NHL: Can the Chicago Blackhawks Continue To Earn Two in Lieu of Coach Q?

The Chicago Blackhawks were coming into their Wednesday night game with the Minnesota Wild the losers of six of their last eight games. 

The flu bug has torn through a roster recently beset by injuries.

To add to the malaise, the Hawks arrived for their morning skate only to learn that their head coach was hospitalized after a visit to the emergency room.

Did I mention that Chicago was taking on a hot Wild team that was three points ahead of them in the standings, making this game virtually a must-win for a team that still has designs on the playoffs?

Let's just say the Blackhawks backs were pushed firmly against the wall.

For one of the few times this season, Chicago pushed back.

Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Minnesota was no work of art. However, with coach Joel Quenneville undergoing tests at a local hospital for a "non-cardiac" medical condition, the final result was just what the doctor ordered.

Especially for a Blackhawks squad that has to get on a roll soon if they are to extend the season in April.

Despite seeing 17 shots in the first period, Corey Crawford stonewalled the Wild in the opening 20 minutes, allowing a Brian Campbell power-play goal to stand up for a 1-0 lead. 

The Hawks held that lead until the seven-minute mark of the third period.

Admit it, when Mark Cullen slipped behind the defense to knock home the tying goal, we all thought the same thing: Another chance to win a game outright had slipped away, to a team on which we could absolutely not afford to lose ground.

Seconds later, we got a glimpse of Chicago's resolve.

Troy Brouwer's power-play goal proved to be the game winner. More importantly, it came in regulation, which means that the Hawks are now just a point behind Minnesota.

They also kept pace with the streaking Kings, who won again on Wednesday night.

A regulation triumph over the Wild can not be overvalued at this point of the season, but it's just the start of an uphill climb out of the 11th spot in the Western Conference. 

Columbus, who sits right behind the Blackhawks, comes to town Friday and it still harboring their own postseason aspirations.

First up for Chicago is the health status of Quenneville, who began feeling discomfort at his home on Tuesday before a early Wednesday morning visit to an area emergency room.  The Hawks released a statement saying the coach was in stable condition as of last night, but no updates were given after the game.

Assistants Mike Haviland and Mike Kitchen filled in capably for Coach Q, but Hawks fans should hope for a quick and full recovery. No one likes to see anyone suffer from health issues. The emotional distraction is also something this team can do without.

The team also has to address a dearth of even-strength goals. Excluding Jake Dowell's empty netter, the Hawks don't have one in their last two games. The Hawks can't depend on having five or six power-play opportunities every night.

Lots of guys had great looks, like Marian Hossa (two assists, skated hard) and Bryan Bickell (four shots, couldn't finish a nice run to the net in the second period).

As potent as the Hawks were at getting 37 shots on goal, one or two have to find their way into the net in 5-on- 5 play.

The Hawks had a man advantage for nearly half the second period Wednesday but couldn't break the game open, even on a Cal Clutterbuck double-minor for high-sticking. Fortunately, Crawford was up to the task on the other end, helping kill three Chicago penalties and stopping 33 of 34 shots on the night.

All things considered, you have to like that the Hawks were able to respond when the Wild tied the score in the third. In a season where ways have been found to drop games like this one, two points with no Quenneville on the bench was a welcome sight.

That said, I hope Coach Q is back at United Center leading the Hawks to another home win.