The NHL Playoffs continue tonight with Game 5 between the Minnesota Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks. The game is scheduled for a 9:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network. Currently the odds for the game have the Blackhawks as a huge favorite.
Chicago hasn't advanced past the first round of the playoffs since the 2000 season. Tonight they have a chance to get to the second round and continue their dominance in the 2013 year. Chicago has gotten great goaltending and defense overall in this series, propelling them to an impressive 3-1 lead over the Minnesota Wild.
Remember, Minnesota won the free agency period during the off season, signing both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Many thought they'd be a team that finished in the top half of the Western Conference but they struggled all year.
Blackhawk goalie Corey Crawford has been dominant in this series. He's given up only six goals in the four games so far and he's certainly been more consistent than whatever is going on with the Wild goalies. Niklas Backstrom was injured warming up before Game 1 and Josh Harding took over for him, but got hurt in the last game. Darcy Kuemper played for most of the game inside the pipes for the Wild. It's not clear who is going to start tonight for them.
Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane will be looking to close out the series at home tonight. The Hawks went 18-3-3 in home games this season and tonight's game is the biggest in a few years. Expect them to play with a lot of emotion and get great, even play from their guys.
Minnesota hasn't been able to break through offensively on special teams. They're 0-for-15 on the power play this series. Chicago hasn't been much better at 1 of 11, but that's not nearly as bad as the Wild. Chicago's Dave Bolland has bee ruled out for tonight's game.
But it's hard not to back them playing at home. The Hawks are ready for a run at the Cup and their first step could come tonight with a victory over the Wild.
Free Pick: Chicago
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