The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for another showdown with the Minnesota Wild, marking their second clash this week and third this month. So far, the Wild have edged out the Blackhawks in each encounter, all ending in thrilling 4-3 overtime victories.
On Tuesday, Mats Zuccarello sealed the win for Minnesota with an overtime goal, despite a spirited comeback from the Blackhawks who tied it late in the third period. Now, Chicago has one last shot to topple their Stanley Cup-contending rivals in this series.
The Wild, while victorious, aren't entirely satisfied with their recent performances. They're comfortably positioned between the Dallas Stars above them and the Utah Mammoth in the Wild Card spot below.
However, complacency isn't an option with playoffs on the horizon. This game against a feisty young Blackhawks squad presents a perfect opportunity to fine-tune their game.
Here's a look at Minnesota's lineup: Kaprizov, Yurov, and Boldy form a dynamic top line, while Zuccarello, Hartman, and Tarasenko add depth. Johansson, McCarron, and Foligno, along with Trenin, Sturm, and Brink, round out their forward lines.
On defense, Quinn Hughes pairs with Jared Spurgeon, and Brock Faber lines up with Jonas Brodin, providing a balanced mix of leadership and youthful energy. Jesper Wallstedt will be in goal, taking over from Filip Gustavsson.
For Chicago, the youthful trend continues as Matt Grzelcyk remains scratched in favor of Ethan Del Mastro, keeping their defense corps under 24 years old. Sacha Boisvert's debut is delayed due to visa issues.
Up front, the Blackhawks will feature Greene, Bedard, and Burakovsky as their top line, with Bertuzzi, Nazar, and Teravainen adding firepower. Mangiapane, Donato, and Mikheyev, along with Lardis, Lafferty, and Slaggert, complete their forward lines.
On defense, Vlasic pairs with Levshunov, Kaiser with Rinzel, and Del Mastro with Crevier. Arvid Soderblom is expected to start in goal, with Spencer Knight likely taking the net in their upcoming back-to-back against the Colorado Avalanche.
Fans can catch the action locally on AM 720 WGN or stream it on ESPN+ and Hulu. The puck drops shortly after 6:30 PM CT.
Stay tuned to The Hockey News for all the latest updates on the Blackhawks, including game-day coverage and player features.