The Chicago Blackhawks have an embarrassing history against the Minnesota Wild, but they nearly outdid themselves Sunday at the United Center.
The Blackhawks dropped to 1-4-3 in their last eight games. They lost three of four in the season series against the Wild. Minnesota jumped in front on Spurgeon's wrist shot from the high slot 5:43 into the first period. Gaudreau made it 2-0 when he beat Petr Mrazek on the goaltender's glove side from a tough angle at 7:17.
Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks
It wasn't an overly convincing win, but the Wild got the job done against one of the worst teams in the NHL on Sunday evening. They started hot, then held on and were able to avoid blowing a 3-0 lead in a 4-2 road victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis can't stop scoring this season. He's the first to hit the 40-goal mark this season in the OHL and the three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League.
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks enter the matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning as losers of three games in a row. Tampa Bay has a 26-19-3 record overall and a 15-6-1 record in home games. The Lightning have allowed 135 goals while scoring 170 for a +35 scoring differential.
The Blackhawks, who have won just once in their past seven games, dealt away Taylor Hall.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild were meeting in tumultuous times. Both teams had lost their previous two games, with Minnesota losing 5-4 to the Calgary Flames the night before.
The Chicago Blackhawks were the third team in Friday's Blockbuster Avalanche/Hurricanes trade, but Adam Proteau says Chicago still must be focusing on the future the rest of this year.
The Chicago Blackhawks suffered a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night at the United Center.
Slaggert was recalled from AHL Rockford on Sunday. Slaggert signed a two-year contract extension with Chicago in October, but he hasn't yet suited up for the NHL club this year. He won't play in the team's home game against the Wild on Sunday but will give the Blackhawks additional depth at forward ahead of their three-game road trip.