NHL Playoffs, Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues, 3-2: full highlights, final score and more

The intensity picked up in the third period of Game 2 in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 3-2 defeat of the St. Louis Blues on Friday night

The Scottrade Center finally saw some physicality and action in Game 2 of the anticipated series, which, arguably, is not surprising being that the recently suspended Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith returned to the ice for the game. Though the first period remained relatively tame and monotonous –both teams failing to implement successful power play strategies– the second period transformed the entire game from boring to tense.

With 15:20 left in the period, St. Louis’ Vladimir Tarasenko (assisted by Schwartz and Lehtera) shot the puck right down the middle of the crease. Minutes later, with mere seconds left in the period, Keith scored his 16^th playoff goal, assisted by Toews and Kane. It was the ultimate Blackhawks trio showing the Blues —and the nation— what Chicago was really capable of. You might not like the ‘Hawks, but you can’t deny that they really are brilliant with the puck.

Now, the tension between the two teams was reaching a limit, with both teams growing visibly angry and hungry for blood.

Period three was a disorderly, frustrating twenty minutes of drama. Just over 12 mintues into the period, St. Louis’s Tarasenko scored yet again. However, after minutes of reviewing the play, the referee ultimately decided that the goal was invalid, as Tarasenko was off-sides. As if to mock the Blues, the Blackhawks responded minutes later with a power play goal off the stick of Shaw. This was the thirteenth power play goal of his career.

At this point, St. Louis goaltender Brian Elliott, who all in all played yet another spectacular game against the Blackhawks, was removed from play, leaving an empty net that Chicago took advantage of with a goal from Panarin 18:34 into the final period. The Blackhawks’ possession and resulting goal game Parayko’s failed attempt to score on Corey Crawford.

Though Kevin Shattenkird managed to put one in the net with two seconds left in regulation, the effort was futile: the Blackhawks won Game 2 of the fierce series 3-2.

Three Stars

Goaltender Corey Crawford (BLACKHAWKS)

He made 29 saves during the three periods, giving him a save percentage of .935.

RW Vladimir Tarasenko (BLUES)

The forward scored one valid goal and one illegal goal, but he was a true competitior on the ice throughout the night.

RRW Patrick Kane (BLACKHAWKS)

The 2015-16 Art Ross Trophy winner actually stepped back from scoring in this game but made two successful assists. He did, however, make four shots on goal which were blocked by Elliott.

Highlights

A Blues vs Blackhawks series will always result in two things: epic goals and conspicuous penalties.

(And my personal favorite):

Next Game

St. Louis will take on Chicago on the Blackhawks’ home ice on Sunday, April 17 at 3 PM EST.  The game will be aired on NBC.

For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.