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Chicago Blackhawks dominate Minnesota Wild behind a Hat Trick from Toews

By Josh Marshall

Feb 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) scores a goal in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) scores a goal in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Blackhawks got the much-needed two points as they defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-3 in St. Paul.

The Chicago Blackhawks traveled up to Minnesota to play the division leading Wild for the third time this season. Chicago enters the game only seven points behind the Wild for first place.

The first period saw a very fast pace set by Minnesota, the Blackhawks looked as if they couldn’t find their legs. After a few minutes of being dominated by Minnesota’s speed a great fore-check, the Hawks looked to settle down and started to get things going for them. Crawford played lights out in the first period coming up with some huge saves in key moments of the game. The Hawks defense looked strong, led by some nice plays by Trevor vanRiemsdyk.

The scoring opened along with the second period as Jonathan Toews scored the first goal of the game for the Hawks. Mikael Granlund would tie the game out a few minutes later and the back and forth had begun. Panik added a goal on an assist from Toews to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

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The third period was a back and forth hard-fought battle for both teams Nick Schmaltz added a goal 33 seconds into the third. Toews would find the net 2 more times including an empty netter after Minnesota pulled Devan Dubnyk. The captain finished the game with 3 goals and 2 assists. Toews now has 8 total points against the Wild this season.

The Blackhawks would hold on for a 5-3 victory and climb 2 points closer to the Wild in the standings. Look for March 12ths meeting between the two teams in Chicago to be a big game and the two points to be very important for both teams as the season draws to a close.

Highlights

Three Stars of the Game

  1. Jonathan Toews- 3 goals and 2 assists
  2. Nick Schmaltz- 1 goal and 2 assists
  3. Corey Crawford– 29 saves

Next Game

The Chicago Blackhawks will play on Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes at the United Center in Chicago.

Minnesota is off until Monday night when they host the LA Kings.

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