The Chicago Blackhawks managed a gritty 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night at the United Center, wrapping up their preseason schedule on a high note. It was one of those games that felt more like a regular-season grudge match, with both teams pushing hard despite the exhibition label. Spencer Knight stood tall in net for Chicago, playing the full 60 minutes and turning away 28 shots to secure the win. His performance was crucial, especially after the Blackhawks' uneven start to the preseason.
Minnesota came into the contest riding a mixed bag of results, 2-2-1 overall, looking to build momentum before the real action kicks off. But Chicago, sitting at 2-2-0, fed off the home crowd's energy. The game's turning point came in the second period when a Blackhawks power play goal broke a 1-1 tie, exposing some defensive lapses from the Wild. Indeed, Minnesota's penalty kill, usually a strength, faltered under pressure, allowing Chicago to capitalize.
However, the Wild didn't go down without a fight. They peppered Knight with shots in the third, tying it briefly on a slick deflection by their top line. Yet, Chicago's depth players stepped up late, sealing the deal with an empty-netter. Coach Jeff Blashill praised his team's resilience post-game, noting how these close calls prepare them for the grind ahead. Moreover, the matchup highlighted ongoing rivalries in the Central Division—always intense, even in September.
Lineup tweaks were evident on both sides. For the Blackhawks, younger talents got ice time, hinting at roster decisions looming large. The Wild, meanwhile, rotated their forwards aggressively, testing combinations that could carry into October. Still, injuries nagged at Minnesota, with a couple of key defensemen sitting out.
These preseason tilts often reveal more than scores suggest, underscoring the fine line between contenders and pretenders in a tough conference.