A Wild Game--An Ejection, Penalties Galore, and A Big 'L'

ST. PAUL, MN -- Well, that was a game.

Let's run down the list of everything that happened, shall we?

First, we've got the Hawks doing specifically what they shouldn't have: they let the Wild score within the opening minutes of the period. But, that's not even the start.

For someone as (relatively speaking) small as Duncan Keith, he sure can play dirty. A nice stick to the face earned him a five minute penalty along with a match penalty. And, now, he's suspended indefinitely (at least 2-3 games, in my opinion), which really sucks. Without Seabrook playing tonight and possibly not Friday (though, I think he'll be back by then), it'll be interesting to see what happens going forward for this home stretch.

But, on that five minute penalty kill, the boys managed to do a good and Hossa scored a beautiful shorty. #499, to be exact. There's a reason we call him the Demigod. The guy's definitely not human.

And, what was that? Too many men on the ice? Oh, come on, we've done--it wasn't the Blackhawks? STOP THE PRESSES. Seriously, though, they didn't score on that power play. They're still 0-25 on power plays for the past few weeks. Moral victories, guys. It's the little things.

There were a slew of penalties in the second period for both sides, including Shaw's fight with Dumba. That was a little nod to the March 20th game where Dumba took Kane down at center ice--and though Panarin stepped in to show the guy who's boss, Shaw felt it was his duty to make himself known, too. Typical Shaw, gotta love it. And, you've gotta love the boys all standing up for each other.

(Also, their fist bump while Shaw was sitting in the box? Priceless.)

Honestly, the remainder of the game (so, basically the 3rd period) was rather boring. Three Minnesota goals will do that. And, the Hawks were swept in a season series. It's sort of unbelievable, to be honest.

But, no fear. The Blackhawks have a week and a half to kick their asses into gear before playoffs. They play their best hockey in the playoffs, and as long as they can avoid the Wild for a bit, they'll be alright.

The Blackhawks play again Friday, April 1st @ 8pm in Winnipeg--hopefully sweeping the Jets in that season series.