Blues Secure Preseason Victory
The St. Louis Blues achieved a significant boost to their preseason with a commanding 7-1 triumph over the Ottawa Senators at Enterprise Center on Thursday. This marked the Blues’ inaugural victory of the preseason, improving their record to 1-3-1, while the Senators fell to 2-3-0. Coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the urgency for his team to secure a win earlier in the day, and they certainly delivered, despite the Senators fielding a roster with limited NHL experience, apart from players like St. Louis native Brady Tkachuk.
Game Execution and Player Highlights
“In many respects, we executed our game plan well—our stretch game and offensive transitions were impressive,”
Montgomery noted. However, he expressed concern regarding defensive transitions, as his team conceded several odd-man rushes. Thankfully, goalie Jordan Binnington was in fine form, making crucial saves, showcasing his readiness as the regular season approaches.
On the offensive front, five Blues players amassed multiple points. Notably, Philip Broberg shone with a pair of goals and an assist, while Robert Thomas added a goal and two assists. Pavel Buchnevich, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Nick Bjugstad also contributed significantly with points, illustrating the team’s potential as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Binnington’s Stellar Performance
Among the highlights of the night was Binnington’s stellar performance. Grazing his preseason stats, he notched a 0.86 goals-against average and a .973 save percentage over seven periods of play. He withstood 37 shots from the Senators, successfully stopping 36, demonstrating remarkable composure, especially on high-danger opportunities.
“Playing in front of our home crowd and scoring goals made for an enjoyable experience tonight,”
Binnington reflected after the game.
Emerging Talents
Another promising figure to emerge was defenseman Logan Mailloux, a recent acquisition from a trade that saw the Blues let go of a promising young player. In just under 23 minutes on the ice, he recorded an assist and maintained a plus-2 rating. Despite a giveaway, Mailloux remained unfazed under pressure, showcasing impressive skating and decision-making abilities. Montgomery endorsed Mailloux’s readiness for the NHL, acknowledging the growing pains that accompany youth in the league.
Broberg’s two goals exemplified his offensive capabilities. The first came off a pass from Robert Thomas, indicating his poise as he outmaneuvered the Senators’ netminder. Shortly thereafter, he seized another opportunity, this time converting on a pass from Buchnevich, demonstrating both skill and positioning.
Looking Ahead
The Blues’ first line, composed of Buchnevich, Thomas, and Snuggerud, capitalized on their chances, collectively scoring seven points. Montgomery praised their dynamic play, yet noted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus and discipline even when leading comfortably.
This victory not only boosts morale but also reaffirms the Blues’ potential as they finalize their roster ahead of their season opener on October 9. Looking ahead, they will conclude their preseason against the Chicago Blackhawks, where they are expected to feature many minor league players. Binnington’s backup for that game is likely to be Colten Ellis. As the team evolves, they focus on maintaining consistency and executing their game plan effectively.
