Quick hits, and cross-checks, from Game 5

Chicago –

Quick hits following the Wild’s 2-1 loss to Chicago on Sunday night at United Center:

-Jonas Brodin has played very soft during these playoffs. His hooking penalty led to the Blackhawks’ first goal. Even discarding that, he has not been strong enough with the puck or in the corners.

-Who knew that Cody McCormick would be the more valuable player in the playoffs when the Wild traded for Matt Moulson and him? McCormick played an aggressive, active game Sunday.

-Typical game from New Bryz: Ilya Bryzgalov played well throughout…yet almost let a shot in from the red line when he didn’t seem to be paying attention.

-When the game ended, Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya and a couple of his teammates got into it with Nino Niederreiter, Dany Heatley and Kyle Brodziak.

-Wild coach Mike Yeo said he had those three, along with Charlie Coyle, Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scandella, on the ice because his more prominent veterans were tired, and because he wanted Heatley in front of the net. Seems strange not to have Zach Parise out there, even if he's tired.

-Erik Haula’s goal was spectacular. You know who he beat along the way? Patrick ``Showtime’’ Kane. Norris Trophy finalist Duncan Keith. Standout defenseman Brent Seabrook. Cup-winning goalie Corey Crawford. Not bad for a seventh-round draft pick from the U.

-Mikko Koivu has been a defensive force during this series, but he has one point in five games, and he didn’t manage a shot on Sunday.

-The Blackhawks haven’t lost a playoff game after a series has been tied 2-2 with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on the roster. They are 13-0 in Games 5 and 6 in such series. (Credit Chicago Sun-Times)