Blackhawks 5, Blues 2
Marian Hossa scored twice as the Chicago Blackhawks spoiled the return of David Perron to the St. Louis lineup with a 5-2 victory over the host Blues on Saturday night.
With the Blackhawks clinging to a one-goal lead over the surging Blues, Hossa capped his first two-goal performance of the season 1:17 into the third period with a blast from the top of the slot as Chicago enjoyed a 4-on-3 advantage.
Michael Frolik added an empty netter as the Blackhawks prevailed for the fourth time in the past five games.
Perron celebrated his return from a 97-game absence with a goal just 6:21 into the opening period. The veteran forward, who hadn't played since Nov. 4, 2010 due to a concussion, took a centering pass from Patrik Berglund before waiting out Chicago netminder Ray Emery and flicking a shot into the top of the net.
Chicago evened the score in the first minute of the second period. Patrick Kane forced a turnover and the puck made its way back to Niklas Hjalmarsson, whose blast from the point was redirected by Jonathan Toews.
After Chris Stewart put the Blues back in front at 8:10, Chicago stormed back with a pair of goals in a 2:55 span to take control. Hossa kept the puck on a shorthanded 2-on-1 break and beat St. Louis netminder Brian Elliott on the glove side, and Patrick Sharp made it 3-2 with a slap shot from the top of the circle that eluded Elliott on the short side.
It marks the first time in 12 games this season that Elliott has allowed more than two goals.