The Blues start this year’s playoffs on a much different note than previous seasons. After being decimated by injuries to top players down the stretch last season, the Blues lost their last six games. It cost them the division and put them in a much tougher matchup in the first round against the Blackhawks. Getting players back, not 100%, but well enough to play, gave the Blues a 2-0 series lead. Backes got knocked out and the series turned on the Blues. Blowing a 2-0 series lead two years straight left a horrible taste in the team’s mouth. Hopefully they use that as motivation this year.
This year the Blues won five of their last six to win the Central Division and with the way Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen played Saturday, the health of the team looks as good as anyone could hope for come Game 1. The West playoffs are going to be unbelievable and any team that competes for the Stanley Cup from the West will be well deserved. Any team has a legitimate shot at the Cup in the conference, though I am not completely sold on Vancouver or Calgary.
The Blues can score much more than previous years, but can also play the shutdown defensive style game if that is the style needed to win the series. The big question mark on the squad is goaltending. Jake Allen has been outstanding down the stretch and for the most part of the season. He has only given up 6 goals in his last five starts. Brian Elliott hit a rough patch down the stretch which gave way to Jake Allen to get his chance. Elliott played much better in the season finale and both goals against were deflected shots. He also made a few stops, including one on Jason Pominville, that he had no business stopping. Right now it is a toss up who plays, but that is when both of these netminders play better. It is all about how the Blues play in front of them, but timely big saves or weak goals change games.
Winning the Central didn’t provide the best matchup for the Blues, landing the Minnesota Wild, who have been as hot as any team in the West down the stretch. Devan Dubnyk carried the Wild to many wins that they did not deserve, including one in St. Louis on March 14th where the Blues outshot the Wild 42-19 but lost the game 3-1. His career numbers against the Blues are not good and hopefully that stays to norm.
The Wild seem to be a lot of people's upset pick in the first round. I disagree but understand that the Blues are never going to get respect until they do something in the playoffs. It's time to prove the doubters wrong.
I’ll have a Series and Game 1 preview Thursday. For now, Here are my first round predictions.
Western Conference:
Blues over Wild in six. Hawks over Preds in six. Jets over Ducks in five. Flames over Canucks in seven.
Eastern Conference:
Rangers over Penguins in six. Habs over Senators in seven. Lightning over Redwings in five. Capitals over Islanders in seven.
I don’t see any sweeps in the first round but if I had to pick, I would say Bolts over Wings in four.