Good morning Blues fans! The team played better in Buffalo than they did at home against Vancouver. Unfortunately, the results didn’t play out based on quality of play.
The St. Louis Blues fell to the Buffalo Sabres yesterday by the score of 3-2, but that’s not news to anyone at this point. The problem became the fact the Blues actually played better against Buffalo than they did against Vancouver and yet won against the Canucks and not against the Sabres.
These things happen over the course of a year. Not everyone gets what they deserve and quality of play doesn’t always equal results.
Blues fans know this just about as good as anyone. Sometimes guys get lucky and fall backward into a goal and sometimes your top scorers can’t buy a goal.
So, the game against Buffalo was just one of those things really. The Blues outshot, outplayed (for the most part, not all of it) and outhustled Buffalo for long stretches. They just could not outscore them.
In the end, the Blues were outdone by Robin Lehner. The Sabres goaltender made some big saves at key times to keep St. Louis off the board.
It seemed like it wasn’t going to go that way. Vladimir Tarasenko scored early and Alexander Steen rang one off the post all in the first ten minutes.
Unfortunately, the Blues just couldn’t crack the code to put another one in until the third period. While the team did get their first shorthanded goal, it just wasn’t enough.
The Blues were in the penalty box too much. Despite only giving up one powerplay goal, you can’t mount a comeback when playing shorthanded. That’s one of the few problems that carried over from the Hitchcock.
Yes, the Blues have had far fewer penalties (especially too many men) under Mike Yeo). However, the Blues just find ways to take a penalty at the most inopportune times. It’s a habit they bring on themselves, even if the officiating is less than stellar as it was in Buffalo.
So, the Blues can only keep looking forward. St. Louis plays against Florida on Monday as they attempt to get back to their winning ways.
They’ll do so without Kenny Agostino as the Blues sent him back to the AHL. Don’t consider it a demotion though as the Blues have already lost two guys to the waiver wire.
However, the Blues will be fine. Agostino did well in his stint and maybe he’ll get more of a shot next year. For now, the team needs to focus on getting healthy and winning however they can.
Here are your St. Louis Blues Morning Links to get your day started off right.
As mentioned, the Blues returned Agostino to Chicago. Hopefully he can take what he learned about the NHL and keep his scoring going with the Wolves. (Arch Authority)
When something has been all you’ve known your entire life, it is difficult to change. That’s true of many professional athletes and Barret Jackman is no different as he figures out the next phase of his life now that playing hockey is done. (STLToday)
The Blues knew they would get some returning players soon, but not necessarily against Buffalo. Kyle Brodziak said he’d missed enough time and forced his way back into the lineup. His return allowed the Blues to reunite their most consistent line from all season. (STLToday)
Not all coaching changes are created equal. Despite the much publisized move to bring Claude Julien back to Montreal, the Canadiens could not pull off a win in his debut. (ESPN)
If the Blues could have won, they would have been able to gain a little ground. The Edmonton Oilers were able to knock off Chicago and end their winning streak. (NHL)
Have a great day Blues fans!