The St Louis Blues’ recent success can be traced to the fortunes of their new goalie, Jordan Binnington, who had won his first three NHL starts.
But, Tuesday night, Binnington lost an overtime decision, 2-1, to the New York Islanders in Brooklyn.
Valtteri Filppula scored OT winner over St Louis – file photo courtesy of Lewis Bleiman
Without Binnington in net, the Blues may well have lost the game outright.
“It’s my sixth year pro now,” Binnington said. “I’m feeling good. I’m doing what I can every day to prepare to play at this level and I’m working with some good people.
“I can’t say enough about how the team’s been playing. It’s been great sliding in here and it’s been fun so far. It’s obviously not as fun when you don’t win, but on to Boston (on Thursday).”
Valtteri Filppula scored the game winner with just under two minutes gone n the extra session.
Jordan Eberle scored the Isles’ regulation goal.
“That’s our team, really,” Eberle said. “You look at the way we’ve won games and played, it’s about the team. When we’re playing our best, we have all four lines contributing. Everyone chips in.”
Robin Lehner, who made 30 saves to get the win.
“They had some good chances,” Lehner said. “I think we played really well the first period. Obviously, the momentum shifted in the second period and they kind of took over, but that’s how hockey goes, there’s going to be momentum swings. They’re a really good team. I think we worked really hard and we deserved the two points tonight.”
David Perron scored the Blues only goal of the game.
“I think after the start they had, we played our game and we took over a little bit,” Perron said. “Again, we outshot another team (31-25). It’s been a trend for us recently, a long time, three weeks at least. It’s a good sign and it’s a big point for us.
“It’s tough in overtime. There’s going to be openings. If you lose control of the puck like we did, it’s tough to get it back. They’ve got some strong guys over there.”
[WATCH: All Blues vs. Islanders highlights]
“I thought we played a good game. Deserved better, but that’s the way it goes. They’re a good team and they do a good job defending and they’re hard around their net. We just couldn’t buy another one,” Blues head coach Craig Berube said after the loss.
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