Pure domination by the Blues for two straight periods was rendered for naught by Ben Scrivens, who looked as sharp tonight as any full-time starter. The third period had the Blues taking 16 shots to Toronto’s five, for a total of 29 shots in the final two periods. Unfortunately, the bad showing in the first period came back to haunt the Blues, who were only able to sneak one puck, shoved in by Patrik Berglund at the end of the third period, past the outstanding Scrivens.

Overall, though, the Blues seem much improved in a very short period of time. They play more confidently, with significantly more pressure and puck control. The improved control comes from holding off on the dump and chase, which never seemed to work – and frankly really isn’t a successful strategy for most teams. If they continue to play this way, the points will be more forthcoming. Passivity never got anyone anywhere.

Scrivens stoned Alex Steen, T.J. Oshie, and Matt D’Agostini on all three shootout attempts, while Phil Kessel and Mikhail Grabovski scored for the Maple Leafs. A win would have moved the Blues to third in the Central, but the tie brings them even with the Red Wings, who have played two fewer games than the Blues.

The next game in this extended homestand for St. Louis is Saturday night when former Blues captain Eric Brewer returns with his new team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.