The Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild will take to the ice tonight in Game 3 of their NHL Playoffs series. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Network. Currently the betting odds for the game have the Wild favored to get back in the series with a win.

Chicago narrowly escaped a Game 1 battle with Minnesota, winning 4-3 despite giving up three second period goals. That was a close call, but the Blackhawks were able to regroup and get it figured out for the second game in the series, where they drilled Minnesota 4-1. Tonight the Wild need to find a way to pick up the win to get back in the series. Falling down three games to none against the Blackhawks will end Minnesota's season, so for all intents and purposes this is a must-win for the Wild, even if they aren't mentioning it.

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford got his job back after stinking it up in the opening series, winning each of the last three games for Chicago. When Crawford is playing well the Blackhawks are incredibly tough to beat, which only makes it worse tonight for Minnesota. 

But there is a fun fact here — Chicago has led each of the last two post seasons over Minnesota in 2-0 fashion, the Wild then won Game 3 in both situations. Obviously that's not a guarantee the Wild pick up the win tonight, but it sure is nice to see they've been able to do it before.

Tonight will be low scoring, Minnesota will get a great game from Zach Parise. He's going to be the difference that keeps the Wild alive.

Free Pick: Minnesota

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