The Chicago Blackhawks (18-8-4, 40 pts) enter Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Wild (20-7-3, 43 pts) looking to snatch their third win in a row and end the Wild's impressive seven-game winning streak.
The Blackhawks, who finished their previous two games with 3-2 overtime victories, own a narrow three-point lead over the Detroit Redwings and St. Louis Blues -- both teams who have played fewer games than the Hawks. The Wild likewise lead their division and presently sport the NHL's best record and most points.
Living on the merit of their stingy defense, the Wild have allowed only 64 goals this season, while also killing 85% of their opponent's power plays -- good for ninth-best in the league. Which should make for an interesting matchup, as the Blackhawks have thus far been ninth-best in the league in converting power plays into goals (19%).
Gametime: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 PM CST, Xcel Energy Center
TV: VERSUS (HD), TSN2