St. Louis Blues (45-20-6) vs. Minnesota Wild (39-25-7) @ 1 p.m. on FS-MW.
Season Series: This is the third of four meetings in the regular season between the Blues and Wild. The Blues won in a shootout back in November in Minnesota and the Wild won last Saturday 3-1 in St. Louis on a pair of third period goals in 17 seconds. They will also meet on the last day of the regular season.
The Blues come into this one playing their fourth game of this season long six game trip. They are 2-0-1 with the shootout loss to the Jets on Thursday. The Jets game had everything you would expect in a playoff style hockey game. There was no room on the ice and good scoring chances were tough to come by for both teams. Both Elliott and Pavelec played very well with Pavelec having to make some of the bigger saves. Many Blues fans are quick to blame Elliott for the loss. Yes, the goal given up was not very good, but you can’t expect your goaltender to get a shutout every night. The team had their chances to put more pucks towards the goal and convert on the chances they missed. One goal allowed on 30 shots more than gives the team a chance to win. I thought the Blues tried to just hold on the one goal lead and sneak out with two points. Credit given to the Jets, who I thought played a heck of a hockey game. Elliott will get the call today and Allen tomorrow in Detroit.
Pretty inconsistent officiating calling a headshot early and then letting two go later. Sure, the Blues should have been on the PP during Winnipeg’s goal, but that’s how it goes sometimes and the Blues could have done more to get the job done.
The Wild are coming off a loss at home on Thursday to the Washington Capitals by a score of 3-2. They currently sit at 85 points and sit in that first wildcard spot with the Jets and Kings breathing down their necks. They will be desperate for a win and will get a boost from the return of defenseman Marco Scandella. His nine goals are tied for the lead for the Wild defense. Devan Dubnyk will make his 31st start in a row.
Keys to the Game: The Blues need to get their pressure and forecheck game rolling with all four lines early in this one. Winnipeg did a good job Thursday with their puck movement out of their zones and really disrupted the Blues forecheck. A strong, physical game is what has made the Blues successful against Minnesota in the past and that should be in the gameplan. Better shot placement will be key. Dubnyk has been on a roll and I have seen too many Blues shots go right into the chests or gloves of the opposing goaltender. Firing the shots in areas where there will be rebounds and getting to them is how they are going to have to beat Dubnyk. Should be another close playoff style game where the mistakes are magnified. Playing in the offensive zone the best defense.
Players to Watch: Blues: T.J. Oshie—Kinda sloppy for the most part Thursday. He loves playing in Minny. Paul Stastny—Getting more good looks of late. Time to see him convert. Whoever plays 4th Line—need them to have a strong game with the back to back today and tomorrow.
Wild: Zack Parise—He had a lot of jump last Saturday. Don’t expect any different. Marco Scandella—first game since February 28th. Devan Dubnyk—how long can this really last?