St Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks Free NHL Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 4/22/2014
Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 PM on NBCS, CBC, RDS, CSNC
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
The Chicago Blackhawks desperately needed a win against the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their series. Thanks to great play by their netminder and solid team defense, they were able to get that win by a score of 2-0. Both teams did well to kill off penalties in the game, with the Blackhawks going 0-for-4 and the Blues failing on their three chances with the extra man.
Jonathan Toews only had two shots on goal in the game, but his first period tally was the eventual game-winner. He got a bit lucky on the goal, as it trickled through the goalie's legs, but the Blackhawks will take any luck they can get in this close series. That goal was also the first goal by any Chicago forward in the series.
Center Marcus Kruger scored the second goal for the Blackhawks late in the third period off assists from Brandon Saad and Michal Handzus.
Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford had a great night in net, saving all 34 of the Blues' shots. He played well in the first two games of the series, too, including a 48-save performance in Game 1, but this time he got some help from his defense and was able to keep every shot out of his net.
Blues goaltender Ryan Miller also had a solid game, saving 23 of the 24 shots he faced for a .958 save percentage.
ATS Trends
St Louis is 24-17 straight up on the road this season
St Louis is 14-21-6 against the over/under on the road this season
Chicago is 27-14 straight up at home this season
Chicago is 18-22-1 against the over/under at home this season
Injuries to Watch
St Louis
04/21/14 C David Backes Head questionable Wednesday vs. Chicago
01/16/14 RW Jamie Langenbrunner None has retired
Chicago
11/16/13 GO Nikolai Khabibulin Rotator Cuff out 4-5 months
11/05/13 C Brad Mills Ankle out indefinitely
04/20/14 D Brent Seabrook Suspension expected to miss next 3 games
Josh's Pick: Take Chicago
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