Matchup
Blackhawks at Wild
Where? When? Television?
Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN; 6:30 p.m.; Versus
Where they stand
Blackhawks: 18-8-4 (40 points) - First in Central Division, Second in Western Conference
Wild: 20-8-3 (43 points) - First in Northwest Division, First in Western Conference
Last game
NHL
The Blackhawks are coming off a 3-2 OT victory against the Sharks on Sunday night. Patrick Sharp scored the game-winning goal at the 4:26 mark of overtime. Andrew Brunette had some late heroics, scoring a goal to tie the game at the 18:54 mark of the third period. Ray Emery picked up the victory in his second straight game since taking over for Corey Crawford.
The Wild fell, 2-1 to the Jets on a late goal in third period by Jeff Little of Winnipeg. Guillaume Latendresse scored the only goal for Minnesota and Mikko Koivu and Dany Heatley added assists.
Who's Hot?
The stars have been shining bright for Chicago this month. Sharp leads the Blackhawks in goals (5) and points (8) in the month of December. Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have each notched seven points in December.
Minnesota has spread around the wealth so far this month. Kyle Brodziak leads the team in goals (4) and is tied in points (6) with Koivu and Pierre-Marc Bouchard.
Storylines
The Blackhawks are looking for their third straight victory and trying to state their case for why they're the top team in the Western Conference.
Can Emery continue his winning streak since taking over for Crawford?
How will the 'Hawks fare against Minnesota's stingy defense, who has only allowed 2.10 goals per game?
Between the pipes
Emery for the Blackhawks
Undecided for the Wild
Prediction
Blackhawks 2, Wild 1
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