How the Blues Went from 8 Straight Losses to 4 Consecutive Wins
By Andy Knapp
The St. Louis Blues picked up their 4th straight win Wednesday night, over their Central Division nemesis in the Chicago Blackhawks. They’ve effectively turned around the fact they had suffered 8 straight defeats prior after starting the season 3-0.
You could just call this luck or that the Blues were finally getting their act together. But what exactly led to this impressive rebound and a bigger question is this- can they keep it going?
Defenseman Nick Leddy said the Blues were just playing better hockey, a statement that is definitely said after every losing streak is snapped. Part of the turnaround in the Blues’ case, however, is the improvement of St. Louis’ key players.
Jordan Kyrou’s effort helped St. Louis one-up Chicago with a 5-2 victory and this came after a milestone win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche two nights before.
He’s also totaled 4 goals throughout the Blues’ four game win streak. In addition, Ryan O’Reilly and Ivan Barbashev have also logged goals through the same 4 games.
One more player that has had an impact on the Blues this season is defenseman Calle Rosen. Like all his star teammates, he’s gotten on the scoresheet a couple of times. All this combined is more than enough to eradicate 8 straight losses at home and on the road.
The five goals Wednesday matched the Blues’ season high, established previously in the season opener against Columbus and last week against San Jose in the game that started the current winning streak. On top of that, the Blues took advantage of Chicago’s 23-year-old goaltender in Arvid Soderblom, who was making just his 7th career start.
As for Blues netminder Jordan Binnington, he stopped 25 of 27 shots. He has a 2.25 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage over the four games, with his highlight save seven minutes into the game. On a two-on-one rush by Chicago, he stretched to the limit over to his left, making a spectacular, near-point-blank glove save on Hawks right winger Taylor Raddysh.
Next. Blues squash the Blackhawks in style. dark
The Blues can easily keep the wins coming if they continue to play their way and stay out of their own heads. The talent is there, but they’ve proven they can be just as bad as they are good too.