Blackhawks 2, Blues 0: Corey Crawford stopped all 34 shots he faced for his third career postseason shutout and captain Jonathan Toews scored early in the first period as host Chicago halved its deficit by winning Game 3 of its Western Conference first-round series.

Marcus Kruger added an empty-net tally while defensemen Duncan Keith and Sheldon Brookbank each notched an assist on Toews' goal. The reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks, who posted a 2-0-1 home mark against their Central Division rival during the regular season, look to even the series when they host Game 4 on Wednesday.

Ryan Miller turned aside 23 shots for the Blues, who were shut out for the fourth time in their last nine contests.

After coming under fire for yielding late third-period goals in each of the first two games, Crawford was not going to be denied on Monday. The 29-year-old made 15 saves in the first session and kept St. Louis at bay for his first playoff shutout since turning aside 25 shots in a 3-0 win over Minnesota on May 7, 2013.

Toews' wrist shot from above the left faceoff circle sailed between the pads of Miller 4:10 into the contest to open the scoring. The slim advantage held up before Kruger sealed the win by backhanding a loose puck into the empty net with 20 seconds remaining.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Brookbank entered the lineup in place of fellow D Brent Seabrook, who was suspended three games by the NHL for his hit to the head of St. Louis captain David Backes on Saturday. Backes was replaced in the lineup by C Patrik Berglund, who returned after missing three contests with an upper-body injury. ... Chicago LW Brandon Saad and C Michal Handzus each picked up an assist on Kruger's empty-net tally. ... Blues C Vladimir Sobotka injured his right hand while blocking a shot by Blackhawks LW Patrick Sharp during the second period. He returned later in the session.