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Browsing: wild
The Vancouver Canuck snapped their four-game losing streak on Saturday with a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Tom Willander scored his first career goal while defenceman Elias Pettersson also found the back of the net. As for the other two goals, they were scored by Aatu Räty while Nikita Tolopilo was solid, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced.
Starting with Tolopilo, he was one of the main reasons why the Canucks were able to skate away with a victory. He stopped nine of the 10 shots he faced in the first, including a massive stop on a breakaway against Kirill Kaprizov. Tolopilo also stepped up in the third, turning aside 13 of the 14 shots the Wild directed his way.
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The other star for Vancouver on Saturday was Räty. Not only did he record three points, but he also went 14 for 16 in the faceoff. Post-game, Räty spoke to the media about the win.
“It means a lot,” said Räty. “We talk about it. I think we played better than the scoreboard has shown in the last few games. It’s a game of wins, and we got one today. So that’s great.”
As for a special moment, that came in the second period when Willander beat Jesper Wallstedt for his first career goal. The 21-year-old also added an assist during his 13:18 of ice time. Post-game, Quinn Hughes spoke about Willander and even reminisced about his own first goal in the NHL.
“he’s a really good player,” said Hughes. “Steady. You know, the more and more he plays, he gets 80, 100, 140 games in the league. He’s going to continue to develop and get better and better, more confident. Just seeing more reps in different situations. Obviously, I remember scoring my first goal and how excited I was, so I’m sure he’s feeling that right now, and probably nice to get off his back too.”
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The biggest storyline from this game, however, happened pre-game as center Elias Pettersson departed warm-ups early and did not play. As per Head Coach Adam Foote, Pettersson is dealing with an upper-body injury and will be getting an MRI on Sunday. More information should be available on Pettersson when the team hits the ice for Morning Skate on Monday.
The best word to describe the Canucks performance on Saturday was gutsy. They didn’t back down from the Wild and were able to get some standout performances from their younger players. Ultimately, Lady Luck was in Vancouver’s corner as they sent the fans at Rogers Arena home happy for the first time since November 8.
Dec 6, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks center Aatu Raty (54) puts the puck in the empty net while pursued byMinnesota Wild defenceman Zach Bogosian (24) at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Morris-Imagn Images
Stats and Facts:
– Aatu Räty records his first career goal
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– Tom Willander records his second career multi-point game
– Aatu Räty finishes the game 14 for 16 in the faceoff dot
– David Kämpf goes 15 for 20 in the faceoff dot
Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
3:11- MIN: Matt Boldy (16) from Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin
2nd Period:
9:29- VAN: Tom Willander (1st Career Goal) from Linus Karlsson and Jake DeBrusk
11:46- VAN: Elias Pettersson (1) from Tom Willander and Aatu Räty
15:12- VAN: Aatu Räty (2) from Evander Kane
3rd Period:
5:09- VAN: Aatu Räty (3)
17:22- MIN: Mats Zuccarello (2) from Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy (PPG)
Up Next:
The Canucks continue their four-game home stand on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. Last season, Detroit and Vancouver split the season series with each team picking up a win at home. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
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Latest From THNâ€s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Must See: Canucks’ Tom Willander Scores First Career NHL Goal Versus The Minnesota Wild
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Aatu Raty scored twice for Vancouver (11-15-3), which halted a four-game skid. Raty, Tom Willander and defenceman Elias Pettersson scored in the second period, and Ratu scored again in the third.
Vancouver’s goalie Nikita Tolopilo made 27 saves to improve to 2-1-0.
Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello scored for the Wild (15-9-5). Jesper Wallstedt stopped 16 shots in his first regulation loss this season (8-1-2).
Boldy scored on the first shot of the game at 3:11, but Vancouver took control with a trio of goals in a span of 5:43 in the second period.
Willanderâ€s goal at 9:29 was his first in the NHL, while Petterssonâ€s at 11:46 was his first of the year and the second of his career.
Zuccarello beat Tolopilo on third-period power play.
Minnesota scored once on three power-play chances, while Vancouver was scoreless on three tries.
The Canucks haven’t scored a power play in five games, while the Wild haven’t given up a power-play goal in nine games.
