Two NHL teams positioned at opposite ends of the standings face off on Friday afternoon as the Minnesota Wild take on the Chicago Blackhawks in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Both teams secured victories on Wednesday, though in very different styles. The Wild achieved their league-leading 10th road win by defeating Buffalo 1-0, while the struggling Blackhawks, who had lost four out of five games, delivered a much-needed 6-2 home win against Dallas, marked by several key players breaking long scoring droughts.
In this Central Division clash, second-placed Minnesota, holding the league’s third-best record, faces off against the Blackhawks, tied for the fewest points in the league alongside division opponent Nashville. Minnesota demonstrated outstanding defense in their last game, with Filip Gustavsson recording 39 saves for his second shutout of the season, and his teammates blocking 32 shots—just one shy of the franchise record set 13 years ago.
Wild coach John Hynes expressed his appreciation for his team’s maturity after the game. “I was pleased that we maintained our offensive push even in a tight game, especially in the third period,” Hynes noted, highlighting that most of the team’s shots came after the first period. “We didn’t just focus entirely on defense; we managed to push effectively when needed.”
Kirill Kaprizov continued to solidify his Hart Trophy candidacy, netting the only goal of the game in the first period, bringing his point total to 35 and tying him for second in the NHL.
Chicago’s win heavily relied on a standout performance from Taylor Hall, who reversed previous struggles by scoring a hat trick against Dallas, marking his first three-goal game in nearly 11 years. The 33-year-old had entered the game with just two goals in his last 20 appearances, making his performance even more remarkable. Hall’s surge came less than two weeks after being a healthy scratch against Nashville, a decision that surprised him but was later understood after discussion with coach Luke Richardson.
Richardson praised Hall’s all-around effort post-game, emphasizing a crucial defensive play he made even with a commanding lead. “That’s just as important as scoring, showcasing his professionalism,” Richardson stated. “He contributed to the game beyond just his goals, working hard for Petr Mrazek and aiding our defense. It sets a strong example.”
The combination of seasoned players like Hall and Teuvo Teravainen alongside young talents, including last year’s Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard, has yet to yield significant results for the rebuilding Blackhawks. Despite Wednesday’s offensive breakthrough, they remain tied for 27th in the league, averaging only 2.5 goals per game.
Bedard also scored his fourth goal of the season during the win, marking his first since October 26.
This matchup is the second of four encounters between the teams this season; Chicago previously defeated the Wild 2-1 in overtime at home on November 10.
