The Chicago Blackhawks look for a strong close of the third and final period against the St. Louis Blues. The Blackhawks fell behind early in the first period, but after a flurry of goals late in the second and early in the third periods, the Hawks have worked a 4-2 lead.
Near the end of the second period, the Blackhawks fell shorthanded after a Jonathan Toews penalty, but despite being shorthanded, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith managed to break through the Blues defense. Brian Elliot shuffled back-and-forth, trying to make himself wide, but Hossa fired a 24-foot wrister by the goalie, giving the Hawks a 2-2 tied game.
A Patrik Berglund interference penalty, gave the Hawks their first power play with less than 5:00 remaining in the second period. Patrick Sharp took advantage, blasting a 43-foot slapshot for a goal and a 3-2 Blackhawks lead, their first lead of the game.
A slew of late period penalties -- against Berglund, Dave Bolland and David Backes -- suddenly set the Hawks up for a 4-on-3 power play at the start of the third period, which Marian Hossa turned into his 11th goal of the season, a 33-foot slapshot to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead.
The Blackhawks will look for their aggressive offense (31 shots-on-goal compared to the Blues' 20) to bring them their 16th win of the season.
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