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.