NHL teams
Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 4, Wild 1

CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference second-round series Sunday at the United Center:

How it happened: The Blackhawks put together one of their strongest all-around games of the playoffs. After a scoreless first period, the Blackhawks scored twice in the second period. Marian Hossa created a turnover in the neutral zone and set up Jonathan Toews for a shorthanded goal at 12 minutes, 28 seconds to put the Blackhawks ahead 1-0. The Blackhawks added a second goal when Duncan Keith connected with Patrick Kane on a stretch pass, and Kane scored for the first circle with 19.9 seconds remaining in the period. The Wild cut the Blackhawks’ lead to one with a power-goal goal by Matt Dumba at 1:20 of the third period. The Blackhawks went back ahead by two goals after Patrick Sharp scored at 7:39. Kane added an empty-net goal. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 30 saves. Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk had 26 saves.

What it means: The Blackhawks took a 2-0 lead in the series. The Blackhawks have built a 2-0 series advantage on the Wild in each of the past three seasons. The Blackhawks won the previous two series. The Blackhawks improved to 8-0 against the Wild at home in the playoffs. Sunday’s loss marked the first time the Wild lost consecutive games in regulation since Dubnyk joined the team in January. The Blackhawks continued to get production from their top players. Kane, Toews and Sharp have combined for 12 goals in the playoffs, and Hossa and Keith have combined for 14 assists. Kane recorded his 100th and 101st career playoff point in his 101st playoff game.

Player of the game: Crawford had his best game, from start to finish, in this season’s playoffs.

Stat of the game: Hossa recorded a primary assist in the win. Five of his seven assists in the playoffs have been primary ones.

What’s next: The series moves to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 will be on Tuesday.

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