Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

McDonald's return helps boost Blues offense

ST. LOUIS -- The return of Andy McDonald to center for the second straight game helped spark an offensive avalanche unlike any the St. Louis Blues have seen this season.

After playing wing most of the season, the longtime NHL center returned to the middle again Tuesday and the goal bonanza began in a 6-1 win over Vancouver.

"I'm probably a little more comfortable at center just because I've had a lot more experience there," McDonald said after notching a goal and two assists. "Tonight we generated a lot of chances and were able to capitalize on them."

Centering a line with David Perron and Brad Boyes on his wings, McDonald lit the fuse by scoring on the Blues' first shot 18 seconds into the game against Canucks goalie Andrew Raycroft.

The Blues scored four goals in a span of 7 minutes, 36 seconds, two of them off the suddenly red-hot stick of Perron.

Boyes ended a seven-game goal drought with his first goal since Oct. 23, snapping in a quick one-timer during a power play late in the second period.

The trio combined for five goals and 10 points.

Even during the Blues' scoring slump, McDonald (six goals, 11 points) and Perron (seven goals, 11 points) had been among the most consistent forwards on the team.

"We've certainly struggled at home and it's been frustrating because I think the expectations are high in this locker room," said McDonald, whose team played the first of six straight at home. "Hopefully we can build off it and continue this for this home stretch."

Notes

Defense prospect Jonas Junland is the top scorer for the Peoria Rivermen with six goals and 15 points in 13 games. Forward Nicholas Drazenovic, who was playing on a line with Blues rookie Lars Eller earlier this season, has five goals and 13 points in 13 games.

Peoria goalie is 4-2-1 with a 3.03 goals-against average and .887 save percentage. Backup Hannu Toivonen is 2-3-1 with a 2.91 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.

Legace to Hurricanes

Former Blues goalie Manny Legace was signed to a one-year, $500,000 contract Monday by the Carolina Hurricanes. The 36-year-old Legace, who finished last season with the Blues' minor-league affiliate in Peoria, failed to hook on with another NHL team during training camp.

He played six games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves this year, posting a 2-2-1 mark with a 3.21 goals-against average. Carolina starting goalie Cam Ward suffered a deep skate cut on his leg Saturday in Columbus and expected to miss at least a month.

Legace will start tonight for Carolina against the Los Angeles Kings.

Blues will honor Hull again

The Blues will honor Brett Hull for his recent Hall of Fame induction before a Dec. 15 home game against the Calgary Flames, his first NHL team.

Blues President John Davidson, who entered the Hall of Fame's broadcasting wing by winning the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, will be honored in a pregame ceremony on Saturday.

Hull is expected to speak to Blues fans during a pregame ceremony. He played for the Blues from 1988 through 1998, winning the Hart Trophy as NHL Most Valuable Player following his 86-goal season in 1990-91.

He finished his career with 741 goals,, 650 assists, 1,391 points and two Stanley Cup championships won with Dallas and Detroit.

Contact reporter Norm Sanders at nsanders@bnd.com or 239-2454.