NEWARK, NJ – Jordan Binnington stopped 31 shots for the 16th shutout of his career and tied the St. Louis franchise record with his 152nd win as the Blues defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Binnington’s franchise record win came in the 298th game of his NHL career, moving him past Mike Liut.

Dylan Holloway scored two goals and Robert Thomas scored nine seconds into the game for the Blues. Justin Faulk, Pavel Buchnevich, Brandon Saad and Jake Neighbors recorded assists.

St. Louis scored all of its points in the first period. On Wednesday, the Blues were outscored 23-12 in the opening period.

Jacob Markstrom, appearing in his 500th career game, stopped 17 shots for New Jersey, putting the Blues ahead 32-18.

New Jersey managed just seven shots on three power play chances.

The Devils were without forward Timo Meier, who was suspended one game for checking Nashville Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux in the face during Monday’s 5-2 win.

Takeaways

Blues: St. Louis has been a resurgent team since Jim Montgomery took over as head coach on Monday after being fired by Boston five days earlier. The Blues have won two away games in a row after losing nine of their last 11 games.

Devils: New Jersey is 10-4 in its last 14 games, with all four losses being shutouts.

Key moment

Thomas’ goal nine seconds into the game is the fastest opening goal by any team this season.

Key statistics

St. Louis blocked 24 shots, six from defenseman Ryan Suter, helping maintain its second shutout of the season.

Next

The Blues host Philadelphia on Saturday before embarking on a four-game road trip. The Devils visit Detroit on Friday for their third game in five days.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl