Preview: The Wild, which only has four road games left this regular season, is back at the United Center. The Wild, eliminated by the Blackhawks in three consecutive postseasons, are 0-8 in Chicago during the playoffs. However, the Wild is currently on a five-game regular-season winning streak against the Blackhawks, its longest all-time win streak against Chicago and longest point streak since nine games (2006-08). Minnesota is 11-6-1 in its past 18 games against Chicago with 10 of the contests being decided by one goal and four going to a shootout. Overall, the Blackhawks are 2-4-1 in their past six games.
Players to watch: Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane leads the NHL with 92 points in 72 games and is looking to become the first American to ever lead the league in scoring. Kane is one goal from 40 and is tied for third with 15 power-play goals. LW Artemi Panarin leads all NHL rookies with 25 goals and 62 points. Wild D Ryan Suter has 32 points in 60 games vs. Chicago, his highest point total against any team. LW Nino Niederreiter is riding a four-game point streak and RW Charlie Coyle, a four-game assist streak.
Numbers: The Wild has 17 power-play goals in the past 15 road games after six in the first 22 road games. … Chicago averages 2.78 goals per game and allows 2.43, both ranking sixth, and has the third-best power play (22.5%).
Injuries: Wild RW Jason Pominville (lower body), LW Ryan Carter (upper body) and G Darcy Kuemper (upper body) are out. Blackhawks G Corey Crawford (upper body) is questionable; C Marcus Kruger (wrist) is out.
MICHAEL RUSSO
