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The Blues looked to bounce back after allowing 3 unanswered goals in Thursday’s loss against the Minnesota Wild. Instead, they allowed the Maple Leafs 4 unanswered goals in a 4-1 loss.
The Blues were 8-0-0 when tied after two periods until they met the Wild on Thursday and the Maple Leafs last night. The Blues have played 138:05 minutes without scoring a 5-on-5 goal according to Lou Korac. Hopefully, those streaks won’t continue.
Vladimir Tarasenko registered his 23rd goal of the season about midway through the first period. David Backes got the assist as Tarasenko’s wicked fast release beat Jonathan Bernier. The goal brings him one goal behind the league leader, Jamie Benn.
Five seconds later—yeah, five seconds—James van Riemsdyk tied the game. His shot deflected off Alex Pietrangelo’s stick before beating Jake Allen to make it 1-1. Along with the score, the shots on net were even; 11 shots per side.
In the second period, the Blues outshot the Maple Leafs 11-to-8. However, neither team could capitalize.
Kyle Brodziak cross checked former Blue Brad Boyes about three minutes into the third. The Maple Leafs took advantage of the power play with a goal courtesy of Peter Holland.
The one goal lead wasn’t enough for the Leafs, as Nazem Kadri knocked one past Allen.
Michael Grabner iced the cake with an empty net goal, giving the Leaf’s a 4-1 lead that they would keep for a victory. The Blues have lost 4-1 to the Leafs in both their meetings this season.
The Blues host the Senators on Monday, January 4th, at 7:00 p.m.
Photo: USA TODAY Sports/Jeff Curry
