by theohall » Sun Feb 17, 2013 11:47 am
1st period - Blues domination. And the Blues got breaks they were not getting during the losing streak. Those horrible passes by Calgary that became turnovers and goals for the Blues - those were bouncing off of Blues player's sticks or just being missed during the bad streak. This game - they went the Blues way. It seems the hockey gods decided the Blues bad karma should shift to Calgary. They could easily have been in that game after the 2nd period if not for outstanding play by Allen and the Blues getting some serious lucky breaks.
Interesting part to me - the Blues were still dominating about halfway through the 2nd. There was stretch near the 10 minute mark where the Blues had sustained offensive zone pressure for 3 full shifts. After that is when Calgary finally turned it on and kept coming at the Blues in waves for the next 17 minutes of game time - during which the Blues went with 0 shots on goal.
Do want to comment on Perron. IMO, he did everything right this game. The only time he held the puck too long, he had to hold the puck too long. None of his linemates were open. No one on the points was open. No one was headed behind the net, the most obvious place to go. And while still being dogged by one of the Flames, he still got the shot towards the net. It got blocked. This last two games are exactly what we want to see from Perron. Make quick decisions with the puck - whether it be pass or shot - and he did both almost the entire game, except when there was not anywhere to go.
And the Blues did rest Backes some this game. He was shy two minutes of his time on ice average per game this season. Good thing, since he is banged up.
(FRANK) the Kings!!!!