After only 10 minutes had elapsed the contest between the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames was tracking down a familiar path.
Two goals and dominance of possession was as much the Blues’ as it was the last time Brian Elliott started in net. Six days ago another team near the bottom of the standings ladder, the Florida Panthers, was blanked in convincing fashion.
The Flames wouldn’t consent to a repeat performance. At least of that game.
As the clock ticked in one direction the course of play went another.
By the start of the third period the Blues were up 3-0 on Alexander Steen’s league leading 14th goal of the season. The lead wouldn’t last. Tim Jackman and Mike Cammalleri narrowed the score to 3-2. Sounds quite a bit like Elliott’s first game of the season where he coughed up a pair of third period goals to Winnipeg that let them force overtime and eventually win in the shootout.
How’d the Flames do it?
Starting in the final minute of the first period Calgary was awarded six consecutive power plays. This allowed a team that started out timid and slightly overwhelmed by the Blues’ smothering nature to get their heads and legs back in the game. It also marginalized the strength of Ken Hitchcock’s club, production and possession at even strength. What flow and momentum was built up by the fast start was chipped away with the choppiness of a special teams battle. At that point they were able to capitalize on their chances much like Winnipeg did.
With all the penalties called the Blues’ penalty kill got a healthy workout. Something that should have provided the visitors an edge as the St. Louis killing proficiency has been low at Scottrade. It progressed back to the mean with a perfect 6-for-6 performance.
Elliott bent, but never broke in goal. Though he did give up two goals again it was his play in the frantic final minutes of regulation that kept the Blues ahead. Overall he stopped 18 of 20 shots. At the opposite end of the rink Reto Berra stopped 24 of 27 shots.
Quick Hits
-- In his post game comments Ken Hitchcock commented that the penalties taken took Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko out of the game. The Blues strongest drivers of even strength possession. Without the reduction in their playtime, roughly 3 minutes based on averages, would Calgary have been able to come back as they did?
-- At one point the Blues were ahead in Corsi For % 62-38 with 28 for and 17 against. By the end of the game the gap closed down to 38 for to 33 against or 53.5%.
-- With Tarasenko’s power play goal the Blues man advantage at home is up to 28.6% (3rd) and 24% (4th) overall.
Must See Replay
Steen’s game winner.
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