St. Louis Blues Game 2 in Calgary: Key Pros and Cons Analysis
The St. Louis Blues secured their first win of the season against the Calgary Flames after a rocky start to the campaign. Having lost their home opener to the Minnesota Wild, the Blues faced some challenges during the early moments of the game in Calgary.
Game Overview: St. Louis Blues vs. Calgary Flames
In their second match of the season, the Blues struggled to maintain discipline, committing a total of five penalties within the first 30 minutes. Although their penalty kill was effective, their offense stumbled significantly, recording only four shots in the opening period. The Flames capitalized on a fluky play to score the first goal, putting the Blues behind early.
Key Highlights from the Game
- First Period Struggles: The Blues fell behind with an unconventional goal from the Flames.
- Second Period Resurgence: Jake Neighbours scored the Blues’ opening goal of the season, tying the game.
- Power Play Success: Robert Thomas scored on a power play, giving the Blues a brief lead.
- Defensive Strength: The Blues limited the Flames to only six shots in the final period.
- Game-Winning Moments: Neighbours scored again, with Pius Suter adding insurance to secure the victory.
Player Performances and Key Takeaways
- Joel Hofer: The goalie played a crucial role, making significant saves and keeping the score manageable despite early struggles.
- Discord and Penalties: The team’s ongoing penalties hindered offensive flow and posed a challenge throughout the match.
- Strong Showings: Jake Neighbours proved vital by scoring critical goals and demonstrating his offensive prowess.
- Team Uniforms: Many fans appreciated the Blues’ new road jerseys, which featured a modern twist on classic designs.
Moving Forward
Despite the win, the Blues showed areas that need improvement, particularly in reducing penalties. The coaching staff and players will aim to establish better discipline in future games. Their upcoming face-off against Vancouver presents another opportunity to build momentum.
The victory in Calgary offers a needed boost to the Blues as they navigate the beginning of the season. With continued focus on play cohesion and discipline, the team can work towards a more successful campaign.
