Joel Hofer, Blues start season with shutout win over Stars

Joel Hofer made 25 saves and added an assist as the visiting St. Louis Blues defeated the Dallas Stars 4-0 on Friday in the season opener for both teams. Mason McTavish opened the scoring just 1:34 into the game in his Blues debut, followed by a second-period goal from Dalibor Dvorsky to build a 2-0 lead.

Jimmy Snuggerud and Pius Suter sealed the victory with empty-net goals 15 seconds apart late in the third period. The physical contest saw St. Louis forward Alexey Toropchenko exit with an upper-body injury, while Blues defenseman Brandon Carlo received a major penalty and game misconduct for a knee-on-knee hit on Dallas forward Roope Hintz.