Blackhawks vs. Wild Final Score: Chicago Rolls Past Minnesota 5-2

The Minnesota Wild came out guns blazing in the first game of their Quarterfinal series against the Chicago Blackhawks, with netminder Josh Harding getting major props for taking Chicago to the wire with great last minute goaltending. But the question we all had was whether or not he’d be able to replicate that success in Game 2 and help the Wild get back into this series.

While Harding gave up two goals in the first game, he was lit up for four goals in the second but still the Wild managed to make a game of things. But Minnesota quickly got themselves into a 2-0 hole right off the bat as Harding allowed first and second period goals to Michael Frolik. Patrick Sharp scored two more and Brian Bickell added an empty netter in the third.

Chicago was woken up with their sketchy first game play, as an overtime win was a slap in the face to a team that is supposed to be the best in hockey. They weren’t stifled by Harding the way they were in Game 1 and Chicago was able to win face offs and get control of the game and control the zones all game long.

But despite playing sloppy, there were bright spots for the Wild as the second line came alive with Devin Setoguchi and Marco Scandell both scoring goals in the second and third period respectively. Still, despite the secondary help for Minnesota, the Blackhawks exerted their dominance in Game 2 and will travel to St. Paul with a commanding and convincing 2-0 series lead over Minnesota.

The Wild aren’t out of this, as they are a different team at home in the Xcel Energy Center and could steal a game from Chicago. But the damage appears to be done and a 2-0 hole is a tall task when you’re playing the best team in hockey.