Erik Johnson and Jay McClement played as the visitors in St. Louis for the first time in their careers. Johnson’s late game heroics made sure they left as winners.
The Colorado Avalanche snapped a ten game winless streak with a gutty 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Paul Stastny was brilliant, scoring two assists and the game winning goal. But he earned second star to Johnson, who made his return to Missouri a memorable experience. He earned first star status by breaking a 2-2 tie with a bullet goal from the faceoff circle. Johnson also had three shots and was an impact player on both ends of the ice.
Former Colorado players Kevin Shattenkirk and Chris Stewart also played well, with each gaining a point. But they were secondary to the Erik Johnson Show.
Peter Budaj was also brilliant, stopping 42 of 45 shots and stealing the game for Colorado in the final moments. St. Louis outshot Colorado 45-27 for the game.