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.