Perron scores hat trick as Blues beat Vancouver 6-1

Check out the highlights here, but the Blues scored within the first eighteen seconds, and simply never relented on the hapless Canucks. By the end of the first, the Blues were sitting on a four-to-nothing lead.

It was clear Raycroft was getting lit up, and Vancouver ran out Luongo to start the second period – which I thought was a curious move, considering he’s currently rehabing a rib injury, and next to the Sedins, he’s the franchise player. Why risk getting him hurt again over a clear blowout?

Either case, the biggest story to come out of this game was the first career hat trick from David Perron. It was great to see one of our prospects start to come into his own. In the defense-first system of Andy Murray, it was often suggested that Perron was the kind of player that didn’t fit; all hands, all skill, and sometimes, suspect play in his own zone. Hopefully, last night is a sign of things to come, and Perron can claim a spot as a dangerous offensive weapon in this league.

As for Canucks fans, don’t worry too much about this loss. It doesn’t really mean anything in the scope of your season. You’re team is still a top contender in the West. (I even picked you guys as a preseason 2010 Cup winner) The Blues were really chomping at the bit to get another win at home, they were on a four-game losing streak, and they had just blown a two goal lead with seven minutes left in the third period against Atlanta (a game they would end up losing in a shootout). They were absolutely desperate, and the Canucks didn’t even have their starting goaltender in net.

Either case, the Blues take on the Predators next on Thursday, in a critical divisional match-up. This team needs to start making up ground in the Central if they really want to turn the ship around.