NHL

Crawford, Kane and Panarin lead Blackhawks over Wild

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Chicago Blackhawks' Richard Panik (14) and Minnesota Wild's Mikko Koivu battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota Wild's Matt Dumba (24) pushes Chicago Blackhawks' Artem Anisimov (15) across Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save on a shot by Minnesota Wild's Zach Parise, left, as Blackhawks' Brian Campbell also defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin scored on Chicago's first two shots, Corey Crawford made 42 saves and the Blackhawks defeated Minnesota 4-2 on Sunday to pull within a point of the Central Division-leading Wild.

Trevor van Riemsdyk and Marian Hossa also scored for the Blackhawks, who ended a two-game slide and won for the 13th time in their last 16. Kane's goal was his team-leading 30th and 10th in eight games.

Eric Staal scored his 22nd goal and Mikael Granlund got his 23rd for Minnesota, which has dropped three of four. Minnesota outshot Chicago 44-23 for a season high allowed by the Blackhawks.