More often than not, Dustin Byfuglien makes a big impact - literally, figuratively or both.
Following a flat matinee, the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets put on a clash of the titans that ended with a 4-2 Blues win.
TSN’s commentators hyped it up as a potentially physical affair, yet the two sides topped even those expectations.
Jacob Trouba seemed to get away with a high hit on Troy Brouwer (who was shaken up, but is seemingly OK), but that check was bumped out of the headlines thanks to this, well, Byfuglien-sized check on Jay Bouwmeester. (See above.)
That’s the kind of dramatic moment that might just demand a Jim Ross dub.
Who else would step in & go after Byfuglien? Teammates respect that & Scottie Upshall is a veteran, understands what was needed. #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) October 18, 2015
The contest was truly a testy, physical encounter. St. Louis seems to be developing a narrative where someone gets hurt and they get a win, as they won all four games in a tough Western Canada road rip.
Ken Hitchcock might have said it best:
Hitchcock: “We won the streetfight.” #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 18, 2015
It’s also the sort of win that makes you wonder if the Blues may just be equipped to finally get over that playoff hump.
It takes a lot to get Bouwmeester upset, but Byfuglien just did. To say this game has been physical is an understatement. #STLvsWPG
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 18, 2015
Of course, many are already a little skeptical of that narrative, as the Blues have “teased” fans with great regular season results plenty of times before under Ken Hitchcock’s watch.
Note: The Jets lost, but it’s still quite the start for Blake Wheeler & Co: