Not many teams have long-term regular season success against the Chicago Blackhawks, but the Minnesota Wild seem to have their number. Sunday’s 3-2 shootout win over the ‘Hawks was Minnesota’s sixth straight win over the defending Stanley Cup champions.
The Wild came into this weekend’s action needing points and although they were pushed to the limit, they came up with four points in two games.
Minnesota jumped out to a 2-0 lead with second period goals by Erik Haula and Nino Niederreiter. The Blackhawks answered with back-to-back goals from Andrew Shaw and Richard Panik before the end of the frame.
Neither team was able to find offense in the third period or overtime. Charlie Coyle scored the winner in the shootout. Coyle also converted on his shootout attempt in Saturday’s win over Carolina.
Devan Dubnyk was a big reason why the Wild were able to come away with four points this weekend. He was particularly impressive on Sunday and his teammates and head coach were appreciative of his performance.
Haula: "Duby was huge. Back-to-back shootout wins, and going through OT, your goalie has to be great." #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 21, 2016
Coyle: "Duby came up huge. Last couple of games he's been making those crucial saves and that's a good sign." #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 21, 2016
Torchetti: "Duby was fantastic." #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 21, 2016
There may not have been any offense in the third, but Matt Dumba delivered this huge hit on Patrick Kane.
The victory temporarily put Minnesota back in a Wild Card spot. The Avalanche jumped ahead of the Wild with their 3-2 win over the Oilers.
The Blackhawks have been slumping of late. They’ve won just one of their last six contests.
The @mnwild have won six consecutive regular-season games vs. CHI dating to Feb. 3, 2015 (CHI: 0-5-1). #MINvsCHI pic.twitter.com/0b5HZzFqOB
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 21, 2016