Bolland's Shootout Goal Gives Blackhawks Win Over Blues

CHICAGO (AP) — Dave Bolland scored the only goal in a four-round shootout and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 on Thursday night to move closer to clinching a playoff berth.

The Blackhawks needed a victory and for Phoenix to lose to San Jose in regulation later Thursday night to clinch their fourth straight trip to the postseason.

The Blues, who have a league-leading 106 points, could have clinched the Central Division title with a victory.

St. Louis goalie Jaroslav Halak, starting after the Blues' other goalie, Brian Elliott, had posted three straight shutouts, made 37 saves. Seven of those came in overtime, including a great stop on Patrick Kane with about half a minute left.

Kris Russell's long slap shot through traffic was tipped in by David Perron with 1:32 left in regulation to tie the game, rallying the Blues after Chicago had taken a 3-1 lead early in the final period.

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