Blues Vs. Coyotes Final Score: Blues Score Three In Third, Set Franchise Record With Fourteenth Shutout

The Phoenix Coyotes didn’t come out to play during the third period, and it was evident from the start. They picked a terrible game to play as flatly as they did considering the urgency of their position in the standings, but I’m pretty sure that Blues fans’ll cope with it.

The Blues started the third period scoring off with a David Backes tip-in from a Kevin Shattenkirk shot that buzzed by Jason LaBarbera. Almost ten minutes later, Patrik Berglund poked home a rebound from a Shattenkirk shot to put the Blues up 3-0. The third and final goal was scored by Ryan Reaves on another re-direct, this time from a Scott Nichol shot on goal. Shattenkirk finished with three assists for the evening, bringing his total for the season up to a very nice 32 assists.

There was a scary moment at the end as Alex Steen, playing in his first game back from a concussion-related absence – took Alexandre Bolduc’s skate to the face. Thankfully it wasn’t the blade, but he did leave the ice and headed directly to the Blues locker room for further inspection.

Tonight’s shutout was Brian Elliott’s eighth shutout of the season, tying him with the Kings’ Jonathan Quick and the Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist for the league lead. His league leading GAA and save percentage only got better after tonight’s performance. Between Elliott and Jaroslav Halak, the Blues have set a new franchise season shutout record of 14, besting Jaques Plante and Glenn Hall’s previous record of 13 in 1968-1969.

What happened that season? Oh, just a small something called the Stanley Cup finals. With goaltending this hot, the Blues’ goalies continuing to best their forefathers could wind up with the ultimate prize.

Blues Vs. Coyotes Second Period Score: Blues up 1-0 On Alex Pietrangelo Goal

After an uneventful first period (unless you consider two delay of game penalties and a too many men on the ice penalty eventful) the second got off to a pretty solid start. The Blues began the second period on a power play due to an Antoine Vermette hooking call, and Alex Pietrangelo made the Coyotes pay for their indiscretion: with a powerplay wrister. That was his 12th goal of the year, but just as impressively it was Kevin Shattenkirk’s 30th assist for the season.

The Blues have outshot 16-13 in a fairly evenly matched game. Here’s hoping that they can make it through the third period without another delay of game penalty. There were two more tacked onto the box score after the second period.

Alex Steen Returns To Blues Line-Up Tonight Against Phoenix Coyotes

Just when the Blues offensive punch seems to have hit a teeny drought, a fix is on its way. Alexander Steen, who has been out since December with a concussion, will be returning to the line-up tonight. Many worried that Steen’s recovery wouldn’t reach a point where he could return before the post-season, but thankfully he (as well as defenseman Kris Russell) are ready to go.

Steen will supply some much-needed firepower. On the top line with T.J. Oshie and David Backes for most of the season, Steen has 13 goals and 11 assists in just 36 games. Steen’s 13 tallies still ranks him 7th on the team with nearly 40 fewer games played.

Kris Russell will be back tonight, and the injuries to Roman Polak and Andy McDonald do not seem to be bad enough to keep them out of any part of the playoffs. The only major loose end is Matt D’Agostini. He has stopped wearing the red no-contact jersey during practice, which is a good sign that he could very well return soon as well.

Blues Vs. Coyotes: Phoenix's Playoff Hopes Coming Down To The Wire

Get ready for a Phoenix game who will be tough to deal with tonight. The Coyotes want to make the playoffs, and they want to start playing better hockey again to get there.