The St.Louis Blues 2022-23 season opener didn’t disappoint with a convincing 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the first ten minutes of the opening period, the Blues had control of the puck and spent a lot of time in the Blue Jackets territory. The early puck dominance resulted in a power play opportunity for the Blues. Pavel Buchnevich scored the power play goal with an assist from defenseman Torey Krug. Buchnevich led the team in plus minus rating being a plus three for the game.
The Blues didn’t necessarily dominate the entire game as the final score indicated. In the second period all-star right winger Vladamir Tarasenko scored the first of his two goals in the game. The first goal came with an assist from defenseman Justin Faulk and now the Blues are up 2-0 yet being outshot by the Blue Jackets. It felt like this was going to be a cake walk. Simply because the Blues practically cut the rink and half and whatever shots the Blue Jackets were getting on goaltender Jordan Binnington, there were no rebounds attempts or second chance opportunities.
And then lightning literally struck with the Blue Jackets getting goals fourteen seconds apart in the second period and now the game is tied 2-2 and the Blues were being outshot 10-5. Blues coach Craig Berube said,” Second period we had gotten sloppy and let them back into the game. Our puck play, you know they got a little behind us.”
The third period was all Blues with them scoring three goals on eight shots with one of them coming from one of the stars of the game Jake Neighbours who said,” It was a freak play trying to put a shot on net and that helps build confidence.” Blues center Ivan Barbachev broke the 2-2 tie in the second period and the momentum went back to the home team on opening night. After the game Barbachev told reporters how glad he was to get a win and for the season to start. “It was weird just sitting at home and watching everyone else play. It’s actually really nice.” Barbachev also was honest about how the team played in the second period in which they gave up two goal lead.
Overall it was a good win for the Blues and they have one of the best teams in the NHL and their season may extend well into the spring if they can remain healthy. Next game 10/19 vs Seattle. Follow me @thelegendkil @ntznetwork for more updates and content
Author:
Palmer Alexander III