Ducks Suffer Fourth Straight Loss to Blues, Stay Tied for First in Pacific Division
Blues Defeat Ducks 6-2, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The St. Louis Blues kept their playoff hopes alive with a decisive 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Dylan Holloway led the charge, scoring two power-play goals, while Robert Thomas contributed a goal and two assists.
Joining them on the scoresheet were Pius Suter and Colton Parayko, who each recorded a goal and an assist, along with Jonatan Berggren adding another goal. Goaltender Joel Hofer made 24 saves, enabling the Blues to inch closer in the playoff race, now just three points away from the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining.
After the game, Thomas remarked on the team’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on chances. "We know what’s at stake, and tonight, we executed when it mattered," he said.
For the Ducks, Ryan Poehling netted a goal and an assist, with Jeffrey Viel also scoring. Despite their recent struggles, including four consecutive losses, the Ducks remain tied with Edmonton for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Goalie Lukas Dostal stopped 23 shots during the match.
The first period was particularly eventful, featuring five goals from both teams. Poehling opened the scoring for Anaheim just 1:51 into the game, redirecting Mason McTavish’s shot past Hofer. St. Louis quickly responded; Thomas scored at 5:24, assisted by Philip Broberg’s clever pass.
Holloway’s power-play goal put the Blues ahead 2-1 with 8:42 left in the first period, but Viel equalized with a tap-in goal set up by Poehling, tying the game at 2-2 with 3:59 remaining in the period.
St. Louis took control in the second period, starting with a goal from Suter at 3:08. Parayko extended the lead to 5-2 with a shot from the right circle just under four minutes later. Holloway capped the scoring with another power-play goal in the third period.
The Ducks will look to regroup as they prepare to face the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on Saturday night.
