Games like the Blues Hawks game on Sunday night is exactly what makes this the greatest sport on Earth. It was, hands down, the best all-around NHL game I have watch this season, and I have watched more than many. The game featured great goaltending from both teams, a bit of that rivalry nastiness, plenty of physicality, and the desire from both teams to beat the team that they each hate the most. Two top tier teams playing at the highest level put on an epic battle from start to finish and putting on a show. It was one of those games that if you were not a fan of hockey, but watched that game, could instantly fall in love with the game.
The Blues took the game 2-1 in a barn that they had lost 14 of 16 in and both wins had come in a shootout. Jake Allen was outstanding, making the key saves at key moments and having great rebound control. I thought the Blues really dragged the Hawks into their game early and the Blues controlled the play for much of the first. The Hawks took the lead after one period on a horrible puck decision and turnover at the defensive blueline by T.J. Oshie. This time of year those plays end up in your net, and it proved right. The team showed no panic and stuck with their gameplan and eventually David Backes would tie it up on the powerplay in the second on a great feed from Jaden Schwartz. If it wasn’t for Corey Crawford, the Blues could have gone up by three or four. Olli Jokinen would give the Blues the lead later in the second period off an icing call by the Hawks. Jori Lehtera won the faceoff and Pietrangelo’s point shot hit Ty Rattie in front and bounced to Jokinen. Rattie probably played his best NHL game, even with the one bad turnover he had. I thought the Blues sat back a little too much the last ten minutes of the game, but that being said, they kept the Hawks to the outside and blocked 24 shots. The Blues were also great in the faceoff dot in the defensive zone in the third, especially after Oshie’s ill-advised 120ft no look backhand wide of the empty net for icing. The penalty kill was great again shutting down the cross ice passes and blocking shots. Both teams got away with some penalties and the officiating was inconsistent for both teams. The Blues limited the turnovers and managed the puck well most of the night. Huge two points and we get to do it all over again at Scottrade on Thursday night. The Blues have to worry about the Jets first tonight and the Hawks host the Wild. What a week this will be.
Winnipeg Jets (41-26-12) vs. St. Louis Blues (49-23-7) @ 7 p.m. CT on FS-MW+.
Season Series: This is the fifth and final meeting this season between the Blues and Jets. The Blues lost the last game in Winnipeg on March 19th in a shootout to drop their record this season over the Jets to 3-0-1.
The Blues come off a huge win in Chicago on Sunday. They return home to play their final three at home where the team has struggled for whatever reason of late. They did play a great game in the last home game last Thursday against Calgary. Hopefully the Blues can continue the play they showed on Sunday and the Jets would prove no match. Jake Allen will start again tonight and it looks that Brian Elliott will get his chance to save his job on Thursday at home against the Hawks. It is unclear if Alexander Steen will play. It is nice having the depth this season if he cannot go again.
The Jets come to St. Louis after defeating the Minnesota Wild on the road last night 2-0. Andrej Pavelec was in goal for the shutout and the two points kept the Jets right in the middle of the wildcard spot. They are now just two back of the Wild and trying to do what they can to fend off the Los Angeles Kings. Both Blake Wheeler and Drew Stafford scored for the Jets. They are coming to town desperate for points and have been a much better team since the moves they have made this season. This is a team the Blues have seen enough recently to know better than to overlook them. It is unclear who will start in goal. Pavelec started last night and got the shutout, but the Jets could turn to rookie Michael Hutchinson. He has had a great season. Dustin Byfuglien will serve his third game of his four game suspension.
Keys to the Game: The Blues can take whatever was said before the Chicago game and do things the same way. The biggest key of the night is to not look past Winnipeg and look forward to the mighty rematch on Thursday. These two points are equally as important and the ones that will be available Thursday. The Blues just need to play their game and have that physicality and pace they have shown on the road recently transfer over into their game at home. The more pucks you put on net, the more goals you usually score. The Blues control their destiny in the Central Division and it continues tonight.
Players to Watch: Blues: Alex Pietrangelo—his game is peaking at the right time this year.
Jori Lehtera—Had a better last few. Adjusting without #91.
Jake Allen—playing great. Keep pushing Elliott to be better.
Jets: Blake Wheeler—most lethal, against the Blues, in my opinion.
Their Goalie—who ever plays will be key in this one.
Tyler Myers—This guy has been good in Winnipeg. Must be nice being out of Buffalo.