Canucks: Before what would have been his 500th career game, Vancouver forward Elias Pettersson left the pre-game warmup and was scratched from the lineup with an upper-body injury
Wild: After going 8-0-1 in nine games between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, the Wild lost their second in a row.
Seven minutes into the second period, the Canucks had an apparent first goal of the game called back after officials determined that Raty had kicked the puck into the Minnesota net.
Raty recorded the first three-point game of his NHL career with an assist on Petterssonâ€s goal.
Canucks: Host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday.
Wild: Visit the Seattle Kraken on Monday.
In a matchup that saw the Vancouver Canucks suffer a last-minute injury issue with the departure of center Elias Pettersson, it was Tom Willander who brought some positivity to the game against the Minnesota Wild by scoring his first career NHL goal. The defenceman now has a goal and seven assists in 19 games played at the NHL level.
Willander, the 11th overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, signed his entry-level contract with the Canucks back in May. He began the season in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks and made his NHL debut on October 28 against the New York Rangers.
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Despite only being 20, the defenceman has played excellently throughout his first few NHL games, resulting in him skating in games during which defenceman Elias Pettersson and Pierre-Olivier Joseph were healthy-scratched in his stead.
Willander’s goal tonight breaks a streak for Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who had previously posted shoutouts against all Canadian teams he had faced so far this season. He is not the only Canucks defenceman to score tonight, however, as Pettersson also found the back of the net. Willander also tallied an assist on Pettersson’s goal.
The Canucks currently have a 3-1 lead against the Wild after two periods.
Nov 11, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tom Willander (5) handles the puck against the Winnipeg Jets in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The Hockey News
Hunter Haight has been with the team for seven games. He has not played in any of those games. Sometimes having a young guy be with the team on the road trip or any game for that matter, can be a great thing for their development.
Haight, 21, was fantastic in training camp and in the preseason. He impressed the staff so much he made the team out of camp and started the season by playing in the first two games. He was then sent down.
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Since being called up, Haight was scratched for five games before he was sent down where he played in an AHL game with the Iowa Wild.
Minnesota called him back up for the road trip and he has been scratched for the last two games. The Wild’s fourth line is Liam Ohgren, Ben Jones and Tyler Pitlick.
The three of them have a combined zero points. Ohgren is a minus-3 in 15 games, Pitlick is a minus-2 in 17 games and Jones is a minus-5 in 15 games.
Jones, 26, is a seventh round draft pick and played in 26 games last year for Minnesota and didn’t record a point. He had three points last year all taken off because he ran into the goaltender and it was overturned for goalie interference.
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In 15 games this year and 43 in his NHL career over three seasons, Jones has zero points. Believe it or not, in 15 games this year Jones has not been on the ice for a single goal for. His expected goals numbers aren’t much better.
Jones’ on-ice expected goals is 31% which is the second worst on the Wild behind Ohgren. The line as a trio is tied for 22nd worst in the NHL for expected goals against per 60 minutes. They rank 262 out of 284 lines.
The trio ranks as the worst line in the NHL in expected goals for per 60 minutes. That is 284 out of 284. They have recorded 19 shots as a trio and have allowed 45. They rank dead last in Corsi For %. 284 out of 284. Do they allow shots?
You bet. 78.76 shots against (Corsi) per 60 minutes. Only three lines in the NHL have a worse rating. They also rank dead last in Fenwick and third to last in Fenwick against.
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What is Corsi and Fenwick?
Corsi counts all shot attempts, including shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots. Fenwick is a variation of Corsi that excludes blocked shots, counting only shots on goal, missed shots, and shots that hit the post.
So in conclusion, the data suggests they are one of the worst lines in the NHL when it comes to allowing offense and generating offense.
Meanwhile the Wild’s 47th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft is sitting in the press box and the Wild’s 19th overall pick from the same Draft is playing between two guys who have combined for zero points in 32 games.
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Haight scored 20 goals in his rookie season in the AHL. He scored a few in the preseason this year and impressed the Wild. Maybe not enough though considering Jones, Pitlick and Ohgren are still playing.
It doesn’t seem to matter what Ohgren or anyone else around him does. He will continue to be sheltered and play limited minutes. Almost every one of his goals and assists in his career have come when he was playing in the top-nine.
At some point, development has to come with opportunity. Whether or not you believe Haight earned his call-up and this opportunity to play, he is here and if the fourth line is going to get caved in every game, itâ€s hard to justify Haight watching it happen instead of getting those minutes himself to grow.
