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Vancouver looks to get back on track tonight after blowing a two-goal lead on what should have been a night of celebration, after Henrik Sedin became to franchises all-time leading scorer. The Blues come into this one looking to keep things rolling after pummeling the Flames 5-2.
One thing is certain, heading into this game, these aren’t the Blues of last season. Last season the Blues held their opponents to a NHL low goals-against-average of 1.89, this year they are giving up more than three goals a game. But on the bright side, the Blues have been scoring nearly a goal a game more than they were last season.
Through 13 games, Vancouver has been the opposite of St. Louis; scoring a tad less, but also giving up less. I like where Vancouver sits right now in regards to team stats. They are giving up less goals and while the fact they are only scoring 2.77 goals a game is low, that number will surely go up with the return of Kesler and Booth, along with the Sedins finding their rhythm. By the end of the year, I fully expect to see the Canucks in the top five in both goals for and against.
Both Vancouver and St. Louis are teams that can play that physical brand of hockey when they want too. Given that there is a bit of a rivalry between the two teams that was generated through battling hard for the Presidents Trophy last season, I think this game will have a bit of a playoff feel to it.
This is a game where Vancouver will need a good game out of all 18 guys. I believe we will see Luongo at the top of his game in this one, and because of that, Vancouver has the advantage in net no matter who starts for the Blues. As far as the skaters go, I would give a slight edge to the Blues. I’m not sure there is a deeper team in the NHL than St. Louis, so if they play the way they can, they should have the advantage 5-on-5. As far as special teams go, both Vancouver and St. Louis should feast on the power-play.
My gut says Vancouver gets more power-plays in this game and Luongo plays well.
Prediction- 4-2 Vancouver
Respect Your Rival
Alexander Steen
Alexander Steen may just be the most under-rated player in the NHL. He was well on his way to winning the NHL +/- award and likely the Selke last season before he ran into the injury bug and he is currently 19th in NHL scoring this season. This season his defensive prowess hasn’t been as good, but the guy is still one of the best two-way players in the game and a handful for any team. I would imagine he will be against the Sedins most of the night, so it will be up to Danny and Hank to out play Steen if Vancouver wants to win.
That's a wrap
Ian
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