David Backes celebrates his game winning goal (photo/NHL.com)
David Backes appeared to have the puck slide off the toe of his stick as he attempted a tight angle shot from near the goal line. Instead the puck caromed off the skate of Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and past goalie Corey Crawford to give the Blues a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series over Chicago.
It was Backes’ first playoff overtime goal, coming at 9:07 and following an overtime dominated by the Hawks. Blues goalie Brian Elliott made 35 saves, including seven in overtime and he helped kill five Chicago powerplays.
Usually 0-0 games end in OT on a flukey goal and that was the case. The Blues must be confident to know that Brian Elliott can handle the workload, but Chicago has to be satisfied with their effort.
If they continue to outshoot St. Louis at a 2-1 clip, they have to like their chances that they’ll get to Elliott.
Watch the game winner
