DENVER -- Jonathan Drouin scored twice and had an assist during a four-goal first period for the Colorado Avalanche, who defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-0 at Ball Arena on Friday.

St. Louis allowed four goals in the first period, including two on Colorado power plays, digging themselves a massive hole as they tried to avoid their fourth straight loss.

The St. Louis Blues traveled to Denver, Colorado, to take on the Colorado Avalanche for the first time this season. The Avalanche had not been playing very well in January, but a four-goal first period helped them look like an entirely new team on home ice,

If the Blues are out of playoff contention near the deadline, trading Faksa would normally be the correct move. But what are they getting back: a third-round pick? He’s still only 31 years old, and as a veteran player with a high work ethic, he might be someone the Blues want to bring back as their fourth-line center next season.

After failed attempts, the St. Louis Blues and two-time Stanley Cup winner Brandon Saad, 32, are mutually terminating his contract. Saad will now be a free agent.