In St Louis, the visiting Nashville Predators jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period then needed a late goal to stave off the Blues in a 4-3 win on Saturday.
Mikael Granlund scored the game-winner after the Blues rallied to tie the game up at 3-3.
“That was a real hockey game,” Granlund said. “There was a lot of emotions and a lot of one-on-one battles. That’s a fun way to play the game, and I think we played overall a pretty good hockey game and we were able to get those big two points.”
Juuse Saros made 23 saves in the win.
Zach Sanford, Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Kyrou were the Blues music makers in the loss.
“I think I’m just getting some good bounces,” Sanford said. “Things are going my way. Linemates are setting me up pretty good and I think as a team, we’ve got to get more out of our opportunities.”
Viktor Arvidsson and Matt Duchene scored in the opening frame for the 2-0 lead.
Kyle Turris also scored for the Preds.
“I thought we came into the game mentally prepared,” Nashville head coach John Hynes said. “We talked about leaving the (New York) Islanders game behind (5-0 win Thursday) and making sure we were totally attached and invested in this game. I thought we were and had a very good first.”
[WATCH: All Predators vs. Blues highlights]
Jake Allen made 23 saves in the loss.
“We’re a sensitive team right now and obviously we feel for him (Jay Bouwmeester) and for each other and for his family,” the Blues’ Vince Dunn said. “The support has been really great, and it’s hard to get over something like that, but when we’re on the ice, we’re playing for him, and that should give us more pride to do the right thing, so I guess it’s a little shame on us.
“We need to step up for him. We know when he’s in the lineup, he’s definitely a big presence, so we’re not just going to fill his role. We know that, but everyone needs to step it up and focus on making sure they’re doing their job out there.”
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