In the most attended hockey game in Minnesota history, the Minnesota Wild proved last night that not only could they skate with one of the best teams in the NHL, but also that they can beat one of the best teams in the NHL as the Wild took it to the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period, unleasing 4 goals in what, up to that point, had been a scoreless game.

So, like the playoff series before, the home team continues to hold serve with the home team winning games one through three and the Wild cutting in half their opponent's lead over them in this best of seven games series, now down only two games to one.

The first two periods in last night's win reminded me a lot of how the Wild won two playoff rounds in 2003. They employed a very sound defensive minded system against another very good defensive team in the Blackhawks and they just happened to outlast Chicago.

Going into the third period, this game definitely had the feel of the team who scored first would win. Good thing for the Wild that they not only beat Cory Crawford once, but three times and inching closer to evening up this series at two games apiece.

Last night was must win and the Wild did their part. Friday night also has the feel of being a must win game too with Chicago being as dominant as they have been on home ice.

So far, this playoff series is playing out true to the script from pervious series. The only question now is whether the Wild will take the page from last round's script against the Colorado Avalanche or whether the Blackhawks will take a page from last year's script against the Minnesota Wild where the Wild won only Game Three in that opening series, but no more than that one win.

If the Wild can win Game Four on Friday night, then they have two chances to beat the Hawks in their house in Chicago, so long as they continue to take care of business at home.

It should be interesting to see the adjustments that Coach Q makes following his team getting trounced last night in the third period.

Perhaps no one has put it any better than the much hated Adrian Dater from the Denver Post when he commented last night on twitter that "Wild players not kissing the rings of the Hawks anymore. Refreshing." I'm not sure if he's trying to put a reverse jinx on the Wild or if he is truly liking what he finally saw from the Wild last night versus Chicago.

Speaking of jinxs, kudos to my 14 year old at the start of the third period talking about what a great shutout Crawford had going. The people around us were a bit confused at first. No less than two minutes later, the Wild potted their first of three goals against the Crow.

How do you see Friday night shaping up and/or the rest of this playoff series? Do the Wild have a shot at dethroning the reigning kings of the NHL in Game of Thrones-like fashion? What say you?

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