Evgeny Grachev apparently wants to make the Blues’ roster, and he’s giving Davis Payne tons of reasons to keep him with the team come opening night. Grachev scored the Blues’ lone goal of the opening period. Says Payne:

“He’s finding a way to be effective, not only on the score sheet, but in a number of different areas, decisions on the ice with the puck, his defensive play,” Blues coach Davis Payne said. “He’s come here to make a statement to our organization after picking him up in a trade this summer and he’s doing a very good job of it.”

Adam Cracknell and David Backes scored in the 3rd period, with Backes scoring an empty netter. Jake Allen outdueled Semyon Varlamov with 23 saves on 25 shots.

Tonight’s pre-season game sees the Blues’ horrible five games in five nights schedule wrap-up in Dallas against the Stars. Puck drop is at 7:00 Central.