ST. LOUIS, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The Chicago Blackhawks edged St. Louis, 3-2, Tuesday in Andy Murray's first game as head coach of the Blues.
St. Louis fired Mike Kitchen on Monday and replaced him with Murray, who previously guided the Los Angeles Kings from 1999-2006 and ranks first in Kings' history in both wins (215) and games coached (480).
Kitchen, who was named head coach in February of 2004, led the Blues to the worst record in the Western Conference at the time of his firing.
Veteran forward Peter Bondra, who Chicago signed to a contract on Sunday, scored in his first game with the Blackhawks, who had three goals in the third period in a span of 2:04.
St. Louis goaltender Marek Schwarz made his first-career start and allowed three goals on 24 shots. Christian Backman had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who have lost eight straight.