The Wild have nothing to lose by putting him in but everything to learn. The results below him arenâ€t changing, but at least he could learn something by being out there.
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All data from Money Puck.com.
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Evaluating The Fit: Should The Minnesota Wild Target Kiefer Sherwood?
– A Historic Start: Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt Joins Nearly Century-Old Company With Record Rookie Surge.
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– ‘That One’s Not Going Anywhere’: Inside Jesper Wallstedt’s Signature Win Celebration.
– Minnesota Wild Get Marco Rossi Injury Update, Timeline For Return.
– Kirill Kaprizov Becomes Fastest Player In Wild History To 200 Goals.
– Wild Will Commit To A Goalie Rotation Between Gustavsson and Wallstedt.
Thursday evening’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena was nothing short of a roller coaster for the Detroit Red Wings, who gained a point in the standings but missed out on the second as part of their 6-5 shootout loss.
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The Blue Jackets, who twice had a lead evaporate, tied the game late in the third period with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on the bench for an extra attacker, and then picked up the win thanks to goals in the shootout from Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko.
Special teams were the name of the game for both clubs, who each scored multiple power-play goals.
With the setback, the Red Wings are now 14-11-3 in their centennial campaign, but are now tied for the second overall spot in the Atlantic Division with 32 points. They also won’t like the fact that they’ve now allowed at least four goals against in five of their last six games.
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The Blue Jackets struck first after a shot from defenseman Ivan Provorov beat Cam Talbot from distance, but the Red Wings knotted the score early in the second period thanks to a power-play tally from Dylan Larkin.
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Marchenko restored the Columbus lead with a power-play goal of his own, followed by an even-strength tally from Johnson. But after Dmitri Voronkov was whistled for a four-minute double minor after his high sticking infraction on Andrew Copp drew blood, Detroit twice converted courtesy of Lucas Raymond and James van Riemsdyk, tying the game.
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A power-play goal from former Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Fantilli put Columbus ahead late in the second period, only to see the Red Wings roar back in the final frame thanks to goals in quick succession from Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. For Kane, it was the 496th goal of his career.
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Fantilli scored his second of the night to tie the game late in the third period after his shot deflected off defenseman Albert Johansson, setting up overtime.
“Would Be Really Cool”: Patrick Kane Would Love Mike Modano In Attendance For Milestone Achievement
While the Blue Jackets got shootout goals from both Johnson and Marchenko following a scoreless five-minute overtime session, Merzlikins stopped van Riemsdyk and Raymond, securing the extra point.
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This was Detroit’s first game of a six-game road trip which continues on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken from Climate Pledge Arena.
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Observations after Sixers lose wild double-overtime game in Embiid’s return originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
In their 19th game of the season, the Sixers had Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all available for the first time.
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They wound up playing their first double-overtime game of the season and losing it, falling to a high-drama 142-134 defeat to the Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Sixers now sit at 10-9, Atlanta at 13-8.
Tyrese Maxey had 44 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Quentin Grimes posted 28 points. Following a nine-game absence with a right knee injury, Embiid recorded 18 points, four rebounds and two assists in a season-high 30 minutes.
Jalen Johnson starred for the Hawks with 41 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 34 points.
The Sixers were still without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).
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Atlanta was down Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness).
The Sixers will face the Wizards on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Here are observations on their double-OT loss to Atlanta:
Embiid back at it
Embiid sunk a jumper from the right elbow on the Sixers†first possession of the night.
He didnâ€t seem to struggle much with pace or physicality, although Embiidâ€s rust was evident at times. The seven-time All-Star was whistled for an early travel when he faked a dribble handoff and walked with the ball in the process.
The Hawks scored a few first-quarter floaters against Embiid in drop coverage and he didnâ€t have a good rebounding game, but his mobility generally appeared fine. For the most part, Embiid was willing and able to close out to the perimeter, accelerate on his drives and do whatever the situation dictated.
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Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe was sharp out of the gates following a three-game absence with a left calf injury, making a transition three-pointer and fast-break layup. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse called timeout at the 5:59 mark of the first quarter with his team up 14-11. Embiid and Edgecombe took a seat.
