Crawford to start as Blackhawks look to continue momentum

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Corey Crawford will get the start for the Blackhawks and Michal Rozsival will be among the defensive starters again as the Chicago Blackhawks open their home schedule against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center tonight.

The Blackhawks (2-0-0) will face a Blues squad that pulled out a shootout victory in Nashville on Monday. Brian Elliott is slated to start in goal for St. Louis.

For the Blackhawks, the seasons start couldnt have been much better. They outscored Los Angeles and Phoenix by a combined 11-6 and want to bring that power and intensity back home.

That's what we talked about this morning here going into today's game, coach Joel Quenneville said. We're playing a team we know has played very well over the last year and have gotten off to a strong start. We want to make sure we do everything quick, that we've got good energy going into the puck area. We want the puck. Our transition was good, and we want to make sure that's going to be continued on here today.

Each team presents their challenges. The Blackhawks have had a much stronger start on special teams this season, and Marian Hossa is looking as heathy as hes ever been. He has five points in two games. For the Blues, goaltending remains a strong suit. Elliott came in for Jaroslav Halak midway through the Blues game in Nashville on Monday and earned the shootout victory. And rookie Vladimir Tarasenko is off to a five-point start of his own (3-2-5).

Hes a kid that just loves to compete and play, Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. He has a real throwback attitude, which I really appreciate, a real sincere menality. He respects the game and veterans. All talent aside, who knows where this thing goes career-wise. But when you have that type of attitude and sincerity to your disposition, it bodes really well for him.

As for stopping guys like Hossa and Jonathan Toews, Hitchcock said its always a challenge.

To me, theres skill and then theres skill with strength. And they both have (the latter), Hitchcock said. They both can buy enough time one on one to make it difficult. Theyre probably best pair in the league because they can buy time to create 2 on 1s, because theyre so strong with the puck. Theyre big difference makers. Hopefully they have an off night.

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