As the calendar flipped to 2015, the Minnesota Wild were recovering from their sixth consecutive loss. Head coach Mike Yeo was firmly on the hot seat. They had arguably the worst goaltending in the NHL. And, stuck in sixth place in the league's toughest division, their playoff hopes were nearly extinguished.
Wild vs. Blackhawks 2015: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Game 1 online
Can Devan Dubnyk continue his masterful season?
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Now, they're 12 wins away from their first Stanley Cup.
There are a number of reasons for Minnesota's rise, none more crucial than the acquisition of Devan Dubnyk. A veteran goalie who bounced around in 2013-14, Dubnyk turned into a superstar upon joining Minnesota, and has been rightfully named one of three Vezina Trophy nominees.
The 28-year-old will have his hands full with the star-studded Blackhawks. Chicago is led by Patrick Kane, who was first in the league in points before suffering a broken collarbone in February. He's since recovered and, with seven points (two goals, five assists) in the first round, appears to be in top form. Wild forward Zach Parise chipped in seven first-round points (three goals, four assists) of his own.
While Minnesota's goaltending situation is clear, Chicago is not so lucky. Corey Crawford, who's been the No. 1 all season, struggled mightily in the first round against Nashville and lost significant playing time to backup Scott Darling.
Darling, formerly with the Predators organization, posted a .936 save percentage against them in their best-of-seven series. However, despite that success, head coach Joel Quenneville has tabbed Crawford as his Game 1 starter against Minnesota.
Game 1 coverage
9:30 p.m. ET | Game 1, Western Conference Round 2
United Center | Chicago
Local: None | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN
Live stream at NBC Live Extra
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