St. Louis Blues Andy McDonald watches his third period goal get past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Sometimes when teams come off of long road trips, the first game back on home ice can be flat. That was not the case with the St. Louis Blues. After winning five of six on their last road swing, the Blues didn’t miss a beat, jumping all over the Chicago Blackhawks for a 5-1 win.
Andy McDonald scored twice, including once on the power play and Vladimir Sobotka scored a short handed goal to help push the Blues past Detroit and Vancouver for the top spot in the Western Conference. Chicago saw it’s modest three-game winning streak snapped as the Blues got to goalie Ray Emery for the first time in his career in four starts.
Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa said of the Blues. “(Our) power play wasn’t good. We clicked three games but tonight, we couldn’t settle the puck down, couldn’t make a pass. We didn’t deserve to win tonight.” The Hawks power play has been iffy at times, but much credit needs to go to the Blues who have now gone 11 games without allowing a power play goal.