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Niemi Nearly Shuts Out the Blues

Written by: EricC on 7th February 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks have already Shut Out the St. Louis Blues once this season, and they almost did it again on Saturday night. The Blackhawks needed this win to lift their spirits up again; after losing to the Phoenix Coyotes in a Shoot Out the previous night, Chicago endured its first “three game loss streak” of the season. The Blackhawks still have a huge lead in the Central Division, and are only four points away from tying the Western Conference Leader.

Once again, Chicago put in an early goal; Only five and a half minutes into the game Patrick Sharp scored off an assist from Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. The night before, the early goal had been the only one Chicago put in during Regulation Time. Luckily, before the first period could come to an end, Toews made it a two goal lead for the Hawks. The Blackhawks held off the Blues for nearly the entire game, until St. Louis finally scored in the final 1:46 during a Power Play.

Antti Niemi, returning from illness, played his first game since being pulled in the game against the Vancouver Canucks. There was no reason to pull Niemi in this game as he almost grabbed his fifth Shut Out of the season. Niemi had 34 saves against the Blues.

The Blackhawks will get a couple days off before taking on the Dallas Stars this Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30 P.M. CT. The Blackhawks are looking to put up a win against the Stars after losing the first two match ups with them this season.