Hofer makes 27 saves as Blues blank Sabres 3-0

Hofer Leads Blues to 3-0 Shutout Over Sabres

Joel Hofer made 27 saves to secure his third NHL shutout Thursday night as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-0. The Blues benefitted from a short-handed goal and two assists by Mathieu Joseph.

Game Highlights

Justin Faulk contributed a goal and an assist.
Nick Bjugstad also scored for the Blues.
This marked St. Louis’ second win in 10 games (2-6-2) and their first shutout since the season opener.

Team Adjustments and Performance

After a 6-1 loss at Washington the previous night, Blues coach Jim Montgomery held a mandatory morning skate before the back-to-back game. He scratched top scorer Jordan Kyrou hoping to energize the team.

Sabres’ Struggles

The Buffalo Sabres’ seven-game point streak (3-0-4) ended with this shutout, their first since the season opener. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, playing his third game this season following a preseason injury, stopped 14 shots.

Key Moments

The Blues took the lead in the first period despite only four shots on goal. Mathieu Joseph intercepted a pass from Jack Quinn in the defensive zone and scored on a partial breakaway 12:38 into the game.

“Hofer gloved Josh Doan’s shot from inside the crease earlier on the penalty kill that led to Joseph’s goal.”

Hofer improved his record to 2-3-0, having allowed 20 goals in his previous five games.

Author’s Summary

Joel Hofer's standout goaltending and key plays from Mathieu Joseph helped lift the struggling Blues to a 3-0 victory over the Sabres, snapping Buffalo’s point streak.

News Tribune — 2025-11-07