Blues Cool Off Blackhawks, NHL News

The battle for the top spot in the Western Conference was almost over. Then Vladimir Tarasenko stepped up for the St. Louis Blues.

Tarasenko scored his second goal of the game at 3:37 of overtime, and the Blues cooled off the Chicago Blackhawks with a 2-1 victory Thursday night in a possible playoff preview.

St. Louis (49-23-9) won for the eighth time in nine games to remain tied with Dallas for the Central Division lead. The Stars, who finished off a 4-2 victory over Colorado right before Tarasenko's winner, own the first tiebreaker heading into their season finale against Nashville on Saturday, while the Blues host NHL-leading Washington in their finale on the same night.

"We want home ice the whole way," said Brian Elliott, who made 24 saves. "Obviously, Washington is going to win that. But in our conference, in our division there, if we can get that home-ice advantage, that's a big thing. Especially if we get past the first couple of series."

Tarasenko also tied it with 1:16 left in regulation with a laser from the left circle on a rebound attempt off a shot from Kevin Shattenkirk. His team-best 39th goal was an easy one, with Alex Pietrangelo making a nice pass to set up an open net in overtime.

"I was calling for it and thanks, Petro," Tarasenko said.

Jonathan Toews scored for Chicago (47-27-7) which had won five of six. Scott Darling, subbing for the injured Corey Crawford, made 33 saves.

The Blackhawks are locked into the third spot in the Central and will face the Blues or the Stars in the first round.

Thursday, April 7 Scoreboard

Boston 5, Detroit 2

Tampa Bay 4, New Jersey 2

NY Islanders 4, NY Rangers 1

Toronto 4, Philadelphia 3 (OT)

Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3 (OT)

Montreal 4, Carolina 2

Ottawa 3, Florida 1

Nashville 3, Arizona 2 (OT)

St. Louis 2, Chicago 1 (OT)

Dallas 4, Colorado 2

Calgary 7, Vancouver 3

Los Angeles 2, Anaheim 1

Winnipeg 5, San Jose 4

Friday, April 8 (Time Central)

Columbus at Buffalo, 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 9 Schedule (All Times Central)

Ottawa at Boston, 11:30 a.m.

Detroit at NY Rangers, 11:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.

Anaheim at Colorado, 4:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Montreal, 6 p.m.

Carolina at Florida, 6 p.m.

Toronto at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

Chicago at Columbus, 6 p.m.

Calgary at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Buffalo at NY Islanders, 6:30 p.m.

Washington at St. Louis, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Dallas, 7 p.m.

Edmonton at Vancouver, 9 p.m.

Winnipeg at Los Angeles, 9 p.m.

Arizona at San Jose, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 10 Schedule (All Times Central)

Philadelphia at NY Islanders, 6 p.m.

Anaheim at Washington, 6:30 p.m.