Hello, St. Louis Blues fans. We got off to a slow start in the beginning of the game, but as the end of the first period approached we regained our road trip mentality.
The St. Louis Blues didn’t have a game since a loss at Scottrade Center on Monday the 20th against the Florida Panthers. It’s hard enough to play after a layoff, let alone against hot players like Johnathan Toews and Patrick Kane, especially when they are the Blackhawks main goal contributors.
Chicago opened the game by scoring first and the Blues looked lost defensively on the goal, but turned it around. Even after the game winning goal, when Artem Anisimov scored the urgency rose for the Blues, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
I thought they played great, even when they were down 2-0. Both teams executed the powerplay extremely well and had a good penalty kill too.
One of the positives was the Blues’ ability to bounce back. Earlier in the season they would’ve given up when down 2-0, but this time they kept at it and tied up the game.
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Magnus Paajarvi looked like a completely different player before and after scoring the Blues first goal. Alex Pietrengelo took a big step toward being a true captain by sticking through an injury and tying the game up.
It’s anyone’s game when it’s tied, but unfortunately, the Blackhawks were just able to capitalize on a top shelf goal. The defense was again lacking as the Hawks took the final lead, but the Blues still had chances.
When there was only a minute left in the third period and the team was down by a goal they should shoot the puck. St. Louis kept passing and passing which caused a defensive break and eventually an empty net goal. It’s a tough loss against a great team, but the Blues need to push a little harder as we might just have to play this team in the playoffs.
Jake Allen played a solid game and his ability to only let in a couple of goals is normal for any goalie. He’s been performing exceptionally well considering Martin Brodeur took over as the goalie development coach only a short time ago.
He had a series of saves throughout the game, one even being what was a desperation save. The turnovers didn’t really cause the loss by themselves, but it was the odd man rushes. With some of Chicago’s elite players playing the puck so well on an odd-man rush, it is very difficult to read whether or not the play will be a pass or shot.
As the trade deadline is just around the corner there are still many decisions to be made about Kevin Shattenkirk. He is a superior defenseman and knows how to shoot the puck. Picking up fair trade value is going to be difficult.
In any given case, I’m sure it is a tough call on whether or not to sign a deal as well. I’m happy to see Patrik Berglund with a five-year extension. He is also a great forward who can put up points.
Regardless of who will be in the lineup, the team will keep playing. The St. Louis Blues will play the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday at home. Whether certain players will be there to suit up remains to be seen.