Chicago blues (again): Blackhawks start season on down note

Here’s a breakdown of the St. Louis Blues’ 5-2 win over the Blackhawks in the season opener Wednesday.

Game-changing plays

1. Ryan Hartman scored his first NHL goal and pulled the Blackhawks ahead 2-1 at 13:57 of the second period. The goal was the reward of his and Tyler Motte’s hustle. Motte initially got the puck into the offensive zone and lost it when he tripped on a stick. The Blues retrieved the puck and attempted to get it out of their zone, but Hartman intercepted a pass at the blue line. Seconds later, Motte missed the puck on a backhand attempt at the net, and Hartman was there to bury it.

2. The Blackhawks’ advantage was short-lived. They picked up four penalties in a 3:37 stretch,…