Bryan Bickell scores twice and Blackhawks beat Wild 4-2

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Bryan Bickell scored twice in the third period, Corey Crawford made a season-high 42 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks held on to beat the heavy-hearted Minnesota Wild 4-2 on Thursday night.

Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane also scored for Chicago, which has won four of six. The Blackhawks entered the night two points behind Nashville atop the Central Division.

Jason Zucker and Jason Pominville scored for Minnesota, which has lost nine of 11.

The Wild played its second straight game without left wing Zach Parise. His father, former Minnesota North Star J.P. Parise, died Wednesday night after battling lung cancer.

Zach Parise, who missed Tuesday's game to be with his family, has been designated as a non-roster player to give him time to grieve. A moment of silence was held before the game and Wild players wore "11" decals on their helmets.