The Blues’ narrow 1-0 win over the Kings on Saturday night marked the fifth time in six games that the team has managed to score only one goal. Jaden Schwartz found a goal in the third period, snapping the streak of eight consecutive periods without a goal from one of the team’s forwards. Following the game, Jori Lehtera had a unique analogy for the team’s offensive struggles.
Via the Post-Dispatch:
“We playing kind of like Italian soccer, 1-0, good defense and it’s just one goal. It’s enough.”
That’s a pretty accurate comparison. The Blues have been really strong on defense and it has helped overcome (for the most part) the quiet offense. Though Lehtera’s comments on defense likely also refer to the goaltending, it’s worth pointing out that the Blues have received some outstanding performances – Jake Allen was great against the Kings – to help keep the games tight. Italian soccer games often feature tight defensive play, great goalkeeping and low-scoring games.
It’s been awesome to see the Blues play so well in their own zone and in net, but the slow start to the year for the offense is worrisome. The Blues are still picking up points and that’s all that matters, but they’re going to need their offensive game to find its form in a hurry as they’re playing a dangerous game by placing both their defense and goalies under so much pressure.
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