St. Louis Blues (44-20-5) vs. Calgary Flames (38-26-5) @ 8 p.m CST on FS-MW.
Season series: This is the second of three games between these two. The Blues took the first game at home by a final score of 4-1 way back in the second game of the season on October 11th. Calgary will return to St. Louis for one more regular season matchup on April 2nd. It is very possible that the Blues and Flames could meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blues are coming off a big win on Sunday in Dallas. As poorly as the team record in the second game of a back to back scenarios this season and their recent record against the Stars, It would have been easy for us as fans to see the boys look like the tired team and be outpaced by the Stars in this one. The first period, they did look like they were out of gas and Dallas had controlled most of the play. Much of this aided by a few Blues minor penalties. As the game wore on, the Blues started to find more energy and eventually played a very good third period. The penalty kill was outstanding and has been for about 10 games now. Dallas generated very little at all on their six powerplays and that really is the story of the game. Team defense has improved greatly for the most part for the last few games. I thought Michalek played much better in his second game and he and Jackman had an excellent game. When Dallas did get shots on goal, Jake Allen was in great position and tracked the puck very well. He looked like his confidence is back headed the right way and that will be key down the stretch. Even with his shutout, Brian Elliott is expected to start tonight in Calgary. His play has been a little inconsistent of late ( couple tough games sandwiched around a shutout) and I expect him to turn it around. He plays better when someone is pushing him for his job. I would expect the game tonight won’t be overly physical, but at this time of year and both teams thinking playoffs, anything can happen.
The Flames are kicking off a five game homestand tonight against the Blues. It couldn’t come at a better time for them as they sit in that third place spot in the Pacific Division with the Kings on their tail. Even after losing veteran defenseman Mark Giordano for the season and playoffs, the Flames keep stringing points together and are doing it collectively as a team. Former Blue Kris Russell has been a big part of their success of late. I always liked his game here, he’s was just overshadowed by the other Blues defenders during his time here. The Flames dropped their last game in Colorado 3-2 on Saturday. They are 5-1-1 in March and are going to give the Blues everything they have to start off this homestand.
Keys to the Game: The Blues will have play this one much like they played the third period on Sunday in Dallas. Keep everything to the outside defensively and clear the front of the net. The Blues are 8-2-1 in their last 11 games against Calgary in which the Flames haven’t found the back of the net very often. If the Blues can put a few goals in early, it could really put them in a tough spot. The Flames defense is their weak link right now with Giordano’s injury, so a strong forecheck and playing hard on the boards offensively should turn the game in the Blues favor. Smart, simple puck movement in the transition game will be key for the Blues. They need to let the puck do the work and have close support with each other. The Blues gave up few odd man rushes to a speedy Dallas squad and need to have the same focus with Calgary’s forwards tonight. Mikael Backlund has an 8 game point streak going and shutting him down will be key. Brian Elliott looks to bounce back and start getting his game put together on a more consistent basis. Should be a great game to watch with the points being so important for both teams. I would expect the Blues top three lines to go back to the ways that worked before to start this one (Steen-Backes-Oshie, Schwartz-Lehtera-Tarasenko, Berglund-Stastny-Jaskin). How long it will stay that way is TBD. Players to Watch: Blues: Carl Gunnarsson—I think he’s been playing much better lately. Brian Elliott—It’s time for him to lock down the reigns and make the big saves continuously. Ryan Reaves—been a little quiet the last few. He should bring some energy tonight. Flames: Kris Russell—he’s playing some of his best hockey right now. I’m sure he will be ready to play tonight. Mikael Backlund—21 points in last 28 games. Jonas Hiller—expected to start. 35 saves in the first meeting against the Blues.