Chicago Blackhawks wary of Minnesota Wild ahead of first-round playoff series

Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa of Slovokia, left, tries to score on Calgary Flames goalie Joey MacDonald during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, April 26, 2013 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey) (The Associated Press)

From bottom to top on right, Minnesota Wild left wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard, center Matt Cullen and defenseman Tom Gilbert celebrate with teammates after the Wild's 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in an NHL hockey game in Denver on Saturday, April 27, 2013. With the win, the Wild earned the eighth seed in the NHL Western Conference playoffs. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

For all their accomplishments so far — the record-breaking start, the Presidents' Trophy, the individual honors — the Chicago Blackhawks know this is the time of year that will define their season.

Jonathan Toews and Co. also know all the reasons for concern heading into the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.

The Blackhawks are favored to make it to the Stanley Cup for the second time in four seasons, but Minnesota brings plenty of talent into Game 1 on Tuesday night.

The Wild, led by Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu, are back in the postseason for the first time in five years, and the recent playoff history for the winner of the Presidents' Trophy is not so rosy.