Maxeyâ€s foul drawing
Neither team fared well beyond the arc in the early going. Atlanta began 0 for 9 from three-point range and the Sixers opened 2 for 10.
Individually, Maxey had a subpar shooting start against Hawks defensive stalwart Dyson Daniels. He also committed four turnovers in the first half. With Daniels†knack for gliding around screens and snagging steals, it didnâ€t seem as easy as usual for Maxey to trust his instincts.
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Maxey did manage to draw seven free throws in the first half and made six. He knocked down a pair with 3.9 seconds left in the second quarter to give the Sixers a 58-57 edge.
Improved foul drawing has been a valuable piece of Maxeyâ€s superstar play early in his sixth season. Even when his jumpers arenâ€t dropping and defenses are determined to limit his space, Maxey so often finds ways to keep the scoreboard moving. Heâ€s scored at least 20 points in all 19 games.
Double-OT drama
Andre Drummond replaced Embiid in the first quarter, but he wound up playing only six minutes after suffering a right knee contusion Friday in the Sixers†victory over the Nets. Adem Bona served as Embiidâ€s backup the rest of the night.
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While he resumed his sixth man duties, Grimes started the second half in Edgecombeâ€s spot. Edgecombe logged 21 minutes in his return.
Like Maxey, Grimes drew regular free throws Sunday. Grimes reached his sixth 20-point game of the season late in the third quarter when he pump faked a corner three, drove along the baseline and jammed in a dunk. A tightly guarded Grimes three with 1.6 seconds to go in the third put the Sixers up 89-83.
Embiid entered to start the fourth quarter and the Sixers endured a major dry spell. Embiid missed two jumpers. A Maxey giveaway led to an Alexander-Walker layup. Turnovers suddenly popped up everywhere for the Sixers, who had five during a 13-0 Atlanta run.
At the 9:18 mark, Embiid subbed out. The Sixers scored no points in the fourth quarter until a Paul George driving layup with 7:37 remaining.
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Embiid returned for a final stint with 4:02 on the clock. Thanks largely to Maxey, the Sixers stayed close. His third and-one layup of the fourth quarter cut the Hawks†lead to 108-105.
Maxey didnâ€t get much offensive help down the stretch of the fourth. With the Sixers trailing by four points, Embiid dished to an open George in the corner and he missed his jumper long. Though George had an off shooting game (6 for 17 from the floor), he contributed in many other areas, tallying 16 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists in 28 minutes.
The Hawks werenâ€t smooth at all in their efforts to stamp the win and the Sixers played with the feisty spirit thatâ€s spurred their early-season comeback wins.
Dominick Barlowâ€s and-one layup with 12.7 seconds left trimmed the Sixers†deficit to 115-112. Barlow missed his free throw, but George chased down the offensive rebound and passed to Maxey, who swished a clutch long-range jumper to tie the game.
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Daniels pivoted around Embiid on the ensuing possession, but he failed to score inside. The officials didnâ€t grant Nurseâ€s timeout request with around two seconds left and George threw up an unsuccessful heave at the fourth-quarter buzzer.
George scored the first points of overtime with a couple of free throws. Neither team could gain any sort of meaningful lead in the first extra session. Johnson canned a three that gave the Hawks a 122-121 edge, but Jared McCain answered with a triple of his own.
A spinning Maxey layup pulled the Sixers ahead and he had a golden chance to ice the game with 4.3 seconds remaining. He missed both his 16th and 17th free throw attempts.
The Hawks then got the ball to Johnson. He drove baseline on Barlow, pump faked and drew a foul with 0.3 seconds left. Johnson nailed his free throws.
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The Sixers didnâ€t send Embiid out for the second overtime and instead turned to Bona at center. Maxey never subbed out after the start of the fourth quarter. The NBAâ€s minutes leader played 52.
He looked nothing like the typical exhausted player with that large a load. Maxey kept on driving hard and finishing inside in the second overtime. His lay-in tied the contest at 132 apiece.
No one else could chip in for the Sixers†offense and Atlanta capitalized on defensive breakdowns. Johnson buried two deep jumpers to lift the Hawks to a six-point lead. The Sixers couldnâ€t conjure any of the magic theyâ€d found at the end of regulation and ultimately dipped to 2-1 this season in overtime games.
