Blackhawks Fall Short in Minnesota, Wild Escape With 3-2 Win

The Wild squeaked past the Blackhawks 3-2 at Xcel Energy Center, and let's be honest—Chicago had no business being this close. Minnesota controlled the tempo for most of the night but couldn't put the Hawks away, leaving the door cracked just enough for a late push that ultimately fell short.

Chicago's offense sputtered through two periods before finally showing signs of life when it was almost too late. The Wild built their cushion methodically, capitalizing on defensive breakdowns that have become Chicago's calling card this season. Minnesota's goaltender made the saves that mattered when the Blackhawks finally decided to show up in the third.

Credit where it's due: Chicago didn't roll over. They clawed back to make it interesting down the stretch, but two goals against a Wild team that's been inconsistent at home isn't going to cut it. The Blackhawks' rebuild continues to be exactly that—a rebuild—and moral victories don't show up in the standings.

Minnesota won't celebrate this one too hard. They let an inferior opponent hang around far too long and nearly paid for it. Three-two final, Wild take two points they should've earned more convincingly.