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St. Louis Blues Come Up Short in Offensive Showdown with Chicago Blackhawks

By Richard Bradley

Dec 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) shoots and scores an empty net goal as St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) dives to defend during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) shoots and scores an empty net goal as St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) dives to defend during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a high-scoring affair, the Blackhawks beat the Blues 6-4.

In a prelude to the Bridgestone Winter Classic at Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Blues faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks in St. Louis.

St. Louis started fast and was leading 4-3 at the end of the second period. Patrik Berglund scored twice on the night for the Blues, extending his home game with at least one goal streak to 14. Alex Pietrangelo and Kyle Brodziak each had a goal, rounding out the scoring for St. Louis.

Then, in what has become an all-too-common trend, the Blues’ defense eased up late in the game. This time, the lack of focus resulted in three unanswered goals and a home loss. Chicago is talented and has a potent offense leading the NHL with 46 points, but St. Louis had a comfortable lead.

However, the Blues’ defense lacks the tenacity that appeared to be promised by ssistant coach Rick Wilson‘s hiring In fact, it could be said that the defense has regressed. It’s an old cliché but still rings true: defense wins championships.

When asked about the loss, coach Ken Hitchcock said: “If we want to play with the top dogs, we’re going to have to play at a higher level. They were better than we were in critical ice. They dialed it up.”

Next: Who Was the Rising Star of St. Louis Sports in 2016?

With 4:25 left in regulation, Blackhawks wing Vinnie Hinostroza scored his second career NHL goal to ice the Blues, giving the visitors a late lead–a lead they would not relinquish, improving to 21-8-4 on the season.

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