The media guide suggests that CEO and Governor Tom Stillman is in charge of the St. Louis Blues, but when the Detroit Red Wings come to town, it’s clear that Petr Mrazek owns the Blues.
Mrazek made 25 saves for his third straight win at the Scottrade Center as the Wings rallied for a 3-2 overtime decision over the Blues Thursday. It was also Mrazek’s second consecutive win since ascending to the No. 1 goalie role when Jimmy Howard was sidelined by a slight groin tear.
“Petr played really well for us again,… Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “He made some key saves in key moments.
“That’s why we won the game.…
Mrazek began his streak of success in St. Louis with a 5-1 win on Feb. 7, 2013. He then posted a 23-save shutout of the Blues on April 13, 2014.
A third-period power-play goal by David Backes goal snapped Mrazek's shutout streak in St. Louis at 128:13, going back to Alex Pietrangelo's goal at 15:45 of the second period of the Wings' 5-1 win.
“I think guys cleaned lots of rebounds for me, so they did a great job in front of me,… Mrazek said.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock thinks Mrazek is settling into his new role quite nicely.
“I thought he played really good,… Babcock said. “Pete’s got to find his game at this level obviously. It’s one thing to be backing up for Howie. It’s another to be the starter and know you’re playing and still have the confidence to do what you do.
“You’ve got to give the kid credit. He made some big saves tonight and he was there and square and he didn’t over challenge a ton.
“He played like a real goalie and he’s so good with the puck.…
Beat The Clock Pavel Datsyuk fired the winner for Detroit with just three seconds remaining in the five-minute overtime period.
“I hear (with) five seconds left our bench yell ‘five seconds!’… Datsyuk explained. “I just shoot as quick as possible.…
The puck found twine just inside the goal post and fell quickly to the ice. There was early doubt whether it was a goal, but replays showed it clearly was in the net.
As first, Datsyuk was certain he’d scored. Then he wasn’t so sure.
“After my shot I see puck through the net on the side,… Datsyuk said. “But after discussion, I’m a little bit confused, but then after the referee show again (it was in).
“When everybody left, I knew the puck was in.…
No Worries Though they squandered a 2-0 third-period lead, the Wings maintained their streak this season of not losing a game when they’ve held a two-goal lead.
“It happens, that’s hockey,… Mrazek said. “We have to calm down and be ready for everything.
“But in the end we got the two points. It didn’t matter. I’m always happy when you have a win and you’re going home with two points. I think we can be happy for that.…
Andy Is Dandy Detroit forward Joakim Andersson tallied his first goal since March 30, 2014 when he beat Brian Elliott to open the scoring.
“It took a little while,… Andersson said. “It’s a good feeling. It was a big goal.
Andersson drove to the St. Louis net and batted Drew Miller’s rebound past Elliott.
“Right there, that’s where you score the most goals in this league, right around the net for rebounds,… Andersson said. “I had a good opportunity to get it in.…
Andersson tried not to allow his goalless drought, which had reached 33 games, weigh on him.
“I had tons of chances the first 10-15 games,… he said. “Then I didn’t create much until lately I feel like, so it was good to get one.…
Andersson’s goal means every forward on the Detroit roster with the exception of the recently-recalled Teemu Pulkkinen has scored this season.
“It was great for Andy,… Babcock said. “Andy has been a good solider for us. He’s worked hard, even though he’s been in and out of the lineup.…
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