The Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars are knotted up in a scoreless tie after one period at the United Center on Thursday night. Neither team was able to get the puck into the net in a relatively defensively-minded period that didn't see a great deal of shooting.
Neither goaltender was especially challenged in the first period on Thursday, as the two teams mustered a combined 11 shots on goal. Dallas goalie Richard Bachman saved all six shots that came his way, while Chicago goalie Corey Crawford did the same on the five shots that he saw.
Another win tonight would be big for the Blackhawks as they try to climb up the Western Conference standings without captain Jonathan Toews, who's dealing with an upper body injury. Chicago has won four straight games.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as the game continues, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.