Story by
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Wild nip Blackhawks in preseason opener
- Story byPioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
- Wild nip Blackhawks in preseason opener
The calendar inched closer to the start of the new NHL campaign as the Wild hosted Chicago in the preseason opener at Grand Casino Arena Saturday evening.
Rieger Lorenz got the scoring started at 7:56 of the first period to put Minnesota up 1-0.
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However, the Blackhawks struck back to score the final goal of the opening frame as well as the lone tally of the second stanza to take a 2-1 lead into the third.
Nico Sturm stepped up for Minnesota to knot the game at 2-2 by scoring at 14:06 of the interval. His goal stood until the horn blew to signal another period was necessary to decide matters.
Tyler Pitlick sent Wild supporters home with smiles on their faces by putting home the game winner at 3:58 of overtime as Minnesota joined Dallas atop the Central Division preseason standings.
Calvin Pickard drew the honors of manning the Wild goal for the team's first home game since Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 11. Pickard went the distance for the hosts, making 14 saves, including four stops on Chicago power plays.
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The two teams will go at it once again on Monday, as the setting shifts to the Blackhawks' home ice with a 7 p.m. puck drop at the United Center.
