Sunday’s Wild-Blackhawks game was a hit. Literally. Minnesota outhit Chicago 34-13 as it tried to get physical and somehow win a game in this Western Conference playoff series. It worked, as rookie Jason Zucker buried the game-winner in overtime.
The morning after, here’s what they’re saying about that Game 3 thriller:
Jim Souhan, Star Tribune:“Zucker entered the postseason on a 10-game scoreless streak in the NHL, but he’s become one of the Wild players most likely to threaten the Blackhawks defense.”
Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune: “The abrupt ending in front of a white-towel-waving crowd of 19,238 … gave the Wild life as they cut the Hawks’ edge in the best-of-seven series to 2-1. It also proved the Wild aren’t just happy to be appearing in the playoffs for the first time in five years but are going to give the Hawks a battle.”
Michael Russo, Star Tribune: “The Wild’s first two games against the Chicago Blackhawks — both losses — didn’t resemble your typical hostile playoff series. So before Sunday’s Game 3 matinee, Mike Yeo demanded more hatred and physicality.”
Tom Powers, Pioneer Press: “The game marked a sort of harmonic convergence of desperation, home ice and physical play. It was a solid effort against a superior team, the kind of game that every underdog dreams of playing. I don’t know whether it’s repeatable”
Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune: “That needs to become the Wild’s mantra the rest of the series. Push, be physical, finish checks, go hit somebody. Frankly, it’s the team’s only chance.”
Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press: “Big postseason games are nothing new for (Pierre-Marc) Bouchard. During Minnesota’s last trip to the playoffs in 2008, he scored the winning goal in overtime. He now has four goals and five assists in 19 playoff games.”
