– Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/NHLI via Getty Images
After winning seven straight games, the Blues have taken two steps back with two losses in three days after a 4-2 loss to the Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blues are now 1-2-0 against Chicago on the season.
David Backes and Vladamir Tarasenko each scored, but it would not be enough to hold of the high-powered offense of the Blackhawks.
The loss keeps St. Louis in second place in the Central Division behind the Nashville Predators. The Blues are 34-15-4 and four points ahead of Chicago.
In the first period, the Blues controlled play in the offensive end tallying a total of 12 shots including early opportunities from Jaden Schwartz and Backes.
Despite the Blues leading in shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes of play, it was Chicago who struck first as Marcus Kruger scored on a wrist shot to put St. Louis in a 1-0 hole after one period of play.
The second period was a back and forth period as the Blues fired first. Just under seven minutes into the period, Schwartz sent a long entry pass to Tarasenko in on a breakaway. Tarasenko faked to the forehand getting Crawford to go down before Tarasenko slid back to his backhand under the left pad of Crawford. The goal is Tarasenko’s 28th of the season and fourth in the past five games.
The Blackhawks wasted little time, however, as it was Patrick Kane who carried the puck up before giving it to David Rundblad. Rundblad took a shot that was blocked out in front by Brian Elliott. The rebound went straight to Bryan Bickell who netted his 10th of the season to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead with 8:35 remaining in the period.
Then it was the captain’s turn for St. Louis.
David Backes carried the puck behind the net and sent a pass to T.J. Oshie in front of the net. Oshie fought off two defenders to get a shot off that was turned away by Crawford. Backes kept with the play and circled from behind the net to corral the rebound and tie the game at two, headed into the second intermission.
In the third period, the Blues had opportunities in the offensive zone, but Chicago capitalized.
With Jay Bouwmeester in the penalty box, Marian Hossa took advantage of the power play and ripped a one timer off the crossbar from the pass by Brandon Saad. The goal put Chicago out in front for the third and final time this game 3-2.
Hossa added another goal on the Blues’ empty net to seal the game 4-2.
St. Louis will take on the Arizona Coyotes Tuesday, Feb. 10 at home at 7 p.m. CT.
