ST. LOUIS _ Where oh where is the St. Louis defense? After scoring the first two goals of Thursday's game with Columbus, the Blues largely watched as the Blue Jackets scored a touchdown on them.
The Blues looked slow and at times uninspired in starting a key seven-game homestand in the worst way possible with a 7-4 loss at Enterprise Center. The seven goals allowed was the most by the Blues since an 8-3 loss in Minnesota last Feb. 27 _ the day after the trade deadline deal that sent Paul Stastny to Winnipeg.
The Blues, falling to 2-4-3, have given up 36 goals in nine games this season _ or an average of four goals per game.
After scores by Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz gave the Blues a 2-0 lead, Columbus scored seven of the game's next eight goals. An Alexander Steen goal 8{ minutes into the second period narrowed the St. Louis deficit to 4-3. But the Blue Jackets (5-4) put the game away with two goals in the opening 2:35 of the third period.
Jake Allen was pulled after giving up his fourth goal of the night 11 minutes into the second period, but things didn't go much better with backup Chad Johnson in the game. Boone Jenner and Anthony Duclair both scored two goals for Columbus.
Zach Sanford scored the Blues' final goal.
