St. Louis Blues' Kyle Clifford (13) keeps is eye on a loose puck as Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and Erik Gustafsson (56) defend during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Torey Krug scored and Jordan Binnington made 25 saves in the St. Louis Blues' 1-0 victory over the winless Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.
The Blackhawks dropped to 0-7-2 to set a franchise record for the worst start to a season. Chicago was winless through eight games in 1953-54, when they were 0-7-1, and 1999-00, when they were 0-4-4.
The Blues rebounded after their first loss of the season Thursday night.
Krug scored on a power play at 7:35 of the third period. Vladimir Tarasenko fed Krug in the right faceoff circle. Krug's wrist shot beat Marc-Andre Fleury through his pads.
With the assist, Tarasenko extended his points streak to six games (four goals, five assists).
Binnington earned his ninth career shutout. He improved to 11-1-3 over his last 15 regular-season starts.
Fluery made 36 saves for Chicago. He's 0-5-0 this season.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Blues LW Brandon Saad has been cleared from COVID-19 protocol. He skated Saturday morning before practice began and then left. He is expectd back on the ice soon and could be ready to play in Wednesday's game against the Kings in Los Angeles. Saad last played Oct. 20 against Vegas. ... Blues C Ryan O'Reilly, former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, remains out on COVID-19 protocol. ... Chicago's Patrick Kane, Jujhar Khaira and Riley Stillman all remain day-to-day in COVID-19 Protocol.
INJURIES
Chicago C Tyler Johnson (neck soreness) was scratched for the game. Johnson left Friday's game (a 6-3 loss to Carolina) in the second period. Coach Jeremy Colliton described the injury as a stinger in his neck and shoulder area.
UP NEXT
Blackhawks: Host Ottawa on Monday night.
Blues: At Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
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Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury reaches for a loose puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas (18) celebrates a goal by teammate Torey Krug, not shown, as Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and Calvin de Haan (44) watch during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
St. Louis Blues' Brayden Schenn yells out after slamming into the boards during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
Chicago Blackhawks' Adam Gaudette (11) reaches for a loose puck as St. Louis Blues' Klim Kostin (37) and Colton Parayko (55) defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
Chicago Blackhawks' Alex DeBrincat, left, and St. Louis Blues' Colton Parayko collide along the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
Chicago Blackhawks' Alex DeBrincat (12) and St. Louis Blues' Colton Parayko (55) chase after a loose puck along the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press
St. Louis Blues' Klim Kostin (37) is unable to score past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and Seth Jones (4) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Associated Press