Reinhart and the Tkachuks Cash In as Panthers Win 4-1 in St. Louis
Florida won 4-1 in St. Louis, but the score makes it look easier than it was. The Blues created the better chances. The Panthers finished theirs, and the Blues mostly did not.
By expected goals, which measure how much each team's chances were worth, St. Louis led 2.61 to 2.21. The Blues also took more shot attempts. Yet Florida outshot them 28-23 and beat Joel Hofer four times.
At the other end, Jacob Markstrom stopped 22 of 23. Nearly every close-range look was turned aside, worth 1.61 goals saved above expected, meaning he kept out more than an average goalie would have. Philip Broberg also hit the post. On a night this close, the bounces went Florida's way.
Sam Reinhart led the Panthers with a goal, an assist and 4 shots. Brady Tkachuk also had a goal and an assist, on a line with Anton Lundell, who scored, and Matthew Tkachuk, who added a helper. Dmitry Kulikov chipped in a goal. Dylan Holloway scored the lone St. Louis goal.
Florida (12-7-2) has won three straight. The Blues fall to 9-9-2, holding onto the final Western wild-card spot.
