Vladimir Tarasenko said he was truly touched to hear St. Louis Blues supporters chanting his name after he starred in a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night.
"That was a special moment," the Blues winger told reporters postgame. "It was very emotional."
Tarasenko smiled and waved to the crowd as fans chanted "Vladi, Vladi" after he emerged from the tunnel upon being named first star of the game.
Tarasenko dazzled in the contest, producing a highlight-reel goal to open the scoring early in the third period before adding another late in the frame.
The Russian forward hasn't changed his mind after requesting a trade over the summer, reports The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. However, Tarasenko is still appreciative of the Blues' faithful.
"We always have support from the real fans," he said Monday night. "Our family got so much help from (the) people (of) St. Louis. The support through (these) 10 years was very awesome."
Tarasenko spent all nine of his previous NHL seasons with the Blues. Shoulder injuries requiring multiple surgeries derailed his last two years before this campaign.
The 29-year-old, who'll turn 30 in December, has collected three goals and three assists over the first five games. St. Louis improved to 5-0-0 with Monday's victory, clinching its best start over the first handful of contests in franchise history.
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