Hockey Day In America, Blues At Blackhawks Final Score: Blues Fall Apart, Lose 3-1

For only the second time this season, the Blues have lost a game in regulation after leading for two periods. Of course, it came on the road; of course, it came against the Central Division; of course, it was nationally televised.

After controlling the play for the entire first period and at least being in the game in the second, the Blues ceased trying in the third. They were outshot 14-8 in the period, and even though they still led the Hawks 30-27 in SOG, it doesn’t matter when only one of those shots gets in, practically on accident. More Blues shots than Hawks shots made it to the net, too, which renders the loss even more frustrating.

The Hawks’ scored on a Duncan Keith blast that made it past Brian Elliott (great screen, Chris Stewart!) and the other was a Dave Bolland shot that hit David Backes’ skate and went in. The third, of course, was an empty net goal by Hossa that sealed the deal.

The Blues absolutely have to be able to score to put games away. Not every game is going to be against an opponent with a porous defense or a goaltender having an off night. They also need to learn how to play in their own division, and on the road. Chances are that they’ll finish in the 4th seed position, and that will more than likely mean an inter division series against either the Predators or the Blackhawks.

If the goal scorers who aren’t goal-scoring don’t wake up, it’s going to be a very long short series for St. Louis.

Hockey Day In America, Blues At Blackhawks Second Period Score: Blues Still Up 1-0

You have to give the Blackhawks credit. They played a terrible and flat first period, and Coach Joel Quenneville did not seem happy with their play — at least judging by the shade of purple that he was. This period the Hawks seemed to be applying a little bit more effort, but Blues’ goaltender Brian Elliot has done a good job of keeping the door shut despite increased pressure.

The Blackhawks outshot the Blues nine to seven in a period that had them on the power play just once. The Blues, however, had no such luck with getting the whistle to go in their favor. St. Louis still has a sizable lead in shots of 22-13, but might want to limit the Blackhawks chances in the third period. Too many of their shots came a little too close for comfort.

Hockey Day In America, Blues At Blackhawks First Period Score: Blues Lead 1-0

Both the Blues and the Blackhawks played yesterday afternoon. This should be the usual part of a back to back, albeit a few hours earlier, but it only looks like one team got rested last night. The Blackhawks obviously put forth a lot of effort in their 6-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, because they’re putting forth minimal effort today here in Chicago.

Brian Elliott hasn’t had to work much so far. The Blackhawks only have four shots on net in 20 minutes of play, and that is with the two power plays that they had. That brings the Blues’ total for shots allowed the past four periods up to a whopping 17. Brian Elliott might as well set up a lawn chair and grab a beer if the defense is going to make him work this tough.

Kudos to Andy McDonald for his third goal in three games. McDonald personified right place, right time with this tally. Berglund’s shot trickled through Corey Crawford, who wasn’t exactly aware where the puck was. Langenbrunner tried an ill-advised kick — always a surefire way to have a goal disallowed — but McDonald was there to tap the puck in. Upon further review, the goal was deemed a good one, and the Blues’re taking a 1-0 lead into the second period.

Blues At Blackhawks: A Division Rivalry Gets National Attention

It's Hockey Day in America, and for select markets NBC will grace their televisions with the Blues and Blackhawks -- the best rivalry out of the three games scheduled to be shown at the same time.