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Along The Boards: The Blackhawks Fail to Show up In Minnesota

  
RECAP: Blackhawks down Wild 4-3 in OT—win streak at four
Photo courtesy of NHL.com

The Chicago Blackhawks came into Minnesota riding high after a strong showing in Phoenix and they looked to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild were returning action after getting embarrassed by the Boston Bruins.

In the first period, it was the Blackhawks who were dominated by the Minnesota Wild. The Wild came out on a mission and the Blackhawks did not meet their compete level in the first period. At one point during the first period, Chicago was being outshot 10-1. When the team did get on the offensive, Jonathan Toews delivered a knee to Alex Stalock.

Much to the dismay of many observers, Stalock remained in the game. On the other side of the ice, Corey Crawford was showcasing his talents for all the NHL to see. Crawford was the only bright spot for the Hawks in the first period. The Blackhawks escaped with the score knotted at zero.

The second period was more of the same for the Blackhawks. Minnesota outworked and outplayed the Hawks in the second period. The Wild’s hard work finally paid off as Kevin Fiala hit the net. Adam Boqvist committed a turnover in his own zone leading to the first goal of the game.

Fiala decided to double his pleasure and double his fun as he blasted his second goal of the game.

The third period was a desperate time and that called for the nuclear options. Colliton went to the line blender multiple times trying to jump-start the offense. The moves by Jeremy Colliton paid off as the Blackhawks finally got onto the score sheet. Adam Boqvist wired a shot from the blue line to cut the lead in half.

The effort level for the Blackhawks changed in the third period. After being dormant for two periods, the team rose their level of play and brought energy into a hostile environment.  The equalizer came from an unlikely scorer.

After three periods, the Blackhawks and Wild went into overtime. The overtime period was filled with offensive chances for both teams. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks were once again burned by a costly defensive turnover. Erik Gustafsson committed a criminal turnover that resulted in the Matt Dumba game-winner. It was too little too late for the Blackhawks as they fell to the Wild.

The Blackhawks will return to the United Center tomorrow night to take on the Boston Bruins. The game begins at 7 p.m. CST and will be on NBCSN.

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