The Blackhawks and Blues amassed 169 penalty minutes combined in the first two meetings of the season. During the first period of Wednesday night's game at the United Center the teams stuck to the business of hockey and the Hawks have been the best at that thus far as they lead 1-0 at the first intermission.
Patrick Kane scored for the Hawks after a terrific defensive play by Troy Brouwer. Midway through the period Brouwer blocked a shot by the Blues' Roman Polak. The puck caromed to Kane and the winger was off to the races on a breakaway. Kane beat St. Louis goaltender Chris Mason with a backhand move for his team-leading 22nd goal of the season.
There were no penalties called in the opening period.
Cristobal Huet is in goal for the Hawks. Antti Niemi had been scheduled to start but missed the game with an illness.
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