April 10--ST. LOUIS -- The Chicago Blackhawks continued their battle for the top spot in the Central Division when they faced the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at Scottrade Center.
Corey Crawford made his third consecutive start in goal for the Hawks and was opposed by rookie Jake Allen for the Blues.
The Hawks entered the game trailing the first-place Blues by three points and were two back of the Nashville Predators for second. All three teams had two games remaining in the regular season.
First period update
After 20 minutes of play, the game was scoreless. The Hawks held an 8-7 shot advantage.
Roster report
The Hawks were without Marcus Kruger (illness), Brad Richards (upper body), Daniel Carcillo (upper body) and Kimmo Timonen (upper body) due to injuries while Michael Paliotta was a healthy scratch. Sitting for the Blues were Vladimir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen, Robert Bortuzzo, Olli Jokinen and Chris Butler.
Kane update
While the Hawks wrap up the regular season with two road games, Patrick Kane continues to skate in Chicago while recovering from a broken left collarbone. The winger has been taking slap shots and one-timers and is waiting for official clearance to take contact. Coach Joel Quenneville indicated Kane is reaching that point.
"I don't necessarily say full contact, but he's out there pushing as best he can," Quenneville said. "He hasn't had really any contact since we've been there (but) I think that might be ratcheting up as we go along here."
Quenneville remained non-committal about an early return for Kane, who initially was expected to miss around 12 weeks following the Feb. 24 injury.
"We'll get a better indication as we go along here," Quenneville said. "But I think he's excited about where he's progresses. But, medically, that's a barrier we'll cross. He's done everything he can to put himself in that spot."
Up next
At Avalanche, 8 p.m. Saturday.
