The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues met in another (sorta) lavish affair. The last time these two met was the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, which ended in a disastrous 6-2 loss on New Year’s Eve.
It’s significant because the Blackhawks and Blues were again donning their Winter Classic jerseys. However, the Blackhawks were looking for a different outcome, and ironically, both teams came into the game having only won three of their last 10 games. Yet, the Blues won 6-5 in the shootout.
Blackhawks Continue Hot Start
The Blackhawks had a great start in their game against the Nashville Predators (Feb. 7), and that continued against the Blues.
It was high-paced to start, with chances at both ends, but the Blackhawks opened the scoring with a goal from Craig Smith after a giveaway from the Blues’ Jake Neighbours. Ryan Donato scored 38 seconds later (his 4th goal in 3 games) after defenseman Colton Parayko turned the puck over.
It seemed somewhat even for both teams as the shots were 10-8, St. Louis, but Chicago’s great start helped to dominate the period by the score’s standard, and they ended the period up 2-0.
Blues 10-Second Goal Splurge Turned Tides
Even though the Blackhawks had a great start, the second period did not translate. It was turnovers galore, and the Blackhawks couldn’t get out of their own zone on many occasions, allowing St. Louis to get right back in the game.
The Blues had an answer less than two minutes into the period after the Hawks could not get the puck out, and Philip Broberg made them pay to make it 2-1. 10 seconds later, Blackhawks’ defenseman Ethan Del Mastro turned the puck over, and Blues’ Nathan Walker scored up the middle to tie the game 2-2.
Penalties were also an issue, as the Hawks took two penalties. The penalty kill was perfect, but the Blues did get unlucky as they hit some posts. It felt like their lead could have been more significant.
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All the defense turnovers were evident for Chicago, as Seth Jones turned the puck over behind the net before the second period, and Mathieu Joseph made it 3-2.
It was a great response for the Blues.
Chaotic Third Period and Overtime Seals Blues Win
The third period was chaotic for both teams. The Blues hit the post early on, and Blackhawks’ defenseman Alec…
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