Note: Sorry Blues fans for the late post. My work got destroyed by the storms this past week and I have barely gotten home in time to watch the games.
Minnesota Wild (46-27-8) vs. St. Louis Blues (50-24-7) @ 2 p.m. CT on NBC.
Season Series: The Wild have taken two of the last three games against the Blues and right now this would be a first round matchup. The Wild won the last meeting in Minnesota 6-3 on March 21st.
The Blues come off another solid performance at home on Thursday night against Chicago. It seemed like both the Blues and Hawks both just wanted to play solid defensively and wait for each other to make a mistake to find offense. In the end the Blues made less mistakes and took the game 2-1. The defense and penalty kill was great, keeping any Chicago chances to the outside and made the night relatively easy on Jake Allen. Allen is in full playoff mode and today will be Brian Elliott's chance to prove that he has turned his game around for the playoffs. The Blues limited their turnovers, there were a few bad ones, but most of the puck decisions were great. Chicago scored off an Alex Pietrangelo ill-advised between the legs drop pass that his his own skate and led to an odd man rush. Allen made the first save but Andrew Shaw go to the rebound. Those plays need to stop. Other than that, pretty solid game by the Blues.
All three injured Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen, and Robert Bortuzzo will all return to the lineup today. It was unclear which Blues will sit out for rest, but Hitch said Ty Rattie and Olli Jokinen will both also play.
With the Blues win on Thursday and Nashville's loss to Minnesota, the Blues have clinched the beastly Central Division. The Blues will play Minnesota in the first round with a win today and a Ducks regulation or OT win. The Blues will win the West with a win and a Ducks loss or a win and a Ducks Shootout win. If the Blues win the west they will play Winnipeg. The Blues can also still play the Hawks if the Blues lose and Hawks lose to Colorado today.
Minnesota is coming off a late win in Nashville Thursday night. They scored with just over two minutes to go and added an empty netter. They have tied an NHL record with twelve straight road wins and did it sitting a few of their star players. It is unclear who they might sit today but goalie Devan Dubnyk will return after sitting Thursday. They can still catch the Hawks so they have a lot to play for. Keys to the Game: The Blues just need to have another solid defensive performance and play their game. Staying healthy and having the injured players return and get back up to game speed will be priority. The Central is wrapped up but the Blues can do themselves a favor by sending a message to Minnesota on how the pace is going to be set for next week if the two clubs meet. Brian Elliott needs to have a playoff style performance to get a shot at being the guy come Wednesday or Thursday. Should be a fun last day. I am thankful that it isn't a do or die game. Players to Watch: Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko--back from injury. Hopefully he is good to go.
Alexander Steen--Same thing as Tarasenko.
Paul Stastny--Don't know if he plays, but I hope the 17-26-74 line stays together next week.
Wild: Devan Dubnyk--returns after sitting. Played 39 straight before that day off.
Ryan Suter--Also sat Thursday-if he sits again, the Blues should be able to create even more chances.
Jason Zucker--This guy has been on fire since he returned from his broken collarbone.