The St. Louis Blues were in danger of picking up their first three-game losing streak if they had a bad performance in Edmonton. Things did not necessarily have the best of starts, but the Blues finished quite well.
The St. Louis Blues headed into their matchup with the Edmonton Oilers looking to right the ship. After a couple bad losses, the team’s couple off days appeared to really help them.
Both teams had a somewhat sluggish open to the game. Despite the number of shots each team created in the first period, it was not what you would call either team’s best period overall.
The Blues got the scoring going by taking advantage of a very bad giveaway by the Edmonton goaltender. Unfortunately, they gave it right back.
The positive thing was the Blues managed to really settle into game after that. They took the lead in the middle portion of the second period and never looked back after that.
Of course there were a few moments here or there that were not great and we will get into those. For the most part, it was a solid bounce back game for all involved.
Pros:
The Snake was back.
Jake Allen got absolutely no support in the two games he played previous to this one. Many of the goals were not ones he could have stopped even at his best.
That said, it just did not look like the same Snake in either of those games. The Blues had become so accustomed to him making that huge save to bail them out that when it did not happen, people began to get a little antsy.
Allen proved it was just a blip with his game this time. After giving up the power play goal, he settled down and had a very solid game.
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He finished with a .967 save percentage and 29 saves. He also went a little old-school with some poke checks on Connor McDavid.
Additionally, Allen picked up his 100th win of his career. With just nine more wins, he’ll be in third place all-time on the Blues win list.
Cons:
The NHL is getting a little ridiculous with the penalties.
Give the league’s officials one thing, they have been somewhat consistent, whether we like it or not. However, the amount of penalties gets a little outlandish at times.
There were 11 penalties handed out in the first period alone. Many washed out over the course of the game, but that’s just too many calls.
There were seven total power plays, with the Blues getting the extra one over the course of the game. That worked to the Blues’ advantage, but there is just too much time lost in the box.
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Nobody wants to return to the days when you went to a fight and a hockey game broke out. We would like a little more of the time when players policed themselves.
Pros:
Brayden Schenn is on fire.
Schenn now has points in nine straight games, which tied his career high. He’s also been just an unstoppable force.
The Edmonton game was the fourth time in six games that he’s registered two points or more. It’s the third time in six games that he’s had three or more points.
On top of the individual performance in the game, he’s just been an unbelievable addition to the team. His arrival has been more than any of us could have expected.
It’s not as though he had to live up to much. However, to put things in perspective, he now has more points in 20 games than Jori Lehtera had in 64 games last season.
Cons:
The Blues allowed their opponent to strike back quickly again.
At the time, it had the Calgary game written all over it. The Blues score and then allow a goal almost immediately.
St. Louis scored a goal, a very fortunate shorthanded goal to open the game. While it must be said that the Oilers were on the power play, it is still disappointing to allow a goal 29 seconds later.
Yes, the Blues rallied and won. It’s slightly concerning for them to surrender goals so soon after they have their own though.
Pros:
Alex Pietrangelo continues to make a case for postseason honors.
Alexander Steen got a lot of the post-game publicity and deservedly so. He had one of his best overall games of the season.
That said, Pietrangelo’s work did not go unnoticed. His offensive stats were good enough.
Petro had two assists, as he continues to be one of the highest scoring defenders in the league. He was also instrumental in the team effort of shutting down the Oilers’ top line.
Pietrangelo was also a big part of the team’s special teams. He spent over eight minutes on the ice (5:10 power play, 2:57 PK), showing how versatile he has become.
Overall Thoughts:
It was not a picture perfect performance, but it was a great bounce back.
The Blues were starting to worry a lot of people with the way things went against Calgary and the Islanders. This was exactly the kind of performance the team needed to allay those fears.
Next: The Blues Should Consider Benching Oskar Sundqvist
Allen resumed his normal top-notch play. The Blues top line looked like a formidable force once again and the defenders were not wandering around like lost puppies.
There are still improvements to be made. This was the right step in getting back on track though.