Wild Takes Blackhawks Down, 3-2

For Minnesota Wild opponents, it's more like a man-disadvantage. The Wild killed all three penalties Monday night to extend their perfect streak to 22 as they downed the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 at the Xcel Energy Center.

In fact, the Wild (6-0-1) are the first team since the 1962-63 Toronto Maple Leafs to start the season perfect on the penalty kill in its first seven games.

Wild forwards Andrew Brunette and Antti Miettinen and defenseman Brent Burns all scored for the Wild, while captain Mikko Koivu notched three assists, which leads the NHL. Goalie Nicklas Backstrom turned away 34 of 36 shots on goal.

"We're just trying to work hard and work together," remarked Koivu after the game in regard to the Wild's remarkable penalty kill. "We gotta be careful every night and score when we get the chance."

Right winger Patrick Sharp and defenseman Duncan Keith, both alternate captains, scored for the Blackhawks, while backup goalie Cristobal Huet took the loss.

Chicago (3-3-3) played strong the first period of the game, armed with a tenacious forecheck that allowed Sharp to give the Hawks a first-period lead. However, the second period was all Wild, capped by the powerplay goal by Burns. Keith's goal in the third brought Chicago within a goal with under five minutes to play, but the Wild clamped down and brought the fans another home win.

Chicago out-shot Minnesota 36 to 18 but just couldn't capitalize.
Big time: With the victory, Backstrom is now 41-0 in regulation when the Wild are leading going into the third period.

Toughing it out: Minnesota winger Owen Nolan left the game late in the second period after getting roughed up along the boards but returned to start the third period.

On tap: The Wild travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night. Gametime is 7:30 p.m. CT.