Preview: The St Louis Blues lost their way in the 3rd period of game 1, allowing the Winnipeg Jets to take advantage of some sloppy play. The first 2 periods were textbook Blues Hockey as they led through almost 10 minutes of the 3rd period 3 to 2…only to allow three unanswered goals. Being outshot 9 to 2 did not help the effort in the 3rd period, and hopefully it is a lesson learned as we head into game 2. Keep the intensity up, the physical hard play, and keep going to the net, as Connor Hellebuyck looked human, allowing three goals in less than 25 minutes of play.
Blues score late to tie it in period 1…
Blues go 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Mathieu Joseph sits, and Tyler Tucker is in on defense. One forward lineup shuffle for tonight. Jake Neighbours and Jimmy Snuggerud swap spots on the 1st and 2nd lines.
A quick start by both teams…back and forth with the best chances for the Blues through the first 4 minutes…4 shots to 2 in favor of the Blues. Both goalies were sharp early.
Blues take the first penalty at 6:19 a trip by Radek Faksa. Only one shot on the PP for the Jets.
Physical game as well…even the Schenn brothers hitting each other…The hitting is contagious…Jordan Kyrou gets his bell rung taking a big hit at the Jets blueline.
Blues are awarded another penalty as Tucker takes a cross-checking penalty with 6:39 left in the period. Jets hadn’t had a shot on goal for 4 ½ minutes…two shots on goal as Binnington comes up clutch as the penalty ends with an unbelievable save.
With 3:28 left, the Jets get on the board as Binnington pokes checks the puck as the Jet player makes a strong play to the net…the puck goes off Snuggerud and behind Binnington. 1 to 0 Jets, who were the best team in the league when scoring first.
Blues to the powerplay with 1:54 left as Pavel Buchnevich is tripped. Jimmy Snuggerud scored a blast with 1 second left to tie the game. Rips it high stick side off a pass from Buchnevich and Cam Fowler with the 2nd assist. Snuggles 1st career playoff goal and 2nd goal of his career. 1 for 1 on the PP.
Blues led in shots 11 to 8.
No scoring in period 2
A score 4 minutes into the period when a Jet player is checked and goes skate-first into Binnington and the net. Both players down for a minute but fortunately each skate away seemingly unhurt…reminiscent of the playoffs a few years ago when Binnington was taken out with a knee injury on a hit.
Halfway through regulation play and shots are even at 13.
Blues go back on the powerplay as a holding the stick penalty is whistled with 9:36 left. No shots on the PP for the Blues. We remain tied at 1.
Jake Neighbours draws a crosschecking penalty…stick to the back 3 times… with 3:10 left in the period. Several shots for the Blues but unable to get another PP goal.
Tied at 1 at the end of the 2nd period. Blues lead the shots 17 to 15. Jets lead the hits 29 to 23.
Jets get early 3rd period goal
Just 1:43 seconds into the period, the Blues fail to block a pass from behind the net to the slot, and Binnington has no chance as the shot beats him 5-hole. Binnington loses his stick as it hits Colton Parayko’s leg. 2-1 Jets.
Jets take a roughing penalty with 11:59 left as Luke Schenn pulls Jake Neighbours' helmet off…for no reason. Only 1 shot on the PP.
Jets with the edge in shots with 10 minutes left…22 to 21.
5 MINUTES!! Back and forth for the first 3 minutes, but no shots on goal for either team…with 2:17 left and the faceoff in the Jets end…Binnington to the bench...6-on-5 looking to force overtime…Blues can only muster one shot on goal over the last 5 minutes, and this one ends 2-1…The Jets lead the series 2-0.
Shots finish ties at 22. Hits 33 to 29 in favor of the Jets.
Game 3 in St Louis on Thursday night…a must win for the Blues.