St. Louis Blues Injuries Continue as They Fall To San Jose 6-3

The St. Louis Blues saw Ryan Reaves get a game misconduct, Brian Elliott get injured and their five game winning streak come to an end.

The St. Louis Blues came into tonight’s game with high expectations. After finally finding some offensive production against the Arizona Coyotes they found themselves only two points behind the Western Conference leading Chicago Blackhawks. While the loss of Alex Steen was devastating, the Blues seemed determined not to dwell on what has been a resounding theme this year. Then the first period happened.

Four minutes and 44 seconds into the first period, Tomas Hertl scored on a wrap around play after receiving a pass from Joe Thornton to give San Jose their first goal of the night. Although it would have been nice if Brian Elliott had been able to make the stop it, this goal was a direct result of a defensive breakdown. Jay Bouwmeester was able to corral Thornton along the boards but watched as Patrik Berglund let Hertl go without so much as a love tap. This would not be the last bad decision by a Blues player.

Moments later, the crowd at Scottrade Center was brought to a stunned silence as they watched Ryan Reaves drop Matt Tennyson to the ice on an blatantly illegal boarding hit. This careless decision by Reeves set off a chain of events to which the aftermath will be felt for several games to come.

I want to go on record as saying that I have always been a Reaves fan. While maybe not being the most talented of hockey players, he has always known what his role on this team is and has tried to fill that role to the best of his ability. However, tonight he unfortunately took that role to far. Although I don’t believe that Reaves had any malicious motive whatsoever, there really is no excuse for what happened.

For his actions Reaves was handed a five minute boarding penalty and was promptly ejected from the game. Not only did this leave the St. Louis Blues down a forward, it would also lead to another devastating injury.

More from St Louis Blues News

After allowing San Jose’s Hertl to score his second of the night during the first half of their five minute power play, Elliott would see his impressive run as starting goaltender come to a screeching halt. While throwing himself backwards in a futile attempt to stop a goal, Elliott appeared to injure his knee and would immediately leave the ice. Ready or not Jake Allen would make his return.

It would have been very easy at this point for the St. Louis Blues to hang their heads and throw in the towel. I’m not sure I would have blamed them. They just watched as another one of their key players would leave the ice in pain, not to mention trailing 3-0 with over two periods left to play. Despite it all this team decided not to go down with out a fight.

Feb 22, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Sharks defeated the Blues 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

At 16:38 in the first, Logan Couture would be called for tripping, which would give the St. Louis Blues their first power play of the night. This time it would be captain David Backes that would capitalize. After setting up in front of the net, Backes was able to punch in his 200th career goal off a rebound from a shot by Jaden Schwartz. Vladimir Tarasenko would also notch his first of three points with an assist.

At 11:25 in the second period the St. Louis Blues would get another power play goal. This time it would come off the stick of Tarasenko. Although the Blues were able to draw within one, it would be short lived. Twenty seconds later, Couture would gain back San Jose’s two goal lead after beating a screened Allen.

As a Blues fan, this has to be the most frustrating thing to watch. Just when you think we are back in it, before you can even get done high-fiving the person sitting next to you, you get the wind knocked right out of you. It would also prove to knock the wind out of the Blues as well. Despite the score, which was mostly the result of a five minute power play, the Blues had put up a good fight. They had remained physical and aggressive, but in the end, their first period downfalls proved to much of an emotional and physical obstacle to over come.

While the St. Louis was able to keep up their determination at the start of the third period, Joe Thornton‘s goal at 7:26 would be the final nail in the Blues coffin. The Blues were able to tally one more goal – off a slapshot from Jay Bouwmeester no less – but three goals would be all this offense could muster. Thornton would add insult to injury as he scored his second of the night off an empty netter. Final score 6-3 San Jose.

Next: Is Petteri Lindbohm in the Doghouse?

Granted the St. Louis Blues wining streak had to come to an end at some point but I don’t think anyone was ready for this. While it is wrong to place this entire loss on Reaves, this game would remind us that every team is only as strong as its weakest link. If that play doesn’t happen, there is no doubt the outcome would have been total different. Not to mention there would probably be one less injury. But as has been the theme for this unbelievable season, the St. Louis Blues have no choice but to adapt and overcome. Reaves will most likely be suspend for a few games which will leave the blues down yet another player as well as losing a league leading goaltender. Apparently for the St. Louis Blues, this rollercoaster ride is not over yet.