2)
Site: United Center, Chicago, Il
Time: 7:30PM CT
TV: NBC Sports Network (NBCSN)
12/16 Wild 3 @ Blackhawks 5 1/8 Blackhawks 4 @ Wild 2 1/11 Wild 1 @ Blackhawks 4 2/3 Blackhawks 0 @ Wild 3 4/7 Wild 2 @ Blackhawks 1
Playoffs 5/1 Wild 3 @ Blackhawks 4 5/3 Wild 1 @ Blackhawks 4 5/5 Blackhawks 1 @ Wild 1 5/7 Blackhawks 4 @ Wild 3
Last Result: 10/30 Blackhawks 4 @ Wild 5 12/1 Wild 2 @ Blackhawks 1 2/21 Blackhawks 1 @ Wild 6 (TCF Bank Stadium)
The Minnesota playoff push ramps up tonight in Chicago as the Wild get a real test from their biggest rival, the Blackhawks. Yes, the Wild have taken five straight regular season games from the Hawks, but there is that four game sweep in last season's playoffs sandwiched in between. The Hawks have dispatched the Wild from the playoffs three straight seasons and they would like nothing more than to help them out this year before the Wild can even get there.
One point out of the final Western Conference playoff spot with ten games to play for the Wild. Six of which are at home, and two including tonight's game versus the Blackhawks. That's what the Wild have between them and a playoff berth or an abrupt end to the 2015-16 season that began with such hope and promise.
Yesterday's 3-2 shootout victory over the Hurricanes was not at all pretty but accomplished the goal and now the focus turns to the Hawks in Chicago. One game at a time is how the Wild must approach each of these last ten games.
The players are ultimately the ones that will take the fall if the Wild miss the playoffs. John Torchetti has an interim tag on his position so he will be long forgotten as that coach that took over after Mike Yeo was fired. He does however have the ability now to bring this team together and get the most out of the talent that is assembled. The veterans have the experience, the youth has the talent and drive, together they can succeed. Torchetti's task is to close the divide in the Wild locker room to bring out their best on the ice.
Nothing more needs to be said about the Blackhawks.
Let's Play Hockey!