STL vs. DET – Friday Recap

The Blues play their first game of the season today at 2pm against the hated Detroit Red Wings. The Blues emerged victorious thanks to a thrilling second period comeback, winning 4-3. Despite allowing three, Chris Mason was clearly the first star (though he did not officially earn the honor) as he time and time again made unthinkable saves to repel the Red Wing attack.

The Blues were pinned in throughout the first period, and appeared a stride or two slower when compared to Detroit. However, it was the Blues who struck first with Jay McClement recording his first goal of the season. Detroit was quick to answer, with Jonathan Ericsson answering just three minutes later. The play was one you could chalk up under the “unlucky” column, as the official got in the way of Roman Polak tracking back, which allowed the play to develop. Unfortunate, but for the most part the officiating was far from being the bright spot in this game. Just four minutes later, with the man advantage, Colaiacovo showed some rust, giving up the puck and allowing Kirk Maltby to give Detroit the lead shorthanded. The period came to an end, and despite several good saves from Mason, the team looked shaky.

Cue the second. If you caught just one period of action today, I hope it was the second. Detroit tallied their third goal on the power-play, and things appeared grim. In the past, when down by two against the Red Wings, the Blues might struggle to find their feet to mount a comeback. Not this side. Paul Kariya brought the Note back within one with a snipe on the power-play. Two minutes later it was Crombeen scoring to bring things level. Just three minutes later Kariya netted his second to give the Blues a 4-3 lead which wound up being the final.

Chris Mason robbed Detroit on numerous occasions, and while his performance was extremely encouraging, I certainly hope the Blues’ defense can limit some of the opportunities we saw in this first game. One game, one win – a perfect way to start the year.

Paul Kariya. Wow. If he can stay healthy, we are in for quite a treat. He looked fast, nimble and his shot looks just as quick and accurate as ever.

That’s all for now Blues fans, see you tomorrow as the two teams clash again Saturday afternoon.