The St. Louis Blues showcased a strong performance against the Calgary Flames, securing a 3-2 victory on home ice. Notable among the players was Jake Neighbours, a local hero from Airdrie, Alberta, who made a significant impact in front of friends and family.
Key Moments from the Game
The contest saw a series of pivotal plays that shifted the momentum. The Blues took the lead in the second period when Alex Thomas scored on a power play at 14:25, putting his team ahead 2-1 with a well-placed shot assisted by Jimmy Snuggerud.
However, the Flames quickly responded. Just 32 seconds later, Matt Coronato tied the game at 2-2, capitalizing on a long pass from Kevin Bahl with a sharp wrist shot from the right circle.
Neighbours’ Emotional Performance
Neighbours was instrumental in securing the win. He scored in the third period at 11:07, tipping in a shot from Colton Parayko to put the Blues ahead 3-2. After the game, Neighbours expressed his joy about scoring for the first time in his NHL career in front of a home crowd.
- Jake Neighbours: Local player, scored his first NHL goal.
- Alex Thomas: Scored on a power play to give Blues a 2-1 lead.
- Matt Coronato: Tied game for Flames shortly after Blues’ second goal.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Following the match, Blues coach Jim Montgomery praised Neighbours for his tenacity. He acknowledged the personal challenges Neighbours faced recently, emphasizing the emotional significance of the game in his hometown.
“He’s a tremendous character kid,” Montgomery remarked, hinting at Neighbours’ potential future leadership role within the team. “He will wear a letter for the Blues one day.”
This thrilling matchup not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the connection between players and their communities, making for an engaging night of hockey.
