Ah, a game I *want* to write about.

It seems that the Blues have finally shaken that losing streak. Here's hoping that it's permanently gone (as opposed to another team's losing streak that seems to have come back worse than before). Coach Davis Payne finally got his first NHL win on his 4th try, with a 4-3 win over the Kings. The score, though, isn't indicative of how well the team played through the first two periods. The first 40 minutes of the game looked like the Blues did at the end of last season, and was a glimpse into what we should have done all season long this year. The team was confident and allowed to play their game. Brad Winchester scored almost immediately, a goal that was thankfully allowed to stand since there was a penalty on the play - incorrect lineup card.

That was the only hiccup. Perron's snap shot in the 2nd was set up by Boyes manning up and taking a hit to get the puck to McClement, who got it to Perron. DP was given all of the time in the world to set up his goal.



Oshie's goal was also a product of not being rushed - of being comfortable enough on the ice to do what needed to be done - and it was nice of the LA defense to let him do it, too. This goal is vintage (if there is such a thing) TJ Oshie. FurnaceFace has been much, much stronger when it comes to getting back into the swing of things. His pinball like abandon's back with a vengeance.

Unfortunately, the third period saw the defensive breakdown and soft goals that we've almost come to expect - 2 goals in the last 8 minutes or so of the game was not something that should have been allowed, though I won't complain too much, since we didn't let it become 4. Mason's still a good goalie, but he's showing with every easy goal allowed that maybe Nashville was right. Maybe he is just a good 1B.

Next game, though, is at home on Tuesday against the BJs, who we are tied with for 13th in the conference. For sure a must win... can we get it moved to Columbus? Hm?