GIF: Avalanche F Bordeleau bloodies Kevin Shattenkirk with high hit

With a 3-0 lead heading into the third period, the Colorado Avalanche were cruising to a rather mild-mannered victory over division rival St. Louis.

That was until Patrick Bordeleau balanced the tight rope of legal NHL checks with a high hit on Kevin Shattenkirk. 

[Courtesy Fox Sports Midwest]

Bordeleau leaves his feet to propel his shoulder toward the face of Shattenkirk, whose own stick is driven into his mouth to produce a nasty gash. Bordeleau was not penalized for the hit, and Shattenkirk returned to the game. 

From that moment on, the score became an afterthought as the Blues spent the final 10 minutes searching for retribution. Captain David Backes jumped Avalanche rookie Nathan MacKinnon, Brenden Morrow earned a five-minute major for a nasty cross check, and three Blues took a collective run at Bordeleau, sparking a line brawl in the final minutes. 

It was the Avs first win over the Blues in four tries this season, and could set quite the hostile tone for a potential second round playoff matchup.