Everyone’s favorite buzz word around the league is “parity” as the gap in talent from top to bottom shrinks thanks to the salary cap among other reasons. It’s catchy and sounds cool, but it’s really just a new spin on an old axiom.
“On any given night any team can beat any other team.”
The Carolina Hurricanes might look like a fluffy white cloud compared to the thunderhead the St. Louis Blues have resembled this season. Don’t go to sleep on the Canes though. They can still drop more rain than the Blues if they get ahead of themselves and turn south of Raleigh.
Quick Hits
- This will be the second meeting between the two teams who divide the Stewart family. The Blues won 3-2 in overtime at Scottrade Center on October 21st. Matt D’Agostini scored the game winner and Brian Elliott stopped 27 of 29 shots.
- With the 4-3 shootout loss Tuesday in Chicago the Blues winning streak was snapped at five games. Since Ken Hitchcock took over in November the Blues have lost two consecutive games only four times. They did have on three game losing streak in December.
- The consecutive penalties killed streak was stopped at 51 Tuesday. Just two kills short of the NHL record. Considering how much time the Blues have spent down a man lately, 28 times in three games, it’s a small wonder the streak endured as long as it did. Some have called the run a distraction. Given the team’s focus on the task at hand (winning games) and not the potential frivolous accomplishments, it’s doubtful the players see it that way. It’s more like a feather in the cap, a confidence builder or mark of pride. Proof that what they’re doing is leading to wins.
- The Blues were awarded only one power play in their last game. Honestly, the fault was their own. Expect the standard work ethic to return and force the Hurricanes to take penalties. It’s an edge they need as in six of their last seven wins at least one PPG has been recorded. For those curious, Carolina ranks 26th at 78.5% on the kill overall and 24th at 80.6% at home.
- The Stewart brothers, Anthony (Carolina) and Chris (St. Louis), face each other for only the second time in their careers tonight. In the first game there were no fireworks. Both posted no points and a Minus-1 rating.
Carolina vs. the West
Captain Eric Staal leads the way for the Canes. In 14 games he has five goals and 13 points. Their second leading scorer in the split may surprise you. Jiri Tlusty has five goals and nine points in 14 games. He was one of only three Canes in the October meeting to have a positive Plus/Minus rating (Plus-2). Finnish forward Tuomo Ruutu leads in the goal scoring department with six.
St. Louis vs the East
As they do at basically all times, captain David Backes and TJ Oshie spearhead the Blues attack. Backes has seven goals and 14 points in 16 games. Oshie has 4 goals and 13 points in 16 games. Your surprise contributor on the Blues is Chris Stewart. A rough season he has had, but not against the East. In 15 games he has 3 goals and 10 points. Don’t forget David Perron though. In nine games he has seven goals.
In Goal
Brian Elliott, the Blues Bill Masterson nominee, will start in goal for the Blues. In 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents Elliott is 8-1-1 with a 1.53 GAA, .945 save percentage, and 1 shutout. Considering where he has been, nearly starting the season in the AHL on a two way deal, and the height’s he’s reached, an All Star Game appearance and a lucrative two year contract extension, the pat on the back from the local pro hockey writers is well deserved.
Cam Ward will be in the Hurricanes net. In 11 games against Western Conference foes he is 5-2-3 with a 3.27 GAA, .894 save percentage, and 1 shutout.
Lineup
The expected lines and pairings are:
Perron – Backes – Oshie
McDonald – Berglund – Langenbrunner
Porter – Sobotka – Stewart
Crombeen – Nichol – Reaves
Colaiacovo – Pietrangelo
Jackman – Shattenkirk
Cole – Polak
Jason Arnott, Kent Huskins and Jaden Schwartz are the likely scratches.
Note that Arnott is not playing tonight. He’ll take a few maintenance days off to allow his older body time to heal in hopes of having a fresher centerman for the playoffs. He will not play tonight or Saturday in Tampa.
Jaden Schwartz will not make his NHL against the Hurricanes. Another handful of morning skates and practices will not hurt him. It will also give him more time to beat back a little illness and get his conditioning where it needs to be. The last thing anyone wants is Schwartz behind the pace and end up injured.
On the Injury Front
Defensemen Kris Russell continues his comeback from concussion symptoms. The status quo holds for forwards Alex Steen and Matt D’Agostini who are both out with concussion symptoms as well.
Scoreboard Watching
Colorado at New Jersey: If the playoffs started today the Blues would take on the Avalanche. Given the recent history between the two, mainly the Avs dominating the series over the last few seasons, a round one matchup in St. Louis isn’t too favorable. Go Devils!
Phoenix at Calgary: Two teams battling for the final two or three tickets to the post season. Both cold be first round opponents.
Nashville at San Jose: Have to think blue bleeding fans are rooting for the Sharks. The ghosts of the collapse in the 2000 playoffs be damned. The Blues have owned the Sharks this season and want them in the hunt for the 8th seed so those more games matter which takes a larger chunk out of whoever earns it. That and it keeps Nashville from climbing back in to the Central Division race.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game and Let’s Go Blues!
As always, you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter:
@JTQ_1 
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