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The Columbus Blue Jackets proved they haven’t packed it in for the season, silencing the St. Louis Blues 1-0 on Tuesday night at the Enterprise Center. Elvis Merzlikins turned aside 21 shots for his first shutout of the season, while Dmitri Voronkov provided the lone tally in a gritty performance that defied St. Louis’ five-game winning streak.
Merzlikins Stands Tall: A Wall Against the Blues’ Attack
The story of the night was undoubtedly Merzlikins’ exceptional performance. The Latvian netminder was calm and collected throughout, stopping everything the Blues threw at him. He denied Jordan Kyrou on a breakaway in the first period, robbed Vladimir Tarasenko with a sprawling glove save in the second, and shut the door on Robert Thomas’ point-blank chance in the third. His shutout was a testament to his focus and athleticism, proving he can be a reliable backbone for the young Blue Jackets.
Voronkov’s Lone Strike Silences the St. Louis Crowd
The lone goal of the game came courtesy of Voronkov in the second period. The 22-year-old Russian winger pounced on a rebound off a Vladislav Gavrikov slap shot, burying it past Jordan Binnington for his seventh goal of the season. It was a moment of opportunism and clinical finishing, and it proved to be enough to secure the two points for Columbus.
Team Effort Stifles the Blues’ Offense
While Merzlikins and Voronkov deserve the spotlight, the entire Blue Jackets team deserves credit for their defensive effort. They blocked 18 shots, clogged passing lanes, and made life difficult for the Blues’ high-powered offense. Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean were outstanding in shutting down the edges, while the penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3 to prevent St. Louis from establishing any rhythm on the power play.
A Much-Needed Boost for the Blue Jackets
This win was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Blue Jackets, who have struggled throughout the season. They snapped a five-game losing streak and ended St. Louis’ impressive run, proving they can still compete against the best teams in the league. The victory also provided a valuable confidence boost for the young players, showing they can win even when facing adversity.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Blue Jackets head into the All-Star break with a bit of momentum, but they face a tough schedule returning with back-to-back games against the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Blues may be disappointed by the loss, but they still sit comfortably in second place in the Central Division. They will look to regain their winning form when they return from the break and face the Calgary Flames on February 9th.
According to Point Spreads