February 11, 2012

Blues sign center Berglund

The St. Louis Blues announced the club has re-signed forward Patrik Berglund to a two-year contract extension. The deal will be worth $4.5 million over the length of the agreement. The 22 year old center finished his third season with the Blues in 2010-11 setting career highs in games played (81), points (52), goals (22) and assists (30) and led the team with a career best eight power play goals.

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Blues beat Blue Jackets in shootout

Andy McDonald beats a sprawled out Steve Mason in the first period. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Andy McDonald scored two goals and added another in the overtime shootout as the Blues beat the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-4 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. The Blues scored on three of their four shootout attempts on Jackets goalie Steve Mason with Alex Steen netting the game clincher.

The Blues got a lift from Ben Bishop, who allowed one goal on 20 shots after relieving Ty Conklin midway through the first period with St. Louis trailing 3-1. Bishop, who played for Chaminade College Prep in suburban St. Louis, was the Blues’ third-round pick in 2005.

Patrik Berglund added a goal and an assist for the Blues, who totaled four goals the previous four games. David Backes had two assists, ending a five game slump.

Calgary sets up a firewall against the Blues

Calgary Flames Jay Bouwmeester (4) pushes St. Louis Blues Chris Stewart out of the crease as Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff of Finland stps the puck with his chest in the first period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 1, 2011. Calgary won the game 6-0. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

I didn’t pay particular attention to the fact that the Blues were shut out 1-0 Sunday night in Calgary. However, after Tuesday night’s 6-0 loss to the Flames, I was trying to think of the last time the Blues were shut out before this mini slump? NHL.com helped answer that question for me.

The Blues had gone a NHL best 110 games without being shutout before the loss in Calgary, and now for the second time in three days, Miika Kiprusoff set up his own firewall, protecting his net by turning aside 25 shots.

Calgary Flames Jarome Iginla (L) celebrates his third period goal against the St. Louis Blues with teammate David Moss at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 1, 2011. Calgary won the game 6-0. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The Blues had excellent scoring opportunities, especially in the second period as the Blues were buzzing the net down 1-0 at that point. Flames captain Jerome Iginla said, “He (Kiprusoff) was great both games. In the second period they had some good chances and it was anybody’s game at that point.”

It looked like the Blues were deflated after coming up empty handed in the second period as Calgary lit the Blues up for five goals, including two from Iginla who added an assist as well.

“Iginla really made us look bad on a few plays, a couple times they got odd-man rushes, we just failed to grab assignments and they made us pay,” Blues forward David Backes said. “It should be tough for guys to sleep tonight.”

Blues trip up the Kings

B.J. Crombeen celebrates his first period goal, UPI Bill Greenblatt

B.J. Crombeen celebrates his first period goal, UPI Bill Greenblatt

B.J. Crombeen, T.J. Oshie and Paul Kariya scored in the St. Louis Blues’ 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, but will it be enough to keep their Stanley Cup playoff hopes alive.

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Blues end their home drought with 4-1 win over Columbus

St. Louis Blues Brad Boyes (22) helps Jay McClement celebrate his first period goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on January 12, 2010. St. Louis won the game 4-1. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Brad Boyes (22) celebrates with Jay McClement on his first period goal UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The St.Louis Blues snapped a five game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blues Jackets. Jay McClement had a big start in that first period with a goal and an assist. Alex Steen added two goals on the night.

The Blues ripped off three goals on nine shots off backup goalie Mathieu Garon who had helped Columbus build a three game winning streak coming into the night. He was replaced after the first period. Chris Mason made 26 saves for the Blues who are an NHL worst 7-14-3 on home ice.

Keith Tkachuk was back after missing three games when he lost four teeth from a T.J. Oshie slap shot and Paul Kariya was back after missing six games from a concussion.