St. Louis Blues: The Blues Vs The Blue Jackets Report Card

The St. Louis Blues 7-3-3 played host to the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4-3. In a game that was expected to be physical, the Blues and Blue Jackets didn’t disappoint.

The St. Louis Blues opened the scoring on Robert Thomas‘ second goal of the season on a beautiful pass from Tyler Bozak in the opening frame of the game.

Thomas slid down to the front of the net and with Bozak along the right post spotted Thomas and slid the puck through a defender’s legs leaving Thomas with an easy goal. The Blues would surrender the tying goal with just six seconds left in the period.

Columbus would ride that momentum into the second period scoring the next 2 goals of the game and taking a 3-1 lead after a power-play goal by Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Blues were sloppy and couldn’t seem to get any offensive pressure going up to this point.

More from Analysis

• St. Louis Blues and Cardinals Similar In All The Wrong Ways
• St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 82 At Dallas
• St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 81 Vs Dallas
• St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 80 At Minnesota
• St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 79 Vs NY Rangers

Then the newly rejuvenated Blues power play would bring the game within one on a Brayden Schenn goal assisted by Jaden Schwartz and David Perron collecting the primary assist on the play.

Shortly thereafter the fourth line tied the game on an Oskar Sundqvist goal. The fourth line was the only line that seemed to be generating a whole lot of offensive zone time.

The scoring would end there as the teams battled for the game-winner in the third. There were a few chances in the third by both teams, but the goaltending stood tall for both clubs. The Blues would ultimately win it in overtime just eight seconds in on a Perron goal from Alex Pietrangelo and Ryan O’Reilly. Let’s get to the grades.

Offense- B-

If not for the fourth line generating some chances and offensive zone time, the offense would’ve gotten a lower grade. The offense looked flat most of the game and, although scoring three in regulation, this game wasn’t as close as it appeared on the scoreboard.

The offense didn’t have its best game but they had enough to win the game which in my opinion says more about the team and its potential this season. When you can still win games when don’t have your best going for you that says a lot about the team you have.

The good teams find ways to win even when they aren’t playing that well. We all would love to see the Blues dominate every game and although the team’s play overall hasn’t been Stanley Cup champion grade play they are still accumulating points and doing enough to win games.

Defense- C

Surrendering three straight goals and one at the end of a period is not typical of the St. Louis Blues defense. I don’t know if this is a direct result of the top six defense as much as it is the lack of intensity from the offense and lack of offensive zone pressure.

There were several bad turnovers and these led to extended time in the zone for Columbus. All in all, it was a pretty sloppy team defense by the Blues. Something we all know will be addressed by the coaching staff.

Goaltending- A

In a game where the Blues were turning the puck over in the neutral and defensive zones like crazy Binnington had to be great. Well in typical Binnington fashion he did what he could to keep the Blues alive.

He held the Jackets scoreless after their third consecutive goal and seemed to will the team back into the game as he has done in so many games already in his short career. Jordan Binnington has proven he is a legitimate starter in the NHL and the jury can go home now.

Special Teams- B+

The only thing keeping the Special Teams from getting the A is the penalty kill did surrender a goal. As I mentioned earlier the power-play looks rejuvenated and they are moving the puck, moving themselves and generating pressure and chances.

It’s been nice to see the powerplay start to almost gel. Both units are looking good and moving well. Passes appear to be quick and decisive and shots are being taken. When just a couple weeks ago we were all cringing when the Blues were awarded a power play I think there is actually a silent optimism now.

Coaching- B

I almost gave a C for the coaches as the team is beginning to develop a habit of not being prepared for the game. They get sloppy and complacent for chunks of the game. It’s not like the other team is doing anything to really stifle our offense.

It’s the Blues perceived lack of focus with the puck at intervals during the game. It seems to be that age-old belief that the Blues almost play down to their opponent. We seem to be less sharp against the lesser teams.

Once again in a game the Blues were not at their best for 60 minutes they still managed to get the win and the two points. There’s a quiet confidence in this team that even when they are down, not having their best game that they can still win the game.

Very little panic on this team and although we would all love to see the Blues dominate every game it is the beginning of the season. We just finished the first month and November is shaping up to be a tough month of hockey for the Note. So two points is always a good thing even when they come when we aren’t playing our best.