Three games into the season and the Blues are absolutely rolling. You couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season as they wrap up the first road trip and head home for a pair of games against the Kings. Pavel Buchnevich has been suspended for two games following his head-butting incident in Arizona. James Neal takes his place in the lineup in Vegas. Buchnevich will return for the second game against the Kings on Monday.
The veterans took care of business during the first game beating Colorado 5-3 with goals from Faulk, Schenn, Perron, and O’Reilly. The kids felt like it was their turn in Arizona and put up a touchdown 7-4 over the Coyotes. Five goals in the second period, four points from Kyrou, Kostin scores two in a row and Jake Neighbours gets his first NHL point. Neighbours has looked fantastic and is off to a great rookie year.
Last night, the Blues literally said knighty knight. Vegas scores the first goal but it was all St. Louis after the first period. No Pacioretty, no Stone, no bueno… The injury bug has already hit Vegas pretty hard. Speaking of the youth this is a good time for the kids to put on a show in Vegas. With veterans missing some time due to injuries now would be a good time to kick it into next gear if you want to stay on the main roster.
The Real Deal James Neal was held scoreless in his return to Vegas. After an impressive preseason Neal has yet to find the scoresheet and remains as the only scoreless skater for the Blues. I am not concerned because the locker room presence, leadership, style, and energy this guy brings to the Blues is exactly what they need to have success. Don’t let James Neal catch you dead in a pair of lucky jeans with sperrys on your feet just ask Joe Vitale.
Brandon Saad get his first goal as a Blue and he couldn’t have asked for a better set up. After a flawless change Saad steps on the ice and finds the puck right on his twig, Lehner had no chance.
Vladimir Tarasenko played his best game of the season and really looked like the old 91 from back in the day. He was all over the ice making plays on the offensive end and put the cherry on top making it a 3-1 final score.
The Morning Skate 