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The St. Louis Blues closed out their final preseason game against just like they wrapped up their overall effort before wins, losses, and points are counted for real.
With a low hum turning in to a bang.
A 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild was the end result, but it wasn't assured at the start.
After the Blues failed to convert on an early game power play Magnus Paajarvi took a 2 minute Holding call. Jared Spurgeon shuffled the puck past Jaroslav Halak on a broken play that began overloaded to the netminder's left and finished on his left.
The Wild maintained a slight edge over the home team in terms of possession and play in general, besides on the scoreboard, through the opening period and the second. It wasn't until Josh Harding's night was over due to illness and Johan Gustafsson took over that the tide turned.
Gustafsson allowed four goals on 11 shots against. First TJ Oshie displayed great patience and soft hands by cutting through traffic on his off wing circle to eventually flip the puck up and in over the outstreatched goalie. Patrik Berglund converted the game winner shortly after Oshie's by directing a feed from Alex Pietrangelo through Gustafsson's legs on a 2 on 1.
From that point the down hill sprint was full on.
David Backes ripped a shot through traffic that beat the Minnesota goalie. Chris Stewart put the game out of reach when he put in a rebound on their fourth power play of the game.
Halak started and completed the game looking more comfortable in his own crease. The Slovak stopped 18 of 19 shots he faced.
Quick Hits
As he always seems to, Matt Cooke dipped his stick in the pot and start stirring. Half way through the second period he collided with Jay Bouwmeester at the side of the Blues net. An unexpected, big, and clean, hit. Though Stewart took a four minute double minor for forcefully introducing himself, that's the kind of penalty a coach doesn't mind taking. After the Erne/Sobotka incident teammates need to stand up for each other. Tonight, they did.
Jaden Schwartz had a solid game. In 16:37 TOI he registered an assist, shot, hit, and a takeaway besides his constant three zone effort. The frequency in which he ends up in the boards or on the ice is a reminder of where his skill set is. In his head and hands, not in his feet.
Paajarvi did not do himself any favors by taking the senseless penalty that led to Spurgeon's goal. He did redeem himself, slightly, with a handful of positive shifts that put his tenacity and speed on display. He skated on Ken Hithcock's 4th line with Maxim Lapierrie and Adam Cracknell. Neither winger did much to distinguish themselves. My money is still on Cracknell being put on Waivers to clear the way to Chicago.
Pietrangelo took home first star of the game honors with two helpers, 3 shots (and one ringer off the post), and blocked two shots in more than 25 minutes played.
Minnesota forward Torey Mitchell left the game in the third after an incident with Roman Polak along the far boards.
According to Mike Russo the Wild think Polak slew footed Mitchell. I only saw the after effects, but knowing the type of player he is, that's doubtful. Call me a homer, but Polak is a north/south guy who is stronger than many think he is. If he wanted to take Mitchell down, he wouldn't need to take his feet out.
Backes put a big hit on Cooke at the end of the game as he and Polak exited the penalty box with only a few seconds left in the game. The crowd at Scottrade Center approved.
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