2017 Winter Classic: Vladimir Tarasenko banks shot off defender to give Blues 2-1 lead (Video)

Vladimir Tarasenko gave the St. Louis Blues a 2-1 lead in the 2017 Winter Classic with a little help from Niklas Hjalmarsson. 

For most of the 2017 Winter Classic, it has been a defensive struggle with both teams struggling to generate offense. However, the St. Louis Blues have finally broken through against the Chicago Blackhawks. After getting a goal from Patrik Berglund in the second period, a third period goal by Vladimir Tarasenko has given the Blues a 2-1 lead. The Russian forward got a bit of help from Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, who he banked the shot off of and past Corey Crawford.

What an unfortunate moment for Hjalmarsson. He has been so good all day for the Blackhawks and got very unlucky there. Hjalmarsson is one of the NHL’s more underrated defensemen, especially in his own zone. Give credit to the Blues for being a little bit creative. They certainly had to be creative to get the puck past Crawford.

On the other hand, Tarasenko is the beneficiary of some aggressive play and, yes, a little bit of luck. It’s not surprising the Russian forward is having a big day. All game, he has been very active on offense. With several breakaway opportunities, only Crawford had kept Tarasenko off the score sheet. However, he was unable to stop his shot thanks to the shot deflecting off of Hjalmarsson.

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Tarasenko’s goal is his 17th of the season. He now leads the Blues in goals and is certainly justifying his recent extension. In 38 games this season, Tarasenko has 41 points, which also leads St. Louis. While he has feuded with head coach Ken Hitchcock at times, he gives his coach a lot of reasons to trust him. Tarasenko is quickly starting to emerge as one of the best players in the NHL.