You’re not a bad fan. You don’t need to apologize to your favorite hockey team.
Chances are, if you live in St. Louis, you have been paying attention to the St. Louis Cardinals’ playoff run. It’s okay. After all, St. Louis is known for being a baseball town.
So, what have you missed? Well, your St. Louis Blues are one of just three teams to not register a loss in regulation or overtime. The 4-0-0 start has seen wins against the Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.
Furthermore, the Blues have outscored their opponents 19-7. The entire roster has contributed with 10 different players posting goals while the net has been guarded by just one man so far. Jaroslav Halak has returned to form, posting a perfect record with a 1.75 GAA and a .934 save percentage to go along with one shutout.
The Blues have dominated the play since the first puck drop. The goals have been memorable and the saves have amazed the Scottrade Center crowd on a nightly basis.
Don’t fret, Cardinals nation. Here are your top-five plays of the young 2013-14 season.
5. Sobotka scores on Pekka Rinne
After a quick goal from David Backes opened the scoring for the season, Vladimir Sobotka added this gem just 3:38 later. Rinne has the label of “Blues killer,” but Sobotka outworked the superstar goalie after undressing defenseman Kevin Klein.
4. Backes tallies two goals on Martin Biron
Yes, these are two separate plays but both encapsulate how strong Backes has been to open the season. Usually given a bye because he is known to heat up as the season goes on, Backes already has four goals to his credit this season. He had six in 48 games last season.
3. Jaroslav Halak shuts the door on Patrick Sharp
Former Blues forward Michal Handzus found Sharp behind St. Louis’ defense and the streaking winger was stymied by the Blues’ backstop. The save kept the game tied at one goal apiece, setting up a Backes goal three minutes later.
2. Oshie, Steen and Backes connect on pretty goal
T.J. Oshie capped off a gorgeous passing play to give the Blues a big 3-0 lead at 9:45 of the first period in the season opener. This goal would be it for Rinne, who took a seat on the pine wearing a Predators ballcap the rest of the evening.
1. Steen ends Tim Thomas’ night
The fifth goal for the Blues came at 19:03 of the second period after Steen was hauled down on the breakaway. Steen made no mistake, making a great move on the penalty shot to chase the opposing team’s starter for the second game in a row.
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There is plenty more to come.
