Blues 5, Blackhawks 1
BLUES 5, BLACKHAWKS 1: Andy McDonald scored twice and Jaroslav Halak matched a career high with his sixth straight victory as host St. Louis moved into sole possession of first place in the Central Division.
T.J. Oshie tallied for the second time in as many games and Vladimir Sobotka added a shorthanded goal as the Blues moved two points clear of the Detroit Red Wings, who dropped a 3-2 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
Andrew Brunette scored 1:58 into the third period and Ray Emery finished with 26 saves for the Blackhawks, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
Oshie opened the scoring 5:13 into the first period after he tipped defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo's point shot past Emery for his 17th goal of the season.
McDonald doubled the advantage with 38 seconds remaining after his shot caromed off the skate of a Chicago defender and past Emery.
After Brunette scored 1:58 into the third period to end Halak's bid for his second shutout versus the Blackhawks this season, McDonald sealed the win with his third tally in two games.
Halak finished with 19 saves.
GAME NOTEBOOK: St. Louis, which killed off all five shorthanded situations against Chicago, has not surrendered a power-play goal in its last 32 opportunities. ... Emery entered the contest having yielded three goals in his last three games. ... The teams have each won two contests thus far in the season series. The Blues improved to 27-4-4 at home this season.