By Ella Jay
Nov. 30, 2025 3:34 pm EST
WWE
At WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, Liv Morgan defied physical expectations when she returned weeks ahead of schedule to help her on-screen boyfriend Dominik Mysterio beat John Cena and regain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. According to long-time rival Rhea Ripley, the same cannot be said about the expectations for Morgan’s personality.
“It was wild,” Ripley told ESPN’s “SportsCenter” when reflecting on the events of Cena vs. Mysterio. “I don’t even know how to describe the emotions that I was feeling because I was kind of just watching it in awe and kind of like a fan. I was like, ‘Is this real? Is this actually happening? What is happening?’ Then Liv obviously slapped Dom. I was like maybe she’s seen everything that he’s been doing with Roxanne [Perez] and The Judgment Day, but then once she changed her face expression, I knew it was over for John Cena in that point in time because I know how tactical Liv and Dom can be and how slimy they are.
“I knew right then and there that they had that in the bag,” Ripley continued. “You just got to throw your hands up in the air and go, ‘Oh well.’ I guess John Cena didn’t see that coming.”
Originally, WWE officials projected Morgan’s on-screen return to come in early 2026 after she sustained a shoulder injury in June. Upon her mid-match arrival at Survivor Series, it became clear that she had beaten those predictions. What initially wasn’t clear was Morgan’s present-day allegiance.
To the surprise of many, Morgan slapped Mysterio, then jumped into Cena’s arms with a wide smile on her face. That expression proved to be a trick, however, as it shifted to a more sadistic one before Morgan delivered a low blow and a title belt shot to Cena. Mysterio followed with a 619 and a Frog Splash to officially dethrone the in-ring veteran.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “SportsCenter” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
BJ Ray made his post-WWE return at WrestleCade 2025 — but it wasnâ€t his new look that got all the attention. It was a brutal bodyshot from none other than boxing legend Butterbean.
In a video BJ Ray posted to his Instagram, the former WWE LFG standout is seen backstage at the convention, hyped up and playfully challenging Butterbeanâ€s identity in front of the camera. What started as a cheeky call-out turned into a gut-wrenching moment—literally.
“This guyâ€s trying to tell me youâ€re Butterbean. No, I know Butterbean and you ainâ€t Butterbean, bro. Prove it!â€
Thatâ€s all it took. Without hesitation, Butterbean stepped up and drilled Ray with a vicious bodyshot, sending the reality TV-infused wrestler crashing to the floor in agony. The punch was so clean it echoed through the convention space—and Butterbean knew it.
“That proof? Thatâ€s about as much proof as you can get right there.â€
The hilarious-yet-painful exchange instantly caught fire on social media, with fans praising the comedic timing, Butterbeanâ€s still-deadly power, and Rayâ€s willingness to sell the moment like a champ.
This comes just days after BJ Ray teased a comeback look on Twitter by posting four selfies from his platinum blonde days, along with the caption:
“Might have to run the blonde back 😈â€
Between the teased hair revival and now this viral WrestleCade bodyshot, BJ Ray isnâ€t just stepping back into the limelight—heâ€s making sure all eyes are on him, bruised ribs and all.
Do you think BJ Ray just had his best WrestleCade moment already — or is this just the beginning? Sound off in the comments and let us know what youâ€d like to see next from BJ Ray!
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
November 30, 2025 1:21 pm
The Knicksare a team built on consistency. Jalen Brunson is a sure bet to score efficiently almost every night while manipulating his way into scores via pull-up jumpers. Karl-Anthony Towns has recorded a double-double in all but three games. Mikal Bridges has never missed a game in his eight-year career.
Consistency is great. But every now and then, a wild card that can change the pace or tenor of a game is needed. That wild card for the Knicks is Josh Hart. After a slow start to the season, Hart has come on as of late, and itâ€s helping the team weather injuries on the perimeter to OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet.
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After beginning the season as a reserve, Hart has emerged as a starter, replacing Mitchell Robinson. He brings a jolt of energy to the game with versatility, mad dashes in transition and hustle plays.
The Knicks’ 118-109 home win over the Bucks on Friday night propelled the club into the knockout round of the NBA Cup tournament. Hart was everywhere in the victory, notching 19 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. With Anunoby out, Hart stepped up to take on the Giannis Antetokounmpo defensive assignment despite a severe size deficit.
