Blues Win 4 in a Row – STL 4, NYR 1

On Saturday the Blues hosted the New York Rangers, who have been in a scoring funk lately. The Blues sent the Blue Shirts back to New York after beating them 4-1.

David Perron lead off the night’s scoring with a PPG at 14:07 in the 1^st period. Perron one-timed a puck past rookie goaltender Chad Johnson after some nice puck movement on the PP.

The Rangers tied the game in the 2^nd period on a complete defensive breakdown from the Blues’ embarrassment of a captain, Eric Brewer. Behind the net, Brewer failed to get rid of the puck as Aaron Voros and Brian Boyle double-teamed the slow-witted defenseman. Boyle brought the puck out front for a goal, his 4^th on the year.

Thankfully, the rest of the Blues’ defense isn’t so brain dead. Roman Polak scored 45 seconds into the 3^rd, after his slap shot deflected off a Ranger defenseman and into the net.

Alex Steen, who is continuing to prove his worth to this team, added another 3^rd period tally on a great individual effort. Steen skated in on the right side, down the boards, behind the net, and then backhanded a puck past Chad Johnson. It was a bad goal to give up for the rookie netminder, who left a gaping hole on the near post.

With a 3-1 lead late in the 3^rd the Rangers pulled the goalie for the extra man. Erik Johnson made a great defensive play, blocking a shot from his stomach and then poking the puck up ice to TJ Oshie and David Backes, who scored the EN.

This is the Blues’ first 3-game winning streak at home, and their first 4-game winning streak. Blues forwards seem to be getting more and more confident with the puck, which is resulting in some nice puck movement and plenty of chances.

The defense (Eric Brewer excluded, what a dunce) is stepping up too. Roman Polak has been skating like a champ and EJ’s realizing that if he can’t score, he can play some solid, responsible defense. Chris Mason has been phenomenal in the past couple of games, which never hurts matters. All these factors will hopefully increase the Blues’ season-high win streak as they face the Blue Jackets tomorrow.