Observations from Blues' 3-0 Win Vs. Sabres
The St. Louis Blues bounced back from a poor performance against the Washington Capitals by shutting out the Buffalo Sabres 3-0 at KeyBank Center. Joel Hofer starred with his first shutout of the season and third career, while Mathieu Joseph and Nick Bjugstad contributed secondary scoring.
Coaching Decisions and Accountability
Blues coach Jim Montgomery made a bold move by healthy-scratching top players Jordan Kyrou and Oskar Sundqvist, with Kyrou's absence being the most surprising. Montgomery also likely benched Robert Thomas for part of the second period, emphasizing accountability regardless of a player's status.
Team Response and Effort
After a tough game against the Capitals, the Blues took an unusual step by holding a morning skate before their second game in as many days. The coach demanded more energy, competitiveness, and effort from the team, which was evident in their improved performance.
Current Standings Context
- The Blues have won two of their last three games.
- Alternatively, their record over the past ten games stands at 2-6-2.
Key Observations from the Game
- The message to the team was clear: compete hard in all aspects of the game from pucks to board battles.
- The Blues improved significantly in loose puck battles and one-on-one confrontations compared to their previous outing.
“It’s holding players accountable, no matter who it is.”
This win showcased accountability and effort as essential to turning around recent struggles.
Author's summary: The Blues demonstrated accountability and renewed energy, responding to coaching decisions with a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring to secure a confident 3-0 victory.