The Chicago Blackhawks are knotted up in a 1-1 tie with the Minnesota Wild at the United Center as they try to win back-to-back games for the first time in 2012. It was a rough beginning to the new year for Chicago as it lost four consecutive games, but they cut that streak with a quality performance against the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this week.
Minnesota took an early lead on Chicago with a goal from Devin Setoguchi, his ninth of the season. That was just a few minutes into the first period, and the Blackhawks responded a bit more than halfway through the period when Andrew Shaw scored the second goal of his short career. Chicago outshot Minnesota during the period, 11 to 8.
Chicago has struggled of late, but it's nothing like what Minnesota has gone through. After beginning the season red-hot with a 20-7-3 record, Minnesota has won just two games dating all the way back to Dec. 10.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Wild news and notes are available at Hockey Wilderness. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.