Vladimir Tarasenko scores the game winner over the Blackhawks (photo/NHL)
Following their 3-0 loss to the L.A. Kings on Tuesday night, the Blues boarded their plane and left St. Louis for a game against the Blackhawks. Fog kept them from landing in Chicago, so they were sent on to Milwaukee. From there the players boarded a bus and drove the 90 miles, getting to their downtown hotel just around daybreak.
The extended travel took it’s toll early on the Blues Wednesday night, but they fought back to tie and eventually beat the Blackhawks 6-5 in OT at the United Center.
This wasn’t the usual physical game you see between these two teams. Both teams played an open game and the Blues were hanging in the first period, trailing 3-2 after a goal from rookie Robbi Fabri. The Hawks scored two goals in a span of 43 seconds apart to take a 5-2 lead late in the first.
Alex Steen’s second goal of the game cut the Blackhawks’ lead to 5-3 3:11 into the second, and Jay Bouwmeester made it 5-4 on a power-play goal at 17:12. David Backes tied it 5-5 with his goal at 19:26.
Chicago outshot St. Louis 43-29 in the game and 14-7 in the third, but couldn’t beat Jake Allen who relieved Brian Elliott who left with an injury after a collision in the crease during the first period.
The Blues are 9-3-1 and the Hawks are 7-5-1.
Watch Tarasenko’s winner (VIDEO/NBCSN, NHL.com)
