Joel Hofer of Winnipeg, Manitoba recorded his 10th career National Hockey League shutout on Thursday. He accomplished the feat in a 1-0 St. Louis Blues shootout win over the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Hofer made 29 saves for the shutout. He made 10 saves in the first period, nine saves in the second period, seven saves in the third period and three saves in overtime. Hofer then did better than Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka in the shootout. Ironically because both goaltenders did not give up a goal in regulation or overtime, they are both credited with a shutout. Vejmelka has the distinction of getting a shutout but not the victory. Michael Carcone of Ajax, Ontario led the Mammoth with six shots on net.
All 10 of Hofer’s shutouts in his NHL career have been with the Blues. This season he has a record of eight wins, five regulation losses and one loss in extra time. Hofer has a goals against average of 2.15, save percentage of .926 and two shutouts. Hofer’s other shutout this season came on October 2, when he made 25 saves in a 4-0 Blues win over the Dallas Stars.
With the win, the Blues improved to a record of nine wins, eight regulation losses and two losses in extra time for 20 points. Even though they are in seventh place in the Central Division, the Blues are only two points back of the Mammoth for a playoff spot.
