Ep 1. Blackhawks vs. Blues: 04-04
- December 21, 2018
The NHL on NBCSN Highlights season 1 episode 1 features an exciting match-up between two Central Division rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. This highly anticipated game took place on April 4th, and hockey fans across the country tuned in to see which team would come out on top.
The Blackhawks came into the game with a record of 24-26-12, sitting at the bottom of the division standings. The Blues, on the other hand, had been having a much better season with a record of 39-18-10 and were looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs.
The game got off to a fast start, with both teams coming out with a lot of energy. The Blackhawks struck first, with a goal from Patrick Kane just three minutes into the game. Kane received a pass in the slot and sniped a shot past Blues goalie Jordan Binnington to give Chicago the early lead.
The Blues responded quickly, though, with a goal from David Perron just over a minute later. Perron scored on a rebound, putting the puck past Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford to tie the game at 1-1.
The rest of the first period was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams creating scoring chances but unable to find the back of the net. The second period saw much of the same, with both teams playing solid defense and getting strong goaltending from Crawford and Binnington.
Despite the close score, the game was physical and intense, with plenty of big hits and scrums after the whistle. These two teams have a history of heated matchups, and this game was no different.
The third period started with the game still tied at 1-1. Both teams looked to be pushing for a go-ahead goal, and the game opened up a bit as a result. The Blackhawks had a couple of strong chances, but Binnington came up big for the Blues, making some key saves to keep the game tied.
With just over five minutes left in the game, the Blues finally broke through. Zach Sanford scored what would end up being the game-winning goal, putting St. Louis up 2-1. Sanford got the puck in the slot and beat Crawford with a great shot, giving the Blues a lead they would not relinquish.
The Blackhawks tried to mount a comeback in the final minutes, pulling Crawford for an extra attacker, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The Blues held on for the 2-1 victory, clinching a playoff berth in the process.
Overall, this was a hard-fought and entertaining game between two bitter rivals. Despite being on opposite ends of the standings, the Blackhawks gave the Blues all they could handle, and both teams played with a lot of intensity and energy. Hockey fans were treated to a great game, with plenty of action and drama from start to finish.
