If you didn't know the relative position in the standings of the two teams that played in St. Louis last night, you wouldn't know one was at the top and the other at the bottom. That's because the Blues and Blue Jackets battled like it was 2009 and they were both scratching and clawing their way in to the playoffs.
There was a familiar chippy feeling in the air that's been present since the back to back home and home set when Rick Nash was Oshie'd twice. These two teams have cultivated quite an organic rivalry over the last few seasons. It seems as if this pair of games will further the escalation of tensions since Soccergate. At least the first leg set the tone to make it possible.
I think I know how Detroit Red Wings fans have felt about the Blues since the lockout now. That “if we can’t beat you, we’ll take a piece of you” mentality can be as frustrating for the stronger club as it is gratifying for the weaker. Now the skate is on the other foot, it’s very apparent. Honestly, it makes me want to play the Predators more. Another intense rivalry, but minus the shenanigans.
Speaking of Nash... It was hard to tell if he was playing with a chip on his shoulder trying to inspire his team or act like a spoiled teenager and taking out his frustration on the Blues. His interactions with Barret Jackman, Andy McDonald and David Perron lean towards one explanation more than the other. But whatever the reason was it had a productive effect. The Blues were forced to grind out and keep their heads up for a full 60 minutes.
On a positive note the response was largely the correct one. Columbus was able to goat the Blues in to a few penalties, but for the most part they were acceptable penalties. The responses from Chris Stewart and Chris Porter as examples.
Speaking of Stewart... How about that backhand goal? That's the type of flair and dedication to beating a defenseman he's been missing most of the season. Now would be a great time to bring back that version of him.
In the end it was the Blues special teams the determined the outcome. A 4-1 Blues victory. All four Columbus power plays were killed which pushed their consecutive kills streak to 39. St. Louis’ own man advantage crew converted twice out of six opportunities and are now 10 for 26 (38.4%) in the last seven games.
If there were any questions of the mood carrying over in to this afternoons game, considered them answered by Columbus activating Jared Boll from IR and sending Maxsim Mayorov to the minors.
Jamie Langenbrunner has been activated from IR and will play tonight per the Blues website. It’s not known on which line and how much he will play, but his return is a significant boost to the lineup. Ken Hitchcock’s primary stabilizer will help the Blues get through an ominous looking road game.
The lines without Langenbrunner:
Sobotka - Backes - Oshie
McDonald - Berglund - Perron
Porter - Arnott - Stewart
Crombeen - Nichol - Reaves
Potential lines with Langenbrunner:
Sobotka - Backes - Oshie
McDonald - Berglund - Perron
Porter - Arnott - Stewart
Crombeen - Nichol - Langenbrunner
Hitchcock likely doesn’t want to get drug in to an old school bar fight on the ice so sitting Reaves and inserting Langenbrunner makes sense. Crombeen can handle Boll and Byers in pugilists department.
The pairings will probably remain the same:
Colaiacovo - Pietrangelo
Jackman - Shattenkirk
Cole - Polak
Jaroslav Halak will get the start in goal for the Blues. The Columbus starter hasn’t been confirmed, but word last night was that Curtis Sanford will be the starter once again.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game and Let's Go Blues!
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