Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Apr 2, 2009 2:40PM

'Hawks Silence Blues
The Chicago Blackhawks overcame the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, winning by a score of 3-1. The 'Hawks were dominant in the first two periods, outshooting their opponents 21 to seven and jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Johnathan Toews and Samuel Pahlsson recorded Chicago's first two scores and Colin Fraser sealed the deal with a shorthanded backhander late in the third. 'Hawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was two seconds away from a shut out, but Jeff Woywitka saved face for the St. Louis and put a biscuit in the basket. The Chicago victory halted a five-game winning streak for the Blues and ended the season series with St. Louis at 2-2-2. The Blackhawks sneak back into the four spot and will host the Predators on Friday.

College Basketball
The Illinois State women's team was eliminated from the WNIT on Wednesday with 75-72 semifinals loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. The Redbirds trailed by as many as 17 points in the second half but steadily marched back into contention. With the margin down to one possession in the game's final minutes, Kansas was rock steady from the free-throw line, making 10 of 11 to preserve their slim lead. The Jayhawks shot 16 percent better than the Redbirds and dominated the defensive boards, but let Illinois State back into the hunt by committing 12 more turnovers than their opponents. Chicago-native Kristi Cirone finished her collegiate career with 24 points and seven boards, and will likely find a home in the WNBA.