St. Louis Blues David Backes tries to screen Winnipeg Jets goaltender Al Montoya in the first period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 17, 2014. Backes scored twice in the third period winning the game 4-1. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
David Backes’ power-play goal with 6:51 remaining snapped a 1-1 tie and the Blues remained hot by defeating the Jets 3-1 at Scottrade Center. Backes had two goals, Brenden Morrow scored and goalie Ryan Miller stopped 16 shots to remain unbeaten in regulation with St. Louis (7-0-1).
Backes gave the Blues the lead and broke a 1-1 tie on the man advantage after he took a caromed puck in the slot off a shot from Ian Cole and beat Al Montoya between the legs at 13:09 of the third period. Backes was then credited with an empty net goal without even touching the puck. With 1:11 remaining, Backes was taken down by Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba while trying to go for the empty net to make it 3-1.
Watch Backes get credit for the empty netter, courtesy of NHL.com
The Blues are the first team in the League to hit the century mark in points (101). They are four points ahead of their closest competitors, the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.
“We had to fabricate a little energy in the locker room before we went out. He’s quite a spark plug for us,” said Backes of Oshie after the game. “You miss a guy like that, not just in the room, but on the ice too making plays all over the place. We’re going to have little instances like that throughout the year, throughout the rest of the season, throughout the playoffs. Different guys stepping in to fill those roles, it’s good to see.”