The Chicago Blackhawks will play the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Chicago is back in the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, while it is the Blues’ fourth straight postseason appearance.
The Hawks and Blues met five times this season. Chicago won two games in the five-game season series, but recorded a point in every game as St. Louis’ three wins came in overtime.
St. Louis was led by Vladimir Tarasenko (5 goals and an assist), who scored the tying and game-winner in overtime in the regular-season series finale. Alexander Steen (2G, 2A) and David Backes also scored two power-play goals in the season series.
Patrick Kane (2G, 2A), Teuvo Teravainen (1G, 3A) and Artemi Panarin (1G, 3A) each tallied four points against the Blues this season. Artem Anisimov and Andrew Shaw each scored two goals and added an assist.
Corey Crawford started four games and posted a 2.42 goals-against average with a .913 save percentage and one shutout. Scott Darling stopped 33 of 35 shots in the season series finale.
The two teams last met in the playoffs in the 2014 quarterfinals. Chicago dropped the first two games in overtime on the road before rolling off four straight wins to advance. The Hawks have posted a 32-24 record in 56 playoff meetings, and they’ve won eight of the 11 playoff series against St. Louis.
The complete schedule for the opening round between Chicago and St. Louis can be found here.