(St. Louis) Nazem Kadri had three goals, including two in the middle period, as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the St. Louis Blues 6-3 on Monday to take the lead 3-1 in the half -Western final.
Posted at 6:17 a.m.
Kadri’s performance came after he received racist death threats on social media in the aftermath of Game 3.
In that game on Saturday, he collided with Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington in the first period.
St. Louis police are investigating the threats, and the NHL said Monday that the circuit and police are working to enhance security at the arena and in hotel settings.
It was a first playoff hat trick for Kadri, who was booed loudly every time he touched the puck on Monday.
Erik Johnson and Devon Toews also beat Ville Husso, while Mikko Rantanen scored in an empty net.
Darcy Kuemper made 17 saves, being beaten twice by David Perron and also by Pavel Buchnevich. Husso blocked 31 shots.
Colorado took control with three goals at 1:48 early in the second period.
Johnson got the ball rolling, Kadri gave the team a 2-1 lead and Toews followed up 19 seconds later.
Kadri’s second goal came seven seconds after the Blues ran out a two-man penalty kill.
Perron and Buchnevich spiced things up with power play goals before the second intermission. Kadri, however, completed his hat-trick midway through the third period.
The Avalanche are undefeated in four road games since the start of the playoffs. All other clubs have been beaten at least once on the opposing ice.