Mrazek's 32 saves, solid PK, and more: 3 reasons why Chicago Blackhawks won 2-1 in OT against Minnesota Wild

The Chicago Blackhawks won a hard-fought 2-1 game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night at the United Center. Philipp Kurashev scored 1:50 into the overtime frame, giving the Blackhawks their sixth win of the season.

Jason Dickinson scored the other for the Chicago Blackhawks, opening the scoring at 16:44 of the first period. Matt Boldy responded for the Wild, getting the equalizer at 15:29 of the third.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild in overtime on Sunday night.

3 reasons why Chicago Blackhawks won in OT against Minnesota Wild

#3 Solid penalty killing

The Blackhawks killed off all three Minnesota Wild power play opportunities. In particular, the third-period kill on a hooking call on captain Nick Foligno was crucial as it kept the game 1-0 in favor of the Blackhawks.

While the Wild eventually tied the game in the third, the three penalty kills were huge as they allowed the Blackhawks to stay in the game. The Blackhawks are middle-of-the-pack with a 77.8% penalty-kill rate.

#2 Mrazek huge for Blackhawks

Blackhawks netminder Petr Mrazek had his best game of the season, stopping 32 of 33 shots. His performance was huge as the Wild outshot the Blackhawks 33-22, generating scoring chances throughout the game. Mrazek’s performance earned him the game’s second star.

Sunday night’s performance was encouraging, especially after Mrazek’s last outing in which he took the loss against the Detroit Red Wings on November 6. He gave up three goals on 24 shots. Mrazek also took the loss against the San Jose Sharks on October 31. Sunday night’s performance was a tremendous step in the right direction.

#1 Blackhawks' resilience

The Hawks led the game since late in the first period, hanging on through the second and most of the third. Despite the Wild tying the game in the third, the Blackhawks hung tough, playing a solid defensive game down the stretch.

Kurashev’s overtime winner capped off a strong game for the Hawks, providing plenty of encouraging signs for the rebuilding Blackhawks. Considering the Wild dominated the game at several points, the Hawks fought hard to stay in the game. Their reward was a well-deserved win against the second-place team in the Central Division.

The Blackhawks will have a few days to recover, as they hit the ice again next against the Seattle Kraken.