Tarasenko, Blues, Spoil Blackhawks Opener With 5-2 Loss

The Chicago Blackhawks started the season with a dud as they fell to the St. Louis Blues, 5-2.  Vladimir Tarasenko tortured the Blackhawks, once again, as he had a 3 point night (2G 1A). The Blackhawks initially started the game well with leads of 1-0, and 2-1, before the Blues rallied with four unanswered goals.


It started well as Richard Panik opened the scoring on the power play and then Ryan Hartman earned his first NHL career goal, as Tyler Motte earned his first career NHL point as he assisted on the goal.

Then, penalties became an issue for the Hawks when, in the last 2:46 of the 2nd period, three penalties were called against them.  This, resulted in two of the three power play goals on the night for the Blues.  Coach Joel Quenneville said after the game, "We put ourselves in a tough spot". 

After that, the sail seemed to go out for the Blackhawks.  They played small, being out-muscled for pucks against the boards, and it looked as if the Blues had an extra step on them for the remainder of the night.  The last goal scored by St. Louis, was actually by the Blackhawks, who accidentally scored while having their net empty.

Corey Crawford was busy in net, stopping 29 of 32 shots, while Jake Allen of the Blues needed to stop just 17 of 19.

Notable Mentions:  The 3rd line for the Blackhawks (Motte-Kruger-Hartman) were their best line tonight.  Taking away the 52% faceoff percentage by Jonathan Toews, the team won just 30% of their draws tonight.  Jordin Tootoo, in his Blackhawk debut, played just 4:26.

Three Stars Of The Game
1st - STL - Vladimir Tarsasenko (2G, 1A)
2nd - STL - Paul Stastny (1G 2A)
3rd - CHI - Ryan Hartman (1G)

Next Game: Friday, October 14th, Away vs. Nashville Predators, 7:00PM CT

LETS GO HAWKS!!!