The Chicago Blackhawks continued their perfect record in the NHL this season with a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
After winning their first two matches of the campaign on the road, Chicago delighted their fans at the United Center with an impressive triumph against the fast-finishing Blues.
In the first of five matches between the two sides, Chicago started well and took the lead after just seven minutes when Patrick Kane opened the scoring.
Brent Seabrook doubled the Blackhawks' advantage when he converted Duncan Keith's assist eight minutes into the second period and when Viktor Stalberg netted early in the third, it looked like the hosts would win easy.
But Andy McDonald gave St. Louis a lifeline with a quick reply and T.J. Oshie made things very interesting with his power play goal, scored with just over five minutes remaining.
Chicago goalkeeper Corey Crawford was impressive all night though and his performance – which included 32 saves – ensured that the Blackhawks would hang on for another win.
They now top the Western Conference thanks to a superb start to the lockout-affected season.
The New Jersey Devils are also unbeaten, making it two wins from two with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.Most of the damage was done early as goals from Travis Zajac, David Clarkson and Ilya Kovalchuk secured victory.
Philadelphia have now lost their first three matches of the season.Andrei Markov bagged a double as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 while the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by the same scoreline.
The Colorado Avalanche came from behind to beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1, Michael Ryder scored both goals for the Dallas Stars in a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings and the Winnipeg Jets toppled the Washington Capitals 4-2.
Two goals in the last period helped the Nashville Predators to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild and a flying six-goal start to the San Jose Earthquakes got them a 6-3 road trip win against the Edmonton Oilers.