NHL: Chicago 3, St. Louis 0

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ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Corey Crawford and Ray Emery combined for 21 saves Thursday and carried Chicago past St. Louis 3-0 to extend the Blackhawks' historic start to the season.

Chicago has played 20 games this year and has yet to lose in regulation (17-0-3). That is the longest such run to begin a campaign in NHL history and their current winning streak has reached seven.

Crawford opened in goal for the Blackhawks and stopped six shots. He appeared shaken up, however, as he headed to the locker room for the first intermission and he was replaced by Emery to begin the second period.

Jonathan Toews recorded his eighth and ninth goals of the season, scoring just 12 seconds into the game when he tipped in a shot by Brandon Saad.

Chicago protected that 1-0 lead until Andrew Shaw delivered some insurance 2:11 into the third. Toews again tipped in a shot for his second goal 5 minutes later.

Jaroslav Halak surrendered the three goals on 23 shots. St. Louis has lost three out of four.