Jonathan Toews scored the lone goal in the shootout for the Blackhawks to win 4-3 over the Blues on Wednesday at the United Center in Chicago. The Blackhawks have Thursday off before having their home finale Friday against the Stars.
Elsewhere in Chicago sports, the Cubs signed third baseman David Bote to a five-year extension then fell 6-4 to the Braves. The White Sox clobbered the Indians, 8-3. Some guy named Walt Lemon Jr. hit two free throws with 1.8 seconds to play to lift the Bulls to a 115-114 win over the Wizards in Washington.
On Thursday, the Cubs wrap up their series against the Braves in Georgia. The White Sox home opener against the Mariners was pushed to Friday due to weather.
BLACKHAWKS
RECAP: Blackhawks win 4-3 in shootout, spoil Blues’ chances to tie Central lead (SCH)
Kane sets new season career high in points (SCH)
Watch: Blackhawks honor Esposito brothers with ‘One More Shift’ (SCH)
15 minutes of … insane: From accountant to NHL goalie (ESPN)
Caggiula had no intentions of fighting Byfuglien (Chicago Tribune)
5 reasons why the Blackhawks missed the playoffs — again (SCH)
CENTRAL DIVISION
How Avs can clinch playoff spot Thursday (The Denver Post)
NHL
RECAP: Miller makes 25 saves for Ducks in win against Flames (NHL)
RECAP: Senators defeat Rangers, deny Lundqvist win No. 450 (NHL)
Golden Knights sign St. Cloud State defenseman Jimmy Schuldt (TheScore)
Quinnpiac’s Priskie to become free agent, won’t sign with Capitals (TheScore)
HOCKEY WORLD
OHL Round 2 Preview: Expect tightly contested matchups (Sportsnet)
QMJHL Round 2 Preview: Goaltenders coming up big so far (Sportsnet)