Blues Gameday – Wednesday October 28th, 2009 vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Game Info
Location: RBC Center Raleigh, North Carolina
Game-time: 6pm Central
TV: FS-MW
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM
Previews:
ESPN Preview
Blues Official Website Preview
Hurricanes Official Website Preview
Food for Thought
The Blues have a favorable match up against the Hurricanes Wednesday night. The Hurricanes have one of the most anemic offenses in the NHL. The Hurricanes are 2th in Goals For/Game and 25th in Total Goals scored. Combine that with being 17th in Shots on goal, you can read between the lines to say Carolina cannot finish scoring opportunities. THei power play isnt helping much. It is only converting at a 15.6% rate, which is 25th in the NHL. This should bode well for a Blues penalty killing unit missing TJ Oshie. The good news is that Yan Stastny cleared waivers today and will hopefully take that penalty killing ice time.
Their lack of offensive output is due to a rather large turnover from their blueline as well as lack of scoring depth upfront. Most fans know Eric Staal, but after that they don’t know much till you get to Cam Ward. Two key losses were Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk who combined for a total of 65 points and 21 goals from the blueline. Carolina was able to use an offensive defenseman with a defensive one last year. It resulted in a very good transition game for the Hurricanes. Their work ethic combined with some skill in the back made them a very tough opponent last season. Now Joe Corvo is all by himself and is finding out how hard the NHL can be when you have little support. However, Joni Pitkanen has returned from injury and had a goal and assist in his last game. Pitkanen and