Blues At Canadiens Final Score: Blues Shutout Habs For First Time Since 1973

Jaroslav Halak, as it was mentioned multiple times in this broadcast tonight, has the all time winning record in the Bell Center with a line of 38-15-3. He can add another win to that column after a masterful 3-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens. The Blues 7th shutout of the year (and second in a row) came from tight defense, excellent goaltending, and absolute grit that overpowered the smaller Habs team. Montreal can be dangerous when allowed to get their speed going, and the Blues stopped that by literally being all over them. The third period was all about keeping the shutout streak going, and the Blues did that perfectly.

The one goal in the third period came from Chris Stewart. Stewart, since he’s been paired with David Backes, has really come alive. The two power forwards were unstoppable tonight, with Stewart getting the assist on Backes’ goal, and now vice versa. A great defensive move by Backes to strip the Habs of the puck in their own end winds up on Stewart’s stick for an easy open net flick.

Halak ended the night having to make just 19 saves to improve the Blues’ record against the Eastern Conference to 8-0-0, and their record when scoring three or more goals to 18-0-0. The Montreal crowd rewarded him with a well deserved standing ovation and the first star of the game, which was pure class on their part.

For right now the Blues are in sole possession of first place in the Central Division and more than likely will be squaring off against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday for first in the Western Conference.

Blues At Canadiens Second Period Score: Arnott, Backes Put Blues Up 2-0

The Canadiens did manage to outshoot the Blues in the second period 8-5 after being outshot by St. Louis 9-4 in the first period. Shots, however, do not equal goals; being observant does. The Blues went up 2-0 on two rebound goals and lead after two.

Ryan Reaves has responded well to his two year extension. He’s a big guy obviously, and can plow through nearly anything. In this case, he plowed through the smaller Montreal defense right to the net. What’d Reaves have to say during the second intermission interview? “I have a big body so I try and use it.” Reaves’ shot was blocked by Carey Price, but Jason Arnott was there untouched for the rebound to put the Blues up 1-0:

Five minutes later, the Blues decided to respond to some rough and tumble play by the Habs with the power-forward tag team of Chris Stewart and David Backes. Stewart charged the net, and his shot rebounded hard off of Price’s right pad right to Backes who snapped it into he net for the 2-0 lead.

They’re 18-1-1 if leading after two periods — also, if they net one more in the third that’d bode even better. They’re undefeated when scoring three or more goals.

Blues At Canadiens First Period Score: Blues Size Dominating Habs, Still Scoreless

Well, you can’t say that neither team had some thrilling chances that first period, but the Habs’ seemed to come a lot closer together, and in slightly fewer number. The Blues are up 9-4 in shots, and nothing has made it past either Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price. It’s impressive that nothing has made it past Price yet considering the zone time and offensive pressure that the Blues — especially their fourth line -have hammered Montreal with.

The Canadiens have had to go on the penalty kill once, and the Blues gave them a taste of their recently red-hot powerplay. No goals were scored, but the four Canadiens had issues limiting chances for them.

If the Blues can keep that pressure up and if Halak can make the big saves, this game is either going to be a Blues win or one of those terrible, patented 1-0 shootout losses that the Blues seem to like so much.

Blues At Canadiens: Jaroslav Halak Returns To Montreal To Face Former Team

Jaroslav Halak was a hero in Montreal during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He's playing for the opposition tonight when the Blues travel to one of the toughest venues in sports.