NHL Playoffs 2014: Chicago vs. St. Louis, Blackhawks eliminate Blues, 5-1

The Chicago Blackhawks didn’t need overtime to eliminate the St. Louis Blues today by the score of , all they needed was 2:01 to put the Blues on ice and advance to the second round after back-breaking goals by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp 75 seconds apart to give the Blackhawks an insurmountable lead.

The Blues came into Game 6 at the United Center vs. the Blackhawks like a team facing elimination as they played with a level of intensity not seen since they won Game 2 in overtime, but then the third period happened and their season came to a crashing halt. With the Blackhawks beginning the third period with 1:05 remaining on a penalty by Jay Bouwmeester, the Blackhawks captain gave Chicago a 2-1 lead and momentum to put the game away.

Before the 22,000 fans could get back in their seats Sharp raced past the Blues defense and beat Ryan Miller which all but sealed the fate of the team who had taken the first two games of the series.

Bryan Bickell got the scoring started 4:12 into the first period off a deflection from Brent Seabrook who returned to the lineup after serving a three game suspension for his hit on David Backes in Game 2.

The Blues would answer at the 16:28 mark with a goal from T.J. Oshie who has scored in back-t0-back games on an assist by Alex Steen and Bouwmeester to tie the game at one goal apiece.

The score would remain the same after two periods, but the Blues had their chances in the second period as the Blackhawks had eight penalty minutes, including a double minor on a high-sticking penalty on Marian Hossa, but a slashing penalty by Steen cut their power play time in half as the Blackhawks killed off another Blues power play.

Chicago had killed all six of the Blues power play opportunities through the first two periods. Meanwhile, the Blues had only given the Blackhawks one power play through the first 40 minutes and as a result dominated on the shot sheet.

The Blues outshot the Blackhawks 11-8 in the first period but dominated the second with a 17-3 shot advantage as the Blackhawks were unable to get much action in the Blues’ zone and challenge Miller.

The Blues won the first two periods, but the Blackhawks won the third with a convincing knockout 2:01 into the final period. Chicago added goals from Andrew Shaw and Duncan Keith who had four points in the decisive game.

The Blackhawks now wait to see if the Colorado Avalanche will eliminate the Minnesota Wild before knowing their second round opponent.