St. Louis Blues (47-23-7) vs Dallas Stars (37-30-10) @ 7:30 p.m. CT on FS-MW.
Season Series: This is the last of five meetings between the Blues and Stars this season. The Blues are 2-2-0 against them this year. The most recent meeting was in Dallas on March 15th where the Blues took the game 3-0.
The Blues play their second game of the last back to back of the season tonight. They defeated the Calgary Flames last night at home to clinch a playoff spot. The Blues played their most complete game in recent memory last night. They finally broke the first period scoring drought at over 10 games on Jaden Schwartz’s goal just over a minute in. It was a total team effort and the team dominated the play against a desperate Flames squad. The puck decisions and passing were made at a fast and high level. It was great to see the Blues respond the way they did last night after the recent rough stretch. Every player was working hard and making the right plays. Scoring chances were created because the Blues finally began to shoot first. Calgary came with a push early in the third and the Blues weathered the storm. The penalty kill was great and the line combos looked really good without Tarasenko and Steen. Without Hiller, who played great all game after the first goal, the Blues could have ended this one much earlier. Great to see Bortuzzo jump Bollig after his bad hit. Hopefully the Blues can continue to play like they did last night, because they will be very tough to stop.
The Stars will be a rested team tonight as they haven’t played since Monday against the Flames. They dropped that contest at home by a score of 5-3. Dallas is all but out of the playoff race but that doesn’t mean they won’t be bringing their best efforts against the Blues tonight. They always play the Blues well and have many players fighting for jobs and playing for their pride. They have a ton of speed and skill along with Tyler Seguin and Blues killer, Jamie Benn. They are 7-3 in their last 10 and Kari Lehtonen is expected to start in goal. He always plays well against the Blues.
Keys to the Game: The Blues should use the same gameplan as last night. Get the pucks in deep and work to get them back. I expect the line combos to be the same with maybe a minor tweak to the bottom six if Rattie doesn’t crack the lineup again. The top 6 was great last night playing well defensively and creating great scoring chances and sustained pressure. Another sixty minute effort will be needed to take two points in Dallas. Just roll last night’s effort and puck management into tonight and the Blues should be fine. Being physical and winning faceoffs really help with keeping possession of the puck. Should be another fun one tonight before the huge game come Sunday. Every game is an important two points.
Players to Watch: Blues: Paul Stastny—He was all over the ice last night. Another game winner would be nice. Kevin Shattenkirk—He looks like he is about back to speed.
T.J. Oshie—He seemed to back up the comments he made this past week. Stars: Kari Lehtonen—Great record against the Blues. Need to get to him early. Tyler Seguin—gifted with speed and skill. Don’t let him get to the inside. Jamie Benn—As a Blues fan, this guy scares me more than anyone on Dallas.