Blackhawks use 3-goal 3rd to beat Blues 4-1

CHICAGO -- Kris Versteeg scored 59 seconds into the third period, Patrick Kane added two more goals, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Wednesday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Marcus Kruger also scored for Chicago, and Antti Raanta had 40 saves in his first start since Corey Crawford was sidelined by a left foot injury. Versteeg also had the primary assist on each of Kane's goals as the Blackhawks' second line enjoyed another big performance.

Back at home after a 5-1 road trip, Chicago killed off each of St. Louis' six power plays and won for the seventh time in eight games.

Ian Cole scored in the second for the Blues, who had won four of five. Jake Allen made 29 saves.

Martin Brodeur was the backup to Allen in St. Louis' first game since the NHL's winningest goalie signed a one-year contract on Tuesday.

The line of Versteeg, Brad Richards and Kane has played a key role in the Blackhawks' resurgence. Versteeg has four goals and 10 assists in his last eight games, and Kane has eight goals and seven assists in his last nine games.

Versteeg put Chicago in front for good when he one-timed a pass from Jonathan Toews into the lower right side of the net for his eighth of the season. He then made a pair of nice passes to Kane to help the Blackhawks put the game away.

Kane beat Allen to the stick side at 2:47 of the third. He added his 12th goal when he made a terrific move to get past defenseman Barret Jackman before sliding a shot between Allen's legs at 5:19.