The St Louis Blues had a run going, but ended up on the losing end of a 4-3 decision to the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. 
Mike Hoffman scored twice in the third period for the Blues to make the final few minutes of the game for more interesting with a 4-3 score than the 4-1, posting at the start of the period.
“I think their goals, we gave them to them,” Hoffman said. “A couple minor mistakes that they took advantage of. It’s obviously a good hockey club over there. They’re going to take advantage of any mistakes you make.
“It’s tough to come back 4-1 against anyone, but especially against one of the top teams in the League.”
Brandon Saad ‘s second period goal ended up being the difference in the game.
Devan Dubnyk got the win on 31 saves, his first since being acquired from the San Jose Sharks.
“It was OK,” Dubnyk said. “I think a little sloppy at the start, just the rebounds sitting around. Obviously, there were a few nerves for me with the new team. Got away with it and felt a little better, I settled in as the game went on.”
The Avs’ Philipp Grubauer was placed on COVID-19 protocol.
“It was a scheduled start for ‘Grubi,'” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “We had got him some rest on the road and you know, he played last game and we were getting ready to go with him again today. … It’ll be at least 14 days before his next game. Not ideal, but I know he’ll be hungry to get back in the net when he’s healthy.
“We made the decision to go with Dubnyk because he didn’t receive the vaccine or he already had it, not sure which is the case, and so he was feeling fine, better than most of our guys. Plus he’s an experienced guy, he’s played against St. Louis before, he’s played in this building already this year, and I think that, you know, when you’ve got to lean on guys, you want to lean in on your veteran players, and that’s what he was brought in to do. I thought he did a nice job for us.”
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare gave the Avs a 1-0 lead in the first period.
Vince Dunn also scored for St Louis.
Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Compher struck for goals to give Colorado a 3-1 lead.
“[Bellemare] and [Compher] have been really good to me,” Liam O’Brien (two assists for St Louis) said. “I’ve learned a lot from those two in the last couple weeks here. It’s just been really awesome being on a line with those two guys and they’ve helped me out a lot.”
Jordan Binnington took the loss on 24 saves.
“We had a strong third period and played hard right until the end,” Binnington said. “Obviously, not the outcome we want. Yeah, it’s unfortunate. We’ve got to put that one behind and focus on the next game.”
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