Blues, Binnington shut down Predators 2-0

[February 27, 2019]  Tyler Bozak broke a scoreless tie with 7:25 left in regulation and rookie Jordan Binnington needed to make just 19 saves for his fifth shutout Tuesday night, as the St. Louis Blues beat the visiting Nashville Predators 2-0.

In a game highlighted by quality defense and physical play, it was the Blues who were finally rewarded for outshooting the Predators 44-19 on the night. Bozak fired home a Vladimir Tarasenko pass just as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Nashville's Ryan Johansen ended.

Alex Pietrangelo added an empty-netter for the Blues, who are third in the Central Division and 13-1-1 since Jan. 23. Binnington continued his stellar play, improving to 7-0-0 with a 1.55 goals-against average at home as a starter for St. Louis, which concluded the regular-season series with four straight victories over Nashville.

Juuse Saros was just as tough, making 42 saves for Nashville, which is in the mix with Winnipeg for the top spot in the Central Division, but was shut out for the second time in three games. Ryan Ellis nearly gave the Predators the lead in the third, however, but he hit the post.

Veteran Wayne Simmonds made his debut for the Predators after being acquired from Philadelphia just before Monday's trade deadline. Simmonds recorded two shots, but had nothing to show for it.

Also acquired Monday in a separate deal with Minnesota, forward Mikael Granlund was not on the ice for Nashville. Due to the impending birth of his child, it's uncertain when Granlund will make his debut for the Predators.

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) salutes the fans after being named the second star of the game after the Blues defeated the Nashville Predators at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville could receive a major boost if Granlund is available Friday to face Winnipeg in a huge division clash in the continuation of a three-game road stretch.

St. Louis was minus three forwards Tuesday. Brayden Schenn and David Perron are both on injured reserve with upper-body injuries while Alexander Steen sat out because of an illness.

The Blues will also be in action Friday, when they visit surging Carolina.

--Field Level Media

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