Wild's Suter: Blackhawks 'a good challenge for us'

Monday, 12.15.2014 / 6:36 PM

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Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter joined NHL Live after he was named the NHL's "Second Star" for the week ending Dec. 14.

Suter's five points led all defensemen and tied for second in the League last week to help the Wild gain four out of a possible six points. His three assists in a 5-4 comeback win against the New York Islanders on Dec. 9 matched a career high for points in one game. He leads the League in average ice time (29:27) and is third on the Wild in scoring with 18 points (goal, 17 assists) in 26 games.

"I think it's going well," Suter said of the Wild's season to date. "I think we've been inconsistent. I think if we want to grow as a team I think we have to get some consistency in our game. But for the most part we've been going in the right direction."

The Wild (16-11-1) will look to end a three-game road trip on a high note Tuesday at the Chicago Blackhawks in a rematch of their Western Conference Second Round series.

"They have a pretty good team this year, like they do every year," Suter said. "They have a lot of dangerous pieces of the team, but at the same time it is a good challenge for us to see how we stand up against one of the top teams in the League. They beat us last year. It'd be nice to come in here and try to get a big win on the road.

"They have a lot of depth. If their top guns aren't scoring, they have a third line that can put the puck in the net. Their defense is good. Their defense can skate and block a lot of shots. And their goaltender is good. If we want to have success against a team like Chicago we have to focus on holding on to the puck and making them defend. It's a long night when they have to chase their top guys around in your own end."

Wild's Suter: Blackhawks 'a good challenge for us'

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