Blues 3 - 4 Blackhawks
Final - OT
  for this game

Playoff-hungry Blackhawks host Blues

Apr 6, 2011 - 3:09 PM (Sports Network) - It appears as though the Blackhawks' quest at getting a shot to defend their Stanley Cup championship will come down to the wire. Chicago will try to better its odds and avoid a third straight setback this evening when it hosts the St. Louis Blues at the United Center.

Chicago is coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to Montreal on Tuesday, its third loss in four games, but the point did move the club into a tie for seventh overall in the Western Conference with 93 points, while Dallas and Calgary both lurk two points back.

The Blackhawks, Ducks and Stars all have three games remaining, while the Flames have two left to play. Anaheim hosts San Jose this evening and Calgary is receiving a visit from Edmonton, while Dallas is idle after beating Columbus last night.

Patrick Kane scored Chicago's lone goal last night, but captain Jonathan Toews took a tripping penalty in overtime and Montreal's P.K. Subban beat Corey Crawford on the man advantage 1:19 into the extra frame. Crawford ended with 32 saves in his 24th straight start.

"You come to expect it from him," Kane said of Crawford. "He's been awesome all year and he's really playing at the top of his game. It's good to see, especially right before we get in the playoffs here. We've still got some work to do but if we play like that we should win the majority of the games."

Already without forward Patrick Sharp for a seventh straight game due to a knee injury, Troy Brouwer appeared to suffer a right shoulder injury against Montreal and did not return. His status for this game is unknown, while Sharp remains out.

Chicago has dropped back-to-back at home since a six-game winning streak at the United Center and could really use two points tonight given that it wraps its regular season with a home-and-home set against Central Division-winning Detroit. The Blackhawks visit the Red Wings on Friday.

The rookie Crawford is likely to get the start again tonight -- Marty Turco hasn't started since Feb. 11 -- and is 2-0-1 with a 4.22 goals-against average in his career versus the Blues.

Chicago has won three of five against St. Louis this year, winning both meetings at the United Center. The Blackhawks have won eight of the past 12 matchups overall as well as three straight and eight of the past 11 played in the Windy City.

The Blues come into this meeting off a 3-1 victory over the Avalanche last night, their fifth win in seven games. Andy McDonald posted a goal and two assists, while former Colorado defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk also scored. David Backes lit the lamp and Jaroslav Halak ended with 26 saves.

"I'd say we gave up about 50 minutes worth of scoring chances in the first 20, and for them to only have the one, it's because [Halak] was on his game," said Blues head coach Davis Payne.

After snapping a seven-game slide to the Avs, the Blues will look to extend a three-game road winning streak tonight. They have outscored their opponents, 22-7, over that run and end their season at home versus the Predators on Saturday.

Chicago may have to literally fight for its two points tonight after St. Louis picked up four fighting majors against Colorado to up its NHL-leading total to 78.

Halak is 1-0-1 with a 2.42 GAA versus the Blackhawks in his career, while backup Ty Conklin is 8-5-0 with a 2.94 GAA when facing them.






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