The Colorado Avalanche sent the Blues to the wires on Monday, and being able to finish off their rivals in the next game of the series this Wednesday in Denver, the formation of forward Nazem Kadri certainly does not want to return in St. Louis.
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Having been the subject of racist threats and insults after the third game of this second round confrontation after he collided with Blues goalkeeper Jordan Binnington, the forward responded in his own way with a hat trick in a 6-3 win, giving his team a 3-1 series lead.
Kadri’s ability to keep his cool somewhat symbolizes the moods of his teammates, who hope to lead the “Avs” to their first Stanley Cup since the spring of 2001. First and foremost, it is important to concentrate on the game, the action on the rink, not the problems outside the arena.
“I really wanted to show up and make my mark in this game, especially after what happened. I tried to offer the best, he said in a press briefing. Sometimes you have to be patient and wait. I was able to strike early in the second period and the pace was maintained, both individually and collectively. And doing that abroad is great.”
Except that the events of the last few days seem to have fanned the flame in him. “I guess I needed some gas in the tank. I’ve been angry for the last few days, but that’s the way it is. There, we got the victory and that’s what we wanted.
For his part, head coach Jared Bednar praised his protege’s professionalism in his own way.
“This is the perfect example of good defeating evil. With what had happened, “Naz” has a job to do and he has remained in control of himself, being able to perform well in these circumstances, he said. He showed a lot of character and determination. He’s an incredible guy and a tough young man who’s raised his game at the most opportune time to show everyone what he can do.”
Do not generalize
In addition, Kadri was careful not to put all Blues fans in the same basket, saying he respects local hockey fans. He also understands the reactions he can provoke as a player on an opposing team.
“I know they boo me, but that’s what a fan does. When you are the local club or player, you want to have the crowd on your side and see them annoy the other team, as long as it is within the rules, he recalled. I have no problem with that and I know that the lyrics that have been said are not reflective of every St. Louis fan. I understand that and I want it to be clear. But for those who wasted their time writing such messages, well, I feel sorry.”
The locals had however taken the lead 1-0 in the game thanks to the eighth in the playoffs by Quebecer David Perron. But the Avalanche scored four goals in less than five minutes in the second period to take control of the game.
The Blues came back from behind before the end of the second period with two goals scored during power play. Nazem Kadri, however, completed his hat trick midway through the third period to restore a two-goal lead to his side. Gabriel Landeskog then scored in an empty net to seal the match.
Besides Kadri and Landeskog, defenders Devon Toews and Erik Johnson scored for the winners. David Perron with two, and Pavel Buchnevich managed to beat Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
The latter finished the game with 17 saves, while his vis-à-vis Ville Husso yielded five times on 36 shots.
The fifth game of this series will be played Wednesday evening in Denver and will be broadcast on TVA Sports starting at 8 p.m.
