Coming into the 2019-20 season, the St. Louis Blues knew they could have no hangover. After two tough home games, they opened a tough four-game road trip against the red-hot Toronto Maple Leafs.
While St. Louis Blues fans like to comment, jokingly or not, about the league having something against the Blues, normally it is all just misguided fan perception. However, the schedule makers did the champions no favors to open their 2019-20 campaign.
St. Louis had to face the previous Cup winner in their first game, a team capable of winning the Western Conference and one that took the Blues seven games in the 2019 playoffs and then a red-hot, championship caliber Toronto team for their third game.
Both teams came into this game unbeaten with Toronto at 2-0-1 and St. Louis 1-0-1. While the Blues came out strong in the first period, it looked like they were not ready for the speed and ability of Toronto. It was only their goaltender that kept them in it.
In a strange turn of events, the Blues actually took some control in the second period. St. Louis got the opening goal of the game. One might argue the Toronto goaltender should have saved it, but the bottom line is it went in.
Sadly, as well as the Blues played early in the second period, Toronto came to life. They scored two goals in less than 30 seconds to claim the lead.
Fortunately for the Blues, they tied it late in the period. So, it would all come down to the third.
As we saw throughout the playoffs, the Blues found a way to grind things out in the final period, even if they might not have deserved it. You can’t say the Blues were the better team, but they were good enough and got the goal to prove it.
It still bothers that they cannot get out of their own zone to score an empty net, but a win is a win.
Pros: Jordan Binnington strong early
Jordan Binnington was a big reason the Blues beat the Dallas Stars in their second game of the season. That said, he was shaky at times and had some issues with rebound control.
That was not the case to start the game against Toronto. In fact, if Binnington was not razor sharp in the first period, the Blues could have been down by one or two goals.
Toronto outshot the Blues 12-7 in the first period. The Maple Leafs had a total of 28 chances toward the net in that period alone.
Binnington came up with a great skate save early on. That was not in name only as Binnington literally used the blade of his skate to keep the puck out on a great forehand-to-backhand move to his left.
Binnington kept that up in the second too, stopping a partial breakaway just about six minutes into the second. He then shut down an odd man rush just about a minute later to bail out the Blues, who were buzzing offensively but allowed the Leafs to sneak in behind.
Unfortunately, despite Binnington’s top-notch play early on, the Blues would succumb to the Leafs offense eventually.
Fortunately, Binnington was as unflappable as ever. Despite seeing some goals get by him, Binnington kept his cool and made a great save late too (sadly, with the Blues on the power play).
Cons: Two quick goals against
For whatever reason, the Blues seem to have the strangest luck in second periods. Things were going so well and then went all pear shaped rather fast.
St. Louis actually had the better of the play for much of the second period. They were buzzing around the net and scored the opening goal of the game.
Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs got a lucky goal to get themselves started. Binnington made an unbelievable save to start the scramble and then it looked as though it was knocked down with a high stick before the puck was eventually put in. The Blues did not challenge and the goal stood.
Then, Toronto showed why they are so dangerous. Less than 30 seconds later, they made the Blues look like they were stuck in cement when William Nylander finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play to knife through the Blues like hot butter.
Pros: Big money guys in big spots
One of the things fans worry about giving out big contracts is that complacency creeps in. In the early portion of the season, that has not been the case.
While Binnington is not making huge dollars, he is still getting paid. He has played as though his job is still on the line.
Similarly, Brayden Schenn just got awarded a big, eight-year deal. However, instead of playing like a guy that is set for life, he has played like he is still looking to get paid.
Schenn scored a big goal in the Dallas game and found the back of the net again against Toronto. Schenn found the loose puck late in the second period and just ripped it past the goaltender. That one gave him two goals in three games and two game-tying goals.
Speaking of someone looking to get paid, Alex Pietrangelo scored his second of the year too. Pietrangelo was on the ice for both Maple Leafs goals in the second period, but his offensive game was still on point.
With multiple shots on goal, it was actually jumping into the play that got Petro his goal. Sammy Blais and David Perron showcased their current chemistry with some good passes and then the puck was sent wide and Pietrangelo buried a quick wrister to re-gain the lead for the Blues.
Rumors have been swirling that the Blues are actually close to re-signing Pietrangelo. If true, it is another example of a guy playing for the team, not just a contract. Regardless, it is good when your captain, even a defender, can come up big in those kinds of moments.
Overview
This was a good win against a good team. As with any game, there were things that will irk fans and take a little of the joy away.
We continue to get offensive zone penalties against Perron. Yes, the guy is sticking up for himself, but you have to be smarter. Perron got away with some too and you just cannot be giving a team like Toronto too many power plays.
The Blues were the more physical team, outhitting Toronto 26-15, but they also turned the puck over too much. On the plus side, the Blues had more blocked shots, continuing to show they can get back into position even if their defense looks a little shaky at times.
On the positive side, you goaltender was the best player when he needed to be. Binnington is proving to these naysayers around the country that he is the real deal, with 32 saves on the night.
Schenn scored another big goal, his second in as many games. Pietrangelo scored the game winner as well.
Vladimir Tarasenko was somewhat quiet offensively, though he did record an assist. However, he was involved in the game and was involved in the physical play as well. You want goals from him, but as long as he is engaged, you cannot find too much fault.
The Blues did allow those two goals in the blink of an eye, which gave you pause. However, they kept the Maple Leafs best players relatively quiet and off the board.
When you manage to do that, you’ll win more often than not. Now, the Blues just have to keep their eye on the ball and not slack off as they head to Ottawa.