A Tough Loss After a Determined Effort
For a determined effort, playing shorthanded and on the second of a back-to-back, the St. Louis Blues faced a tough defeat when Quinton Byfield scored just 27 seconds into overtime, securing a 2-1 win for the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. Despite the loss, the Blues managed to grab a critical point, which was no small feat given the circumstances. The team had just nine games in 15 days, including three sets of back-to-backs, and they were missing key players. Colton Parayko was sidelined with a knee injury, and Cam Fowler returned to St. Louis for the birth of his second child. Nevertheless, the Blues put in a valiant performance and went 2-0-1 against the Kings in this recent stretch, earning five out of six possible points. This effort is a testament to the team’s resilience and their ability to rise to the challenge even when the odds are stacked against them.
Overcoming Early Obstacles
The Blues encountered some early setbacks that could have derailed their momentum. Just 36 seconds into the game, a potential power-play goal by Brayden Schenn was initially ruled a goal but was overturned after a review in Toronto. Later, a Vladislav Gavrikov goal in the second period, which would have given the Kings a 2-0 lead, was also overturned due to an offside call, with Byfield being the culprit for entering the zone before the puck. These close calls could have demoralized the team, but the Blues stayed focused and composed. They knew that staying level-headed was crucial, and they continued to battle through the game, showing the mental toughness that has characterized their recent performances.
Nick Leddy’s Heroic Third-Period Goal
One of the standout moments of the game came in the third period when Nick Leddy scored a vital goal—his first in 49 games—to level the score. The sequence leading to Leddy’s goal was a perfect example of team effort and strategic play. Zack Bolduc, who has been rising through the ranks, started the play with a relentless forecheck on two Kings players. Despite falling to the ice, Bolduc quickly sprang back up and stick-checked the puck away from Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke. The puck then found Jake Neighbours, who passed it to Leddy, who had just come off the bench. Leddy fired a shot off the post and into the net at 4:16, providing the equalizer. Bolduc’s screen on the goal was also crucial, as it kept the eyes of goaltender Darcy Kuemper away from the shot. Leddy’s goal not only tied the game but also injected confidence into the Blues, setting the stage for a potential comeback.
Collective Defensive Effort
With their top defensive pairing absent, the Blues had to rely on a collective defensive effort to hold the line. The undermanned unit, comprising Nick Leddy, Philip Broberg, Ryan Suter, Justin Faulk, Matthew Kessel, and Tyler Tucker, rose to the challenge. Together, they combined for 10 of the 23 blocked shots by the Blues, and 14 of the 18 skaters on the ice had at least one blocked shot. This defensive mindset was evident throughout the game, with players like Leddy making crucial sliding plays to take away scoring opportunities and Suter and Faulk breaking up numerous plays with their sticks. Coach Jim Montgomery praised the team’s defensive effort, noting that they played a "real good hockey team" and limited the Kings to just 21-22 shots. The tight gaps and smart decision-making by the Blues in the neutral zone played a significant role in keeping the game close.
Joel Hofer’s Redemption
Joel Hofer, the Blues’ goaltender, had a chance to redeem himself after a difficult performance in his last outing against the Dallas Stars. In that game, he allowed three goals on nine shots, leading to his early removal. However, this time, Hofer stepped up when it mattered most, providing the Blues with the confidence they needed to push into overtime. After the Gavrikov goal was overturned, Hofer seemed to find a new sense of purpose. He made several memorable saves, including stopping Alex Laferriere and Philip Danault in the second period and thwarting an Adrian Kempe one-timer in the third. Hofer’s performance in the third period, where he stood tall during close-range scrambles, was particularly noteworthy. His key saves preserved the tie, giving the Blues a fighting chance to earn both points. Montgomery acknowledged the importance of Hofer’s performance, reiterating that the Blues have two excellent goalies who can step up in big moments.
Reflecting on the Effort and Looking Ahead
Despite the overtime loss, Coach Jim Montgomery was quick to praise the team’s effort, describing it as a "real gutsy" performance. The Blues’ ability to block shots, sacrifice for each other, and maintain discipline under pressure was highlighted as key elements of their play. With 17 games left in the regular season, the Blues are now one point behind the Calgary Flames for the second wild card in the Western Conference and tied in points with the Vancouver Canucks, who have three games in hand. They are also three points ahead of the Utah Hockey Club, but Utah has two games in hand. The next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins will be crucial, and the Blues will be hoping to maintain their recent form and not fall too far behind in the standings. The team’s resilience and determination, as shown in this game, provide a strong foundation for the remaining part of the season and beyond.
Final Thoughts from the Bench
After the game, Nick Leddy, Joel Hofer, and Coach Jim Montgomery spoke to the media, reflecting on the team’s performance and the significance of the point they earned. Leddy emphasized the Blues’ ability to be hard to play against, highlighting the importance of blocking shots and doing the little things right. Hofer was humble but confident, acknowledging his earlier struggles and expressing satisfaction with his bounceback performance. Montgomery’s words were particularly inspiring, as he reinforced the team’s strong defensive play and their mental fortitude. "We’re going to keep this going," he said, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season. The Blues’ determined effort against the Kings, even in the face of adversity, bodes well for their playoff prospects.
