Stanley Cup Playoffs : Blues Get Even With Blackhawks in Two Overtimes, 5-4

Tony Hrkac, playing in his first playoff game this season, scored at 13:49 of the second overtime period Thursday night to give the St. Louis Blues a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, evening the Norris Division finals at one win apiece.

Hrkac picked up the puck off the right boards in Chicago’s zone and skated through the faceoff circle to send his shot past goaltender Alain Chevrier, who stopped 51 shots.

The Blues outshot Chicago, 56-35.

Chicago never led, managing only 18 shots in the first 60 minutes, but battled into three ties.

It was the Blues’ longest game in history and Chicago’s first double-overtime game since April 25, 1985 at Minnesota.

The series will continue Saturday and Monday nights in Chicago.

Brian Benning gave St. Louis its third lead, 4-3, with a goal at 3:59 of the third period. Chicago’s Dirk Graham tied the game at 11:19.

The Blues jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first 1:52 on goals by rookie Rod Brind’Amour and Sergio Momesso, but St. Louis sagged after a game misconduct penalty on Todd Ewen at 12:42 of the first period.

Ewen was ejected by referee Andy van Hellemond for leaving the bench to fight Wayne Van Dorp--earning an automatic 10-game suspension under NHL rules. Blue Coach Brian Sutter faces a possible five-game suspension.

Duane Sutter started Chicago’s comeback at 3:06 of the middle period, scoring from in front off Greg Gilbert’s centering pass. Adam Creighton tied the game with a shorthanded goal at 8:42 after stealing the puck from St. Louis defenseman Paul Cavallini.

Brett Hull put the Blues ahead again, 3-2, at 13:17, but Steve Larmer took a pass from Denis Savard and beat Blues goaltender Greg Millen 51 seconds later.

Benning scored his go-ahead goal on a power play, the Blues only conversion on nine Chicago penalties. St. Louis started the game with only six power-play goals in 34 tries during the playoffs.