ST. LOUIS – Brandon Saad delivered a standout performance on Friday night, scoring a natural hat trick to help the St. Louis Blues shut out the Ottawa Senators 4-0 at the Enterprise Center. The win marked the Blues’ fourth victory in their last five games, as goaltender Jordan Binnington provided a flawless 20-save performance. Saad’s display not only ended his 19-game goal drought but also breathed life into a Blues team looking for consistency this season.
Saad shines in long-awaited breakout performance
Brandon Saad, who had not scored since November 14, finally broke through in spectacular fashion with his third career hat trick and first as a St. Louis Blue. After a prolonged slump that saw him scratched from games in December, Saad’s determination paid off, as he scored three consecutive goals to secure the victory for the Blues. His efforts included two breakaway goals and a late tally on a 2-on-1 with teammate Alexandre Texier.
“Ever since [the holiday] break, I started to feel better every game,” Saad said postgame. “I felt like it was only a matter of time, so tonight felt good for sure.”
Head coach Jim Montgomery praised Saad’s resilience, noting, “There’s another level of belief in himself and his confidence, and also in what we’re trying to accomplish as a team. He’s a great example for the rest of our group.”
Strong team effort propels Blues to victory
While Saad’s heroics took center stage, the Blues benefitted from a well-rounded team performance. Brayden Schenn opened the scoring in the first period with a breakaway goal, and Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas played pivotal roles in setting up Saad’s second goal. Binnington recorded his third shutout of the season, turning aside all 20 shots he faced to frustrate the Senators’ offense.
The win continues a strong stretch for the Blues, who now improve to 19-17-4. This victory also moves the team two games above the .500 mark for the first time since late October and provides momentum as they head into a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
Ottawa Senators stumble as road trip takes its toll
The Ottawa Senators, coming off a 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday, struggled to find their footing in St. Louis. Their offense was stifled by Binnington and a disciplined Blues defense, resulting in their first shutout loss of the season. Friday’s defeat marked the Senators’ fourth loss in their last five games, a disappointing stretch following a strong 9-3-1 record in December.
“We were just slow to start, and that’s it,” said Ottawa defenseman Thomas Chabot. “The chances we gave them were Grade A’s, and in the NHL, talented players are going to find the way to put the puck in the back of the net.”
Goaltender Anton Forsberg, returning from a three-week absence due to injury, allowed four goals on 25 shots. The Senators’ offense, which had been a strength earlier in the season, has faltered during this road trip, with key players unable to find the back of the net consistently. Ottawa now sits at 19-17-2 and clings to the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Road fatigue evident in Senators’ play
Friday’s game was the eighth stop on a grueling nine-game road trip for the Senators, necessitated by the IIHF World Junior Championship being hosted in Ottawa. The team has gone 4-4-0 on this stretch, with one game remaining against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday before they finally return home.
Despite the challenging schedule, head coach Travis Green refused to use fatigue as an excuse. “We’ve got to find a way to get some more offense out of our group,” he said. “We’re playing well defensively, but we need more from our top guys.”
What’s next for both teams?
For the St. Louis Blues, Friday’s win sets the stage for a back-to-back matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. With Saad finding his scoring touch and the team showing improved depth, the Blues will aim to extend their winning streak and climb further in the Western Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators will wrap up their nine-game road trip with a visit to Detroit to face the Red Wings on Tuesday. The Senators will need to regroup quickly if they hope to maintain their playoff positioning in the tightly contested Eastern Conference. With fatigue mounting and offensive production waning, the team must address its shortcomings before returning home.
Senators captain Brady Tkachuk expressed frustration earlier in the week, calling the team’s recent performances “embarrassing” and “unacceptable.” Ottawa will need its leadership core to step up and guide the team out of its current slump.
Saad’s resurgence offers hope for Blues’ playoff push
The Blues’ recent success, spearheaded by Saad’s resurgence, provides a glimmer of hope for a team that has struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. Saad’s natural hat trick not only boosted his confidence but also showcased the depth scoring potential that St. Louis desperately needs moving forward. If he can maintain this level of play, he’ll be a key factor in the team’s playoff aspirations or, alternatively, a valuable trade asset should the Blues decide to retool.
“As a group, we’re going to face adversity. What do you do? Do you sit and moan, or do you go back and work your way back?” said coach Jim Montgomery. “Saad’s attitude is a credit to him and a good example for our organization.”
With momentum on their side, the Blues will look to build on their recent successes as they continue their climb in the Western Conference standings. For now, Friday night’s victory serves as a reminder of the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders.
