Wild vs Blackhawks: Ryan Hartman returns to Chicago in style

Friday night’s game in the Windy City left the hometown Minnesota Wild feeling confident as ever as they steamrolled the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1.

While the game lived up to its expectations of being physical, it also turned into being a night to remember for a particular player from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Ryan Hartman

Hartman, a former Blackhawks player, scored twice in his return to the United Center.

Selected 30th overall in the 2013 NHL draft by Chicago Hartzy never truly had the opportunity to blow the team and fans out of the water. Playing just four seasons with the Blackhawks  before being traded away to Nashville left the physical winger optimistic knowing he could a new chance to find his play. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

Following his short stint with the Predators, Hartman found his way to Philidelphia for a short 19 game stretch. With little knowledge of what was to come, he got a call that he would now be wearing the red and green in Minnesota.

And this, as well all know, is exactly what he needed.

Through 156 total games with the Wild, Hartman has broken out of his shell and now appears as a threat to any team we face.

Through just 36 games played, this season, Hartman has set a career-high in points with 32 (18 goals , 14 assists) after last night’s beautiful showing with two goals against the six-time NHL champs.

Friends, this guy is the real deal.

Currently leading the team iwith 18 goals  and teammate Kirill Kaprizov right on his tracks, Hartman continues to prove to the team, fans, and ,most importantly ,himself,  that he’s here for a reason. It seems nothing is going to get in his way.

On one of the State of Hockey’s most treasured day, Hockey Day Minnesota, the Wild will play host Chicago for what hopes to be another celebratory night.

A night where thousands of fans will pack the Xcel Energy Center and cheer on the home team, and a night where Ryan Hartman could continue to show the type of player he is for the Wild.

All stats and info from nhl.com/wild