Ugly Third Dooms Blues

Game #59 St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks | February 19, 2012

Nothing will heat up a playoff push like a rivalry game. The St. Louis Blues visited their Central Division nemesis, the Chicago Blackhawks. Leading the majority of the game, the Blues let in three third period goals to lose 2-1.

Less than a minute to go in the first period, the Blues brought some strong pressure which resulted in an Andy McDonald goal. With a melee in front of the net, Jamie Langenbrunner kicked the puck toward the net which had Blackhawk fans screaming. But confirmed on video replay was the quick stick of McDonald who knocked it in.

Brian Elliott started in back to back games due to Jaroslav Halak’s illness. After shutting out the Wild the night before, Elliott posted zeros for the first two periods facing 13 shots.

Into the third the shut out streak came to an end at just over 160 minutes when Duncan Keith ripped a huge shot from the point after a pass from Patrick Sharp. The goal was Keith’s fourth of the season. Tying the game five minutes into the third created a great atmosphere for the rest of the game.

The Blackhawks got a lucky bounce and a one goal lead in later in the third. Dave Bolland attempted a centering pass through the crease that banked off David Backes’ skate past Elliott. The goal credited to Bolland was his seventeenth.

Marian Hossa sealed the game with an empty net goal. But the Blues sent a message late after it was out of reach.

One of the games biggest goons, John Scott laid a cheap shot on Alex Pietrangelo. Ryan Reaves responded by punching Scott in the face a few times.

Up Next: Wednesday the Blues return home to challenge the champion Boston Bruins.