Blackhawks Beat Blues, Advance In Playoffs

The series between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues is one we watched closely.  The odds were close and both these teams are big time Stanley Cup favorites.  Well only one is now.

The Blackhawks beat the Blues 5-1 to to win the series 4-2.

The game was tied with split goals in the first period.  The second period the Blackhawks defense had to go to work as the BLues were relentless.  However, in the third Chicago powered in four goals and maintained that lead through the fourth.

Chicago has built quite the reputation in game that clinch a series.  They are 11-2 under such circumstances.  The Blues have also got themselves and less admirable rep.  This is the second straight year they lost four in a row to be eliminated in the first round of he Stanley Cup playoffs.

St. Louis out shot Chicago 36-27 but went 0-6 on the power play thanks to a stout Chicago defense.

Duncan Keith had a goal and three assists and Corey Crawford made 35 saves. Bryan Bickell, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Andrew Shaw also picked up goals for Chicago, as the team looks to keep the Stanley Cup in Chicago for two consecutive years.

The Blackhawks now await the winner of the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild series.  The Avalanche are currently ahead 3-2 in that series.  They will have a chance to clinch the spot against the Blackhawks in Game 6 on Monday.