Game 2 preview
7:30 P.M. AT CHICAGO UNITED CENTER NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: The Wild trails 1-0 in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals, the first time this postseason it has trailed in a series. It looks to avoid its fourth 2-0 series deficit in the past five series. The Blackhawks are 9-3 against the Wild in the past three postseasons and 7-0 against Minnesota at home. The Blackhawks are 4-0 at home in these playoffs. The Wild hasn't lost two in a row in regulation since goalie Devan Dubnyk was acquired Jan. 14.
Players to watch: LW Zach Parise scored a goal and assist in Game 1 to pass Marian Gaborik as the Wild's all-time leading playoff scorer with 24 points in 25 games. He and Blackhawks D Duncan Keith are tied for second in the NHL with nine points. Keith is second in the NHL with seven assists. RW Patrick Kane has 40 goals and 99 points in 100 career playoff games. He has 10 points in 12 career playoff games against the Wild. RW Marian Hossa is tied for third in the NHL with six assists. He has 16 points in 12 career playoff games against the Wild.
Numbers: Blackhawks G Corey Crawford is 9-3 in 12 career postseason games against the Wild with a 1.77 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. … After going 25-0-0 when leading after two periods during the regular season, the Blackhawks are 2-0 in the playoffs. … The Wild is 2-7 all-time in Game 2.
Injuries: Wild RW Justin Fontaine (lower body) and D Keith Ballard (concussion) are out. Blackhawks RW Kris Versteeg (lower body) is day-to-day.
MICHAEL RUSSO
