Chicago Blackhawks Get Back Into Series With Shutout Of St. Louis Blues

Apr 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) is knocked to the ice by Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Home ice advantage has been important in the Western Conference so far this playoff season, and the Chicago Blackhawks used that to their advantage as Corey Crawford made 34 saves to record the shutout and lead the Hawks to a 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues.

The Hawks now trail the best of 7 first round series 2-1.

It was another hard-hitting affair by both teams, but mostly from the St. Louis side as they tried to exact some revenge for Brent Seabrook‘s hit on David Backes late in game 2.

Jonathan Toews‘ relatively weak goal on a wrist shot from just inside the blue line that got through Ryan Miller 4:10 into the first period was the difference as Crawford was spectacular at times in keeping the Blues off the scoreboard.   Marcus Kruger added the empty netter for the insurance marker.

The Blues dominated the first and third periods, while Chicago had more of the play in the second, aided by 4 consecutive Blues penalties in the period.   Steve Ott was particularly rambunctious for the Blues, getting credited with 8 hits, including a crushing blow to Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith, but somehow Keith was able to get up and continue to play.

Game 4 will be played Wednesday in Chicago.