- Blues score twice within 90 seconds en route to 7-2 victory
- St. Louis ties Vancouver for final wild card spot with 8th win in 11 games
- Binnington’s 22 saves and penalty-kill perfection stifle Ducks’ offense
- Anaheim’s playoff hopes fade after 5th loss in 7 games
The St. Louis Blues delivered a statement performance Sunday night, overwhelming the Anaheim Ducks with two goals in the opening 90 seconds before cruising to a 7-2 victory. This decisive win propels the Blues into a tie with Vancouver for the Western Conference’s final wild card position, intensifying the playoff race with just weeks remaining in the regular season.
Brayden Schenn ignited the home crowd just 41 seconds into the game, firing home his 16th goal of the season. Pavel Buchnevich doubled the lead 49 seconds later, capitalizing on defensive miscues by Anaheim. The early outburst set the tone for a dominant offensive display featuring goals from six different Blues skaters.
Jordan Binnington anchored the victory with 22 saves, including a critical stop on Trevor Zegras’ breakaway attempt that preserved momentum in the second period. Special teams proved decisive, with St. Louis converting three power plays while blanking Anaheim’s man-advantage opportunities.
Industry Insight: The Blues’ penalty-kill success (3/3) aligns with league trends showing teams with top-10 PK units qualify for playoffs 72% of time. Their 11-game surge (8-2-1) demonstrates improved defensive structure under interim coach Drew Bannister.
Regional Impact: While St. Louis strengthens its position, Central Division rivals like Nashville have gained ground. The Predators’ current 6-game win streak creates pressure for the Blues to maintain momentum during their upcoming 4-game road trip.
Logistical Challenge: Sunday’s delayed start (caused by aircraft issues in Minnesota) highlights travel hurdles NHL teams face. League data shows 1-in-5 teams experience significant travel delays annually, potentially impacting performance.
With crucial matchups against Nashville and Colorado looming, the Blues’ ability to sustain this offensive explosion could determine their playoff fate. Meanwhile, Anaheim faces mounting challenges after being outscored 18-5 during their current three-game skid.