CHICAGO – Cam Fowler scored two goals to mark his 1,000th NHL game as the St. Louis Blues cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in the Winter Classic on New Year’s Eve.
With the victory, the St. Louis Blues become the only NHL team with at least three Winter Classic wins and an undefeated record in such contests.
Tuesday marked only Fowler’s ninth game with the Blues after a lengthy career with the Anaheim Ducks. He scored the opening goal less than two minutes into the game and found the back of the net again late in the second period.
“It’s pretty surreal,” said Fowler. “Going through a lot of emotions the last few weeks. Getting adjusted to a new team. Couldn’t have asked for anything more for this experience.”
Four others scored goals for the Blues, in the order of Jordan Kyrou, Justin Faulk, Dylan Holloway, and Alexandre Texier.
Jordan Binnington made 28 saves on 30 shots to win his second career Winter Classic start.
“It was a great atmosphere. Hearing our Blues fans at the end of the game, counting the goals, it was a lot of fun.”
Head coach Jim Montgomery agreed. “It’s awesome. Blues fans are awesome,” Montgomey said on the road cheers from Blues fans. “It’s a special place for me and a special place for my family. I know how much this organization loves playing for the Blues fans. For them to travel five hours, it’s just awesome, how much they support us.”
Colton Parayko, who has participated in all three Blues’ Winter Classic contests and logged 25 minutes of ice time Tuesday, said “I guess we like our outdoor games. It’s exciting. I think we just enjoy the game. No special secret, but it’s been good.”
Jordan Kyrou, who had a powerplay goal, says on this Winter Classic experience, “The fans, the atmosphere, scoring, the family skate, all of the family out there, skating with them. On the ice, we enjoyed that.”
Jake Neightbours, who picked up an assist, said “Hopefully the offense is starting to roll a little bit. Our defense is in a good spot. Everybody is contributing. Hopefully we can take this an go on a roll.” Then asked if he could think of a better way to spend New Year’s Eve, Neighbours added, “Nope, I don’t think I can.”