The performance against the Bucks has been the norm for Hart. His efficiency has picked up as heâ€s padded the entire stat sheet. In the last 13 games, he’s averaging 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He has also found the range, shooting 40.1 percent from beyond the arc during that time.
On the rebound
Hartâ€s had his ups and downs from outside throughout his career. He still needs to be aggressive as a scorer to keep defenses honest. Teams will sag off him even more if heâ€s not, mucking up driving lanes for Brunson and Towns.
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He has shot better so far this season, but Hart is a career 34.2 percent three-point shooter. To weaken the Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll, many opponents put a wing on Towns while hiding their center on Hart.
In Friday’s win, the Bucks had Myles Turner guard Hart down the stretch while Antetokounmpo checked Towns. The Knicks looked to bring Turner into every Brunson pick-and-roll. As the Bucks blitzed Brunson, it allowed Hart to attack in the short roll. He had a couple of good opportunities to create. One key play was Hart finding Miles McBride for an open corner three out of a short roll.
Hartâ€s first four games were a struggle — he scored just 11 points on 4-for-19 shooting. During the spell, he was out of sorts, passing up open looks.
Itâ€s not a shock that Hart played poorly to begin the season. A back injury kept him out for most of the preseason and the season opener. A nerve injury in his right hand has also been a setback. The start of this season was an adjustment for Hart, who was coming off the bench. He started all 77 games he played in last year.
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One of head coach Mike Brownâ€s goals with the Knicks was to get them to play faster and create easier scoring opportunities. Hartâ€s ability to push the pace is an underrated skill that the Knicks could use more often. They average 16.1 fastbreak points per 100 possessions when Hart is on the floor, versus just 12.8 fastbreak points per 100 possessions when he sits, per NBA Stats.
After the Knicks’ starting five of Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart and Towns crumbled in the playoffs last year, the group has looked better so far in the new season. In 40 minutes, this five-man unit is plus-24.2 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Stats. With the added playmaking from Hart, it might make sense to revisit the starting lineup permanently once Anunoby returns.
Hart can go into prolonged shooting slumps, pile up careless turnovers and make questionable decisions. But heâ€s been consistently effective over the past month. If Hart continues to play this well, it will be hard to keep him out of the starting five going forward.
CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated at the United Center by the red-hot Minnesota Wild. This win came after holding a 2-0 lead with one minute remaining in the second period.
Goals scored by Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard gave Chicago the 2-0 lead, but they eventually let it slip away as the game went along.
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With under 14 seconds remaining in the middle frame, a Brock Faber shot found its way through traffic to beat Spencer Knight. That 2-1 lead for the Blackhawks went to the intermission, but the Wild tied it just 2:17 into the third period. Nico Sturm’s first of the season knotted things up at one.
At 5:31, Artyom Levshunov scored his first career NHL goal to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead. He put a beautiful move on Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson after receiving a perfect pass from Connor Bedard.
The lead, once again, couldn’t hold. Matt Boldy tied the game at 10:35, which would eventually lead to overtime. The 3-on-3 didn’t last very long as Ilya Mikheyev took a controversial penalty to give the Wild a power play.
Connor Bedard was flattened by Joel Eriksson Ek, who was then hit hard by Mikheyev. The officials gave Mikheyev an interference penalty.
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After the game, Bedard didn’t have a problem with the hit or the call. He said the hit on him was “super clean”. He also admitted that he didn’t believe there was an issue with the officials, saying that their job is not always easy.
Jeff Blashill, on the other hand, didn’t have the same mindset. Despite Mikheyev making the hit because he hit Bedard, Blashill believes that it was the wrong call.
“Right before Eriksson Ek got hit, he had the puck,” said Blashill. “It’s not a penalty.” Chicago’s new head coach has no problem critiquing the officiating if he feels it was a wrong call.
The Blackhawks had no answers when asked about lead protection, and that’s just something that they are going to have to keep working on if they want to earn more points in the standings. Although Blashill may be right with the penalty, it wasn’t the officials who blew a 2-0 lead.
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What’s Next For Chicago?
The Chicago Blackhawks will have a home game on the evening of Black Friday. The Nashville Predators will be in town as Chicago debuts their newly remodeled black sweaters. All fans in attendance are encouraged to dress in all black in order to create a blackout environment.
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