ST. PAUL, Minn. — An overnight power outage in downtown St. Paul created a challenge for the maintenance crew at Xcel Energy Center before Game 3 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.
Without electricity, ice preservation wasn’t possible, making the rink rather slushy early Tuesday morning. The Wild said arena staff acted quickly to use backup power and restore the ice to playable condition.
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The ice at Xcel Energy Center has long been considered one of the best-kept sheets in the NHL. Both teams conducted their morning skate as planned, about eight hours before game time. Players said afterward the ice was a little heavier and slower than usual, but they expressed confidence it would be in good condition for the game.
