The Minnesota Wild proved that home ice can certainly be an advantage, especially in the postseason. The team entered Game 3 in an 0-2 hole after failing to get a win on the road in Chicago. However, the team headed back to Minnesota and went on a scoring binge in the third period to get the win and the momentum heading into Game 4.
Game 3 sat scoreless until the third period when Erik Haula pushed the aggressive offensive attack that led to a tap in goal past Corey Crawford. The flood gates opened and the Wild went on to get a 4-0 shutout win against the Blackhawks to bring the series to 2-1. The Wild found that a more aggressive approach threw the Blackhawks off and they plan to keep the same game plan in Game 4. With Chicago possessing the same high-scoring abilities, the Wild are just happy they could match them for a game to swing things their way.
Mikko Koivu, Mikael Granlund and Haula kept the defense anchored to secure the shutout while the other veteran's pushed the scoring attack. The chemistry of the three cannot be denied. They were all drafted and developed by Minnesota and are trying to thrive into bringing an unlikely championship to the team. The three will be relied heavily on as Matt Moulson is not expected to play in Game 4. However, Matt Cooke will be returning from a seven-game suspension which will give Minnesota another shutdown defender to work with.
The issue for the Chicago Blackhawks could be Patrick Sharp. The forward is in a slump and that needs to change if Chicago is going to get another. After having 78 points in the regular season, he has just three in nine playoff games. He did not record a point in the last two games which contributed to a lack of scoring. Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad were able to breakout of their respective slumps and if the Blackhawks are going to when this round, Sharp needs to be next.
