Hofer Makes 27 Saves as Blues Shut Out Sabres 3-0
Joel Hofer delivered a stellar performance Thursday night, stopping 27 shots to earn his third NHL shutout and help the St. Louis Blues defeat the Buffalo Sabres 3-0.
Game Highlights
- Mathieu Joseph recorded a short-handed goal and added two assists.
- Justin Faulk contributed a goal and an assist.
- Nick Bjugstad also found the back of the net.
- The victory marked the Blues’ first shutout since their season opener and only their second win in the last 10 games (2-6-2).
Coaching Decisions and Adjustments
Following a tough 6-1 loss in Washington the previous night, coach Jim Montgomery scheduled a mandatory morning skate before the second game in as many days. He also benched top scorer Jordan Kyrou in an effort to spark the team's sluggish performance.
Sabres’ Performance
The loss ended Buffalo’s seven-game point streak (3-0-4) and was their first shutout defeat since the start of the season.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 14 shots in his third appearance this year. The Finnish goaltender had been Buffalo’s starter before suffering a lower-body injury during the preseason.
Key Moments
St. Louis opened the scoring in the first period despite managing only four shots on goal. Joseph capitalized after stealing the puck from Jack Quinn and scoring from the high slot 12:38 into the game. Earlier on the penalty kill, Hofer flashed his glove to deny Josh Doan’s attempt from close range, setting the stage for Joseph’s short-handed tally.
With this performance, Hofer improved his record to 2-3-0, rebounding after allowing 20 goals across his previous five starts.
Author's Summary
Hofer’s dominant goaltending and Joseph’s energetic playlifted St. Louis to a much-needed 3-0 victory, snapping a prolonged skid and restoring confidence in the locker room.