ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues marked a new chapter under coach Drew Bannister with a convincing 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at the Enterprise Center on Thursday. The win came as a refreshing change for the Blues, who had suffered four consecutive defeats leading to the replacement of coach Craig Berube with Bannister earlier this week.
Robert Thomas was the standout performer for the Blues, contributing two goals and an assist. Pavel Buchnevich added a goal and an assist, and Justin Faulk provided two assists, helping to turn the tide for the Blues. Jordan Binnington’s 32 saves were crucial in securing the win for St. Louis, which now stands at 14-14-1.
Thomas praised the team’s unity and support for one another on the ice, emphasizing the positive change in their play style under Bannister’s guidance.
For the Senators, who dropped to 11-13-0, Dominik Kubalik scored, and Joonas Korpisalo made 26 saves. Ottawa’s coach, D.J. Smith, acknowledged the Blues’ aggressive start and pointed out the need for better responses to such challenges.
The game saw Thomas opening the scoring in the first period with a skilled play, followed by his second goal in the second period off a backhand shot. Brandon Saad extended the Blues’ lead with a one-timer, and Buchnevich’s goal in the third period solidified their control over the game.
Mathieu Joseph scored for Ottawa late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Joseph noted the team’s lack of energy and speed, which are usually their strengths.
Noteworthy performances included Thomas’s continued scoring form, with 13 points in his last 12 games. On the other hand, Ottawa’s Claude Giroux saw his four-game point streak end.
Additional notes from the game included Blues forward Mackenzie MacEachern’s physical presence in his season debut, and Senators forward Mark Kastelic’s return from injury, marking his first game since early November.
This victory for the Blues under Bannister’s leadership could signal a turning point in their season, instilling confidence and a renewed sense of team spirit. The Senators, on the other hand, will look to regroup and bring back the speed and energy that defines their gameplay.
