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Frank Doyle
Chicago Blackhawks – Minnesota Wild Preview, Pick, Scores, Results
The Minnesota Wild look to avenge last season’s playoff loss to the Chicago Blackhawks starting with Game 1 tonight.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild
Opening odds: Chicago Blackhawks -335, Minnesota Wild +264
Odds move: Blackhawks -345, Wild +275 (May 2)
Chicago Blackhawks:
The Blackhawks looked to be in trouble after losing their first two games against the Blues, but rebounded to win the next four games. Chicago is rolling and looks every bit the part of the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are back to top form after recovering from their late-season injuries and the rest of the team looks as solid as ever. Duncan Keith played almost 30 minutes per game in the opening round and should be the Norris Trophy winner this season. Chicago will look to play its speedy, puck possession game against the patient Wild. As long as the Blackhawks do stay patient and pick their spots, they’ll have their chances.
SERIES PREVIEW & PICKS:
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Minnesota Wild:
Minnesota brought Zach Parise in to be a game-breaker and he’s done his part so far with 10 points in the seven-game upset of the Avalanche. He’ll need to be just as good to give Minnesota a shot at avenging last year’s five-game loss to Chicago. This time around, the Wild are a deeper team, but there are still big concerns – especially in goal. Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding are still on the shelf forcing Ilya Bryzgalov and Darcy Kuemper into the spotlight. Kuemper played well after coming in for Bryzgalov in Game 2 of the first round, but then suffered a shoulder injury in Game 7. His status for Friday’s game is up in the air, so Bryzgalov might get the call. Either way, the Wild will need to protect their net much better than they did against Colorado. Ryan Suter can’t play all 60 minutes.
Key factor:
Minnesota’s power play. The Wild scored just three power play goals in 21 opportunities against Colorado (14.3 percent). They will need to be much better with the man advantage to keep up with Chicago’s attack – especially if Minnesota continues to have issues in goal.
Prediction:
This series might end up a lot closer than most expect. I expect the Wild to steal a game in Chicago with the Blackhawks coming off the long layoff and that could set the tone for a long series. Minnesota is still steaming about last year’s loss to Chicago and comes into this one riding the wave of momentum. The Blackhawks play a similar style as Colorado so the Wild know what they’re up against. Chicago will probably get it done eventually, but Minnesota isn’t going to back down.
Pick: Blackhawks in seven games
Results:
Game 1:
