Tough game to lose.  The Hawks certainly didn't lack for offense in this one, as they were all over Niklas Backstrom, putting 32 shots on goal, driving the net to create traffic and getting robbed on several prime chances.  All this despite Marian Hossa being a scratch with the flu, and the Hawks still end up on the short end.  But, you have to give Minnesota credit.  They've played this way all season, constantly being outshot by their opposition, but they've still managed to put together a hot streak and claw their way back into playoff contention. 


THE GOOD

Toews/Kane/Brouwer - The Hawks top line looked like, well, the Hawks top line.  They dominated for long stretches, and only some hilariously bad luck for Troy Brouwer kept them from getting 3 goals.

Brian Campbell - on a night when Keith and Seabrook were terrible (-2 and -3 respectively), Campbell may have been the best Hawk on the ice.  He was good in his own zone and on the offensive side, generating chances, and getting an assist on Troy Brouwer's goal.  Soupy also led all Hawks in ice time and was the only one on the team to finish at a plus.

THE BAD

Corey Crawford - Not a horrible night, but Crawford looked tired and gave up two soft goals tonight, which was two more than the Blackhawks could afford.  I guess the good news is, those didn't seem to get in his head, as Crawford was still solid after that.

Seabrook and Keith - I in addition to their gaudy +/- numbers above, Seabrook's turnover led to the Wild's first goal, and this pair just didn't seem to be in synch tonight.

Nick Boynton - Little Nicky was dressed again tonight.  Look, I don't want to see a third pair d-man show up in this feature, but Boynton manages to make the most of his limited playing time.  All I want him to do is play smart hockey for 10 minutes a game and all he wants to do is join the rush and take stupid penalties.

THE UGLY

Near misses - This was one of those nights where Chicago generated a ton of chances but couldn't cash in.  Troy Brouwer had one goal, but missed on two other glorious chances.  Duncan Keith rang one off the inside of the post in the 3rd period, and Chicago lost another goal to a quick whistle.  The Hawks were swarming the goal and several times had Niklas Backstrom down and out, but just couldn't put the puck home.

Did you know?  Troy Murray was the last Blackhawk to score on a penalty shot at home, until Marian Hossa did it on Sunday.  Of course you knew that, because it was mentioned 358 times on tonight's broadcast.  Incidentally, since Murray's goal came in 1987, that means Hossa was the first Hawk to score on a regulation penalty shot in the history of the United Center.


The All-Star Break.  THIS TIME IT COUNTS!