Los Angeles Kings At St. Louis Blues Final Score: Kings Edge Blues 3-2

Sure, it’s nice to say that this is the first game that the Blues’ve lost in regulation under coach Ken Hitchcock. It also makes it sound ok when you say this is just the second game they’ve lost in regulation at home. Saying that does little to mask this loss or the reasons behind it. Another Barret Jackman turnover, this time on a cross-ice pass to Kris Russell, was picked off in front of Jaroslav Halak by Andrei Loktionov and then passed to Mike Richards for his second goal of the game that could be directly traced back to Jackman.

The rest of the period was spent with the Blues trying to claw their way back up into the game. It looked like that attempt was going to be successful when Vladimir Sobotka scored, but less than two minutes later, Willie Mitchell of all people scored with Halak heavily screened. That was all that it took, and despite the Blues’ best efforts with six men on the ice the last few minutes of the game, they came up short.

The game was punctuated by a hit on T.J. Oshie from Drew Doughty that was very reminiscent of Chris Stewart’s hit that got him suspended. Doughty got himself a two minute minor for cross-checking and probably a phone call from Brendan Shanahan.

The Blues don’t have any time to rest, as they’re flying off to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins. With Sidney Crosby back – and with Sid showing last night that he hasn’t lost a step – the Blues’ defense is going to have to be a lot more aware of what they’re doing. Crosby’s an expert at exploiting defensive goofs, and sloppy play cost the Blues tonight. Too much sloppy play tomorrow night will be even more costly for them.

Los Angeles Kings At St. Louis Blues Second Period Score: Kings Knot It Up At One Apiece

There is something to be said for not resting on your laurels. There’s also something to be said for not taking silly penalties and for being observant of your surroundings. The Blues didn’t say any of that this period, as sloppy play started to eek out. The Blues gave the Kings three power plays this period, none of which were necessary, and one of which gave the Kings an opportunity to tie the game at one. Granted, Barret Jackman did help with that, by making a backhand pass – it was supposed to go past Mike Richards, but it went directly to him, who cross-fed Anze Kopitar for a shot that Halak had no chance on.

Jonathan Bernier robbed T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund on several shots, and he is responsible for the score still being tied 1-1. He turned away all fourteen of the Blues’ shots this period. If the Blues hadn’t’ve played six minutes of the period shorthanded, that shot total would have been significantly higher.

Los Angeles Kings At St. Louis Blues First Period Score: Blues Up On Kings 1-0

It certainly didn’t take long for the Blues to score the first goal of the game. Alexander Steen netted it just a minute and seven seconds in on a pass from T.J. Oshie, who is apparently healed – Steen stood there and flicked the puck in while Kings defenders just stood there. If that’s indicative of how LA’s approaching this game, then the Blues should be fine. The Blues’ top line of Oshie, David Backes, and Steen are the Blues’ best scoring line. They have 13 points in just the last five games. The cohesiveness and consistency of coach Ken Hitchcock’s system has jumpstarted the captain and his linemates.

The rest of the period was 110% St. Louis. Constant pressure, constant breaking up of any chance the Kings had to get into any sort of offensive form, and outstanding backchecking kept the Kings to eight shots on net, none of which squeaked through. The Blues don’t need to change a thing for the next two periods if they want to win. Los Angeles, on the other hand, needs to tighten up or else that one goal deficit is going to climb.

Los Angeles Kings At St. Louis Blues: T.J. Oshie's Back For The Blues To Continue Dominance At Home

The worry about T.J. Oshie's jammed wrist was for naught, as he's back in the line up for tonight against Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings.