Braving the Wild--Preview of CHIvsMIN

ST. PAUL, MN -- This season has been crazy regarding teams the Blackhawks have won and lost to. They've decimated teams, then lost to them the next week (Dallas), they've been shutout by teams that we usually don't get shutout by (Carolina, San Jose), and they've had some incredible back-to-back wins (Detroit, Pittsburgh).

One team they just can't seem to beat is the Wild. Which is strange.

It's not like the Wild is a terrible team by any means, but they're also not the best. And, the Blackhawks have decimated them in years past.

So, it's a little weird seeing them 0-4 in that series thus far. But, as the Hawks gain a little momentum in Calgary and Vancouver, could they at least get one win in the last game of that series?

I think so.

So long as they don't get too penalized (please count right, for the love of God) and they score first, I think the Blackhawks will be alright. But, they can't rely on just one or two players to do the scoring. Ladd and Shaw have been the only consistent scorers these past few rough weeks, and some other players need to step it up a little.

I'm hoping for a Panarin goal. He hasn't scored in a long while, which makes me sad. He's been so hesitant to shoot lately, which is odd to me. I don't think he's lost momentum or anything, but I think he's tired and I think he's in a funk. Hopefully one that will end before the playoffs. Sooner is better than later with that.

I feel like Keith and Seabrook haven't scored much lately, either. Granted, they are defensemen, but I love seeing them score. They have power that's just unbeatable. Their shots always make everyone duck, too, which is entertaining in of itself.

Toews and Kane could score a bit more, too. Kane's really close to that 100 point mark, and I'd love to see him make that. Toews is busy leading his team and getting into it with guys (Captain Sin Bin is a thing, you guys), but I like seeing him score, too. He's not afraid to get right up to the net.

And, of course, it'd be awesome to see some other guys score, like Teravainen, Fleischmann, Kruger, Desjardins--the list goes on. It'd be nice for everyone to score, but that's aiming too high.

Bottom line: Score first, then keep going.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that Crawford is still out (seemingly with a head injury?), along with Artem Anisimov (lower-body).