The Chicago Blackhawks played 20 good minutes of hockey least night. That’s not going to get it done. We’re 41 games into the season, and at this point, partial efforts are no longer acceptable if you are trying to convince us that the Blackhawks are a playoff contender. The light is fading and the potential for lottery ball to be in Chicago’s future is becoming more and more of a reality.
• Chicago dropped a 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars last night. They held a 1-1 tie after the first period, but allowed four unanswered goals in the second and third period to pound the hammer on the nail in the coffin once more. It’s not all the way nailed shut, but it’s getting down there.
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In four seconds and about 75 feet, Kirill Kaprizov confirmed the hype.
He corralled an outlet pass through the neutral zone, accelerated behind the defense and then faked forehand to backhand before stuffing the puck in the net.
The creativity, know-how and quickness all of it was captured in one play during a Wild training camp scrimmage.
But those skills weren t all Kaprizov imported from Russia.
He also brought his joy with him. He s happy all the time, captain Jared Spurgeon said.
After years of intrigue, uncertainty and anticipation, the Wild is finally waking up to its future.
Kaprizov is on the team and will make his NHL debut Thursday at Los Angeles in the season opener.