The number one seeded Chicago Blackhawks were the clear favorite to win last night in their first game of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild and stood an even better chance at getting an easy win when the Wild’s starting goalie Niklas Backstrom left the ice in pre-game warmups due to a leg injury.
Josh Harding started in the goal for the Wild having played in only five games this season with a record of 1-1. Despite the disadvantage they faced from the get-go, Minnesota came out strong and took an early lead in the 1st scoring 4:48 into the game. The Blackhawks had a quiet first period, scoring no goals even with a power play opportunity.
Early in the second Chicago was given another five on four advantage after Zach Parise was penalized for goalie interference and they converted with a goal from Marian Hossa, evening the game at 1-1.
The teams entered the third in a tie and no more goals were scored in regulation, though Chicago was given another power play opportunity on which they did not convert. The game went into overtime and Blackhawks’ Bryan Bickell scored 16:35 into the period on a two-on-one rush, ending the game and giving them their first playoff win of the season.
Despite having to start at the last second, Harding made an impressive 35 saves in his first game since February 7th; Hawk’s goalie Corey Crawford ended the night with 26 saves of his own.
The two teams will meet again at the United Center this Friday at 8:30 pm CT for game two of the first round series.
