Knowing they will be without Vladimir Tarasenko for the rest of the regular season has produced one realization for the Blues: If they are going to win games, they likely will have to do it much like they did on Wednesday night.
Alex Pietrangelo broke a 1-1 tie early in the third period and Jordan Binnington stopped 35 of 36 Minnesota shots to lead the Blues to a 2-1 win over the Wild at Enterprise Center.
The Blues likely won’t be blowing out many opponents without Tarasenko’s sniping ability, but they can use timely goals and solid defensive and goaltending performances to win games.
Sammy Blais, getting the first chance to fill in for Tarasenko on the Blues’ top line, scored their first goal 6:52 into the first period before the Wild tied it less than two minutes later.
The game remained tied at 1 before Pietrangelo scored his fifth goal of the season 1:39 into the third period, sending the Blues to their fourth win in their last five games.
Tarasenko underwent surgery on his left shoulder on Tuesday after being injured in a game last week. The team said he will miss at least five months.
Looking ahead: The Blues will host Columbus on Friday night.
Photo by AP courtesy of KSDK Sports
