Let's face it; nobody expects the St. Louis Blues to defeat the Colorado Avalanche in a best of seven series.

For many, the current Presidents' Trophy winners are favored to make a deep playoff run and end this abnormal hockey year as Stanley Cup champions.

Still, no team wants to be sent packing through a series sweep. After suffering two decisive losses on the road, the Blues run the risk of experiencing just that. With little time to turn their fortunes around, the team looks to Game 3, their first home game of the series, as their final saving grace.

Unfortunately, at this particular juncture, the outlook is quite bleak. Victims of two dangerous plays Wednesday night, Robert Bortuzzo and Justin Faulk's availability for Friday night, is largely in question. The recall of blueliner Tyler Tucker Thursday evening adds even more to the likelihood that at least one of Bortuzzo and Faulk will not play. Obviously, a depleted defense is not what you want going against a team that's recorded ten goals in the first two games.

On top of that, St. Louis cannot seem to find an answer for stopping superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon. He already has seven points in just two postseason outings against the Blues, recording four of them Wednesday night. Of course, St. Louis relies on the defensively sound abilities of Ryan O'Reilly to counter MacKinnon's effectiveness. To this point, however, it simply is not working. Take plus/minus for what you will, but O'Reilly typically fairs quite well in that category. So far, these playoffs, he sits at a minus-six.

St. Louis still has the skill to turn the tides, even just for one contest. Though the first two starts have not been fantastic, Jordan Binnington remains a top-notch netminder that can steal you a game. The core of forwards also packs enough punch to get the job done from an offensive standpoint. Yes, if David Perron cannot suit up, the Blues remain without a key piece and their top producer this season. Still, the likes of O'Reilly, Mike Hoffman, and Brayden Schenn can do enough to ensure at least the series heads to a Game 5.

At the end of the day, though, it all comes down to slowing down Colorado's fire-power. Even with everyone healthy, it would be a tall task for the Blues.

For St. Louis, staying alive past Game 4 hinges on securing a victory Friday night at home. Hopefully, the fans at the Enterprise Center provide the necessary energy to make it happen.

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