Pens Over Blues in Another SO Loss
Game #49 St. Louis Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | January 24, 2012
Playing their second game in as many days, the St. Louis Blues returned home to oppose the Pittsburgh Penguins. The last game before the All Star break was fought over every inch of the ice and ended in one of the few ways the Blues cannot win. The Penguins pulled out a shoot out victory over the Blues with a final score of 3-2.
The scoreless first set a fierce pace to the game. Hard hits and scoring chances were frequent but both teams stood their ground.
Early in the second that would change with a generous call from the officials. With David Backes hot on his tail, Evgeni Malkin decided to drop to the ice. Assuming the worst, the referee assessed Backes with two minutes for being close to a Penguin when he fell down.
On resulting power play, Paul Martin won a battle in the corner and fed James Neal in front. The quick shot from the slot beat Brian Elliott through the legs for the 1-0 lead.
The Penguins took a two goal lead by the crafty hands of Steve Sullivan. A shot from the point was kicked into the air by Elliott and Sullivan batted the puck off the post to the back of the net.
Patrik Berglund cut the lead in half with a great play Blues fans have not seen from the big Swede in awhile. A turnover at center ice broke Chris Stewart into the offensive zone with Berglund by his side. A smooth pass from Stewart set up a nice deke from Berglund who shook Marc-Andre Fleury off to score his eleventh goal.
Early in the third Berglund would get the Blues back in the game. After being hooked on a short handed break away, the referee pointed to center ice. With the most exciting play in hockey, Berglund burned a shot by Fleury to tie the game.
A late boarding penalty by Matt Cooke on Barrett Jackman gave the Blues a power play that they could not capitalize on. Almost half of the minor was served into overtime and after a few great scoring opportunities were saved the Blues faced their nemesis.
The lone shoot out goal by TJ Oshie was not enough to get St. Louis the extra point. A second round goal by Malkin and a fourth round goal by Chris Kunitz sealed the game for Pittsburgh.
Up Next: All Star weekend with the fantasy draft Thursday, skills competition Saturday, and game on Sunday.
