If there’s a standout goaltender in the NHL, it’s Marc-Andre Fleury. He proved why he’s one of the best in the league tonight with several amazing saves on the Blues in the final period and overtime to help the Pens to a 3-2 shootout victory. With a different goaltender in net, the score is lopsided in St. Louis’ favor.
The standout forward in the game had to be Patrik Berglund. His second period goal pulled the Blues within one, and then he got the rare opportunity to go for a shorthanded penalty shot goal. Berg’s not the best in shootouts (he was stoned tonight) but he managed to get past MAF to get the Blues at least the one point.
The third period was marred by this hit on Barret Jackman by Matt Cooke. Cooke has cleaned up his act considerably, and this was a bit of an odd hit, with Jackman turning at the last moment. It’s even more awkward by the check that turns into the shove from Cooke. It’s amazing, though, that Jackman was back out on the ice shortly later, apparently no worse the wear.
The Blues’ lone shootout goal scorer was T.J. Oshie, with Evgeny Malkin and Chris Kunitz scoring for the Penguins. The game does continue the Blues’ point streak at home, and sends them into the very long All-Star break with a way to forget the embarrassing loss to the Red Wings on Monday night. This was a much smarter, better played game by the Blues.
Elliott stopped 37 of 39 shots on goal, and Fleury stopped 32 of 34. The team should enjoy the time off, rest, re-charge, and take advantage of the fact that they’re entering the break in a playoff spot for the first time since before the lockout.