Sure, we picked Pavel Buchnevich as our player to watch here at THN earlier on Thursday, and it was a slam dunk pick.
Buchnevich responded accordingly with two goals and one assist, one game after being benched Tuesday for 12-plus minutes against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but I'm pivoting here and giving THN St. Louis Blues player of the game to goalie Joel Hofer in their 4-1 win against the Florida Panthers on Thursday at Amarent Bank Arena.
Hofer, who improved to 6-5-0 on the season, had been struggling. Prior to entering Tuesday's 6-1 loss midway through the game against the Lightning on Tuesday in relief of Jordan Binnington, Hofer had lost his three previous appearances, allowing 11 goals on 57 shots (.807 save percentage).
The last time Hofer won was in relief of Binnington in a 6-5 win at Arizona on Nov. 22. In fact, his last win in a start was a 3-1 victory against Anaheim on Nov. 19.
But on Thursday, Hofer could have capitulated when that wonky, crazy hop goal by Eetu Luostarinen went in off a weird hop off the metal portion of the stanchion near the Blues' bench to make it 2-1.
But instead of lacking confidence to rebound, Hofer got back on the saddle and stood tall the rest of the way, finishing with 37 saves in the game and gave the Blues the boost they needed in goal while giving Binnington a much-needed rest after he had started the past five games and seven of eight.
And just think, Hofer was one stanchion away from a second shutout this season.
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