St. Louis Blues David Backes lands a punch to the face of Dallas Stars Jamie Benn in the first period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on December 12, 2105. St. Louis defeated Dallas 3-0. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Wayne Gretzky owns the title as the “Great One.” While Gretzky’s offensive numbers are the best in the game, some could argue the best all-around player of all-time is Gordie Howe. Not only did he display great skill, but he also had a toughness that was not part of Gentleman Gretzky’s game.
Saturday night against Dallas, Blues captain David Backes finished with a goal, an assist and a fight in their 3-0 win over the Stars.
When a player displays that type of grit and skill in the same game, it’s known as a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick.”
Backes scored a power-play goal in the first period, and it held up as the 26th game-winning goal of his career. He also assisted on Vladimir Tarasenko’s Blues-leading 17th goal early in the third. Ryan Reeves also scored. Backes is tied with Red Berenson for eighth in Blues history with 53 power-play goals.
Jake Allen made 26 saves.
