Blackhawks win against NHL leading Blues

Dave Bolland scored the game clinching shootout goal to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win over the NHL leading St. Louis Blues on Thursday (March 29) at United Center.Chicago appeared to have the game won when Patrick Sharp netted his 31st goal of the season to give the Blackhawks a 3-1 lead midway through the third period but the usually defensive minded Blues managed goals from Jason Arnott andthen David Perron with just 1:32 left to play to even the contest at 3-3 and send it to extra time.After five minutes of scoreless overtime play the game moved to a shootout where Chicago goalie Corey Crawford didnt allow a single tally while his St. Louis counterpart Jaroslav Halak was beaten only by Bolland to earn the Blackhawks the extra point.Chicagos first two goals were credited to Bryan Bickell and Andrew Brunette while Alex Steen scored early for the Blues.With just four games remaining in the regular season, the win all but ensured that Chicago (42-26-9 95 points) will take part in the playoffs as they moved six points ahead of the ninth placed team. The overtime loss gave the Blues (48-20-10) 106 points on the season and moved them back into the overall top spot in the league by one point over the New York Rangers.