This is a 10* on MINNESOTA

Minnesota is in last place in the Central Division with only 52 points. So every game now has an added importance as they try and make up ground in the playoff chase. Taking on Chicago tonight at home feels like a "must-win," especially on the heels of being embarrassed by Boston on Saturday. That 6-1 defeat was highly unusual for a team that - more often than not - performs quite well in home games. The Wild's record at home is 14-7-4, which is much better than their 9-15-2 SU road record. It is worth mentioning that the game vs. Boston was the Wild's first since the All-Star Break, so maybe it can be chalked up to rust. Before the break, they'd won three of four games - all at home - one of them against Tampa Bay and one 7-0 win over Dallas. The Blackhawks remain the portrait of mediocrity, even though they have won six of their last seven games. We don't think their recent play is an accurate snapshot of where the team is really at. Play on MINNESOTA

AAA