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Blues win for 1st 3 game win streak, NHL error and facing the Islanders

January 15, 2019, 3:04 PM ET [11 Comments]
Jason Millen
St Louis Blues Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


The Blues finally won 3 in a row, defeating the Washington Capitals by a score of 3-1 last night. The Blues fell behind early after an Alex Ovechkin power play goal less than 8 minutes into the game. I’m guessing Vegas odds on Ovechkin getting the game’s 1st goal and it being a power play goal weren’t very long. The goal was exactly what you would expect, a one-timer from his “spot” on the power play.

Even though the Blues were down 1-0, they had a very strong road 1st period, outshooting the Capitals 14-7. They put up another 14 shots in the 2nd period, this time converting on 3 of them, benefitting from poor goaltending on the 1st goal and a lucky bounce on the 2nd goal.

Just over three minutes into the 2nd period, Ivan Barbashev takes advantage of poor positioning and reaction by Pheonix Copley.

Less than 2 minutes later, Vince Dunn would take a drop pass from Vladimir Tarasenko and bank a shot in off Nicklas Backstrom.

Of course, according to the wonderful NHL Backstrom and Orlov were not even on the ice as seen below.

If I was a NHLPA agent firm, I would have staff checking the box scores on my client’s every night. It would be a good intern type position. If you can’t get regular statistics right and ho will you get more advanced statistics right?

Less than three minutes later, Dunn would make a good feed to David Perron for the nifty goal and extension of his point streak to 11 games.

Vladimir Tarasenko would cap the scoring midway through the 3rd period with a Tarasenko style goal. It looks like his world class shot release may be coming back. The work by Ryan O’Reilly on the pass is almost better than the shot.

Jake Allen was strong, stopping 28 of 29 shots. The team seems to be changing its mindset, its compete level and determination. A good example would be Colton Parayko selling out his body to help protect the 3-1 lead in the third period.


This type of play wouldn’t have happened a couple of months ago.

The Blues won’t have much time to bask in their winning streak as they traveled to New York and will take on the Islanders tonight. The Islanders are 8-2 in their last 10 and are fighting to stay in a playoff position, currently in the 2nd wild card spot. They are only 11-7-3 at home and have lost two of their last three home games. The Blues will be looking to avenge their 4-3 at home to the Islanders less than two weeks ago. They have earned points in four of their last five road games against the Islanders. Vladimir Tarasenko has 11 points in 10 games against the Islanders.

The Blues have been better on the road this season, posting the 2nd best road goals against average and the 6th best save percentage.

It is expected that Jordan Binnington will get the start tonight in net. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the lineup changes if any from last night.

The 8th best points percentage in the West would project to 86 points. Let’s cushion that and say 90 points will be the 8th seed. The Blues need a 60.5% points pace to make 90 points. A win tonight would put them 1 point back of the 8th spot with the same number of games played, before the Wild’s game against the Kings tonight.

NHL Champions for Charity
We’ve gotten some traction on the charity wager among the Central Division bloggers. More on that to come.

It’s a great day for hockey.
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