Blues Blank Sharks, Stars Down Blackhawks

For a team that has given up more than its share of goals when the opponent has pulled the goalie, protecting a one-goal lead during a 6-on-3 advantage figured to be a tall task.

Brian Elliott and the St. Louis defense rose to the occasion.

Elliott made 37 saves in his second straight shutout since returning from an injury and the Blues withstood some tense moments late after taking a pair of penalties to beat the San Jose Sharks 1-0 on Tuesday night.

"We kind of just took away everything, and when they did have something they let me see it," Elliott said. "It was huge. That's a big kill for our team and especially at this time of year."

Robby Fabbri scored the lone goal midway through the third period to help the Blues finish the road trip with a 3-2 record to remain two points behind Central Division-leading Dallas. St. Louis is four points ahead of third-place Chicago.

Elliott has stopped all 56 shots he has faced against Vancouver and San Jose after missing nearly four weeks with a knee injury suffered in a loss to the Sharks last month.

Stars 6, Blackhawks 2

An opening bank shot, some pretty passing and a stylish breakaway, and it was all over.

The Dallas Stars are heading to the playoffs. The Chicago Blackhawks are searching for their postseason form.

Vernon Fiddler scored two of Dallas' four goals in the first period, and the Stars clinched a playoff spot with a 6-2 victory over the Blackhawks on Tuesday night.

"The last couple of years we've been that team that's been fighting for it right up until the last couple of games, so obviously it's nice to get the `X' beside Dallas," Fiddler said. "We still know we have a lot of work ahead of us and we're prepared to do that."

Dallas stretched its win streak to three and improved to 4-1 against Chicago, outscoring the Stanley Cup champions 20-11 in the season series. Colton Sceviour and Patrick Eaves also scored in the first, and Jamie Benn had two assists in his 500th NHL game.

The Stars (44-21-9) lead the Western Conference with 97 points with eight games left on their schedule. They also are on track for their first division title since they took the Pacific in 2006.

Tuesday, March 22 Scoreboard

Buffalo 3, Carolina 2

Columbus 3, Philadelphia 2 (SO)

Montreal 4, Anaheim 3

Washington 4, Ottawa 2

Tampa Bay 6, Detroit 2

Winnipeg 2, Vancouver 0

Minnesota 2, Los Angeles 1

Dallas 6, Chicago 2

Arizona 4, Edmonton 2

St. Louis 1, San Jose 0    

Wednesday, March 23 Schedule (All Times Central)

Ottawa at NY Islanders, 6 p.m.

Boston at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.