ST. LOUIS — Robert Thomas continued his hot streak, scoring a goal and providing an assist to lead the St. Louis Blues to a narrow 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks at the Enterprise Center on Thursday. This marked Thomas’s third consecutive game with a goal, a performance that came just after he was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
Thomas’s critical goal at 8:03 in the third period broke the tie, giving the Blues (19-17-1) a much-needed lead. His strike from the right circle was the result of a well-orchestrated play involving multiple teammates, including a cross-ice pass from Scott Perunovich. “A lot of guys did a lot of good things for that goal,” Thomas acknowledged.
Colton Parayko also scored for St. Louis, and goalie Jordan Binnington made 25 saves, helping the team snap a two-game losing streak. “I think we played really solid game defensively,” said Pavel Buchnevich, emphasizing the team’s collective effort.
The Canucks (24-11-3), who entered the game with an impressive 8-1-2 record in their last 11 games, fell short despite a strong performance. Conor Garland provided their only goal, and Thatcher Demko was solid in net with 30 saves.
Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet expressed frustration with missed opportunities, especially in the third period. “We have four or five missed nets. We’ve got to hit the net on those shots,” he said, highlighting the need for improved execution.
Garland’s goal early in the first period initially gave the Canucks the lead, but Parayko’s equalizer in the second period set the stage for Thomas’s eventual game-winner.
The game also had several high-danger chances from Canucks players like Brock Boeser, Nils Hoglander, and Elias Pettersson, but they couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities. “Obviously disappointed,” said Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, reflecting on the close nature of the contest.
Thomas’s performance, earning his first NHL All-Star selection, was a standout aspect of the game. He has accumulated nine points over his past six games, showcasing his rising form. Hughes, despite earning his second All-Star selection, saw his five-game point streak come to an end.
Parayko’s goal was not only significant for the game but also marked a personal milestone, tying him with Barclay Plager for fourth place among Blues defensemen for games played in their history.
The win for the Blues demonstrates their ability to compete against in-form teams, while the Canucks will look to refine their finishing skills to convert chances into wins in future games.
UP NEXT
Both teams move forward with their respective campaigns, with the Blues looking to build on their win and the Canucks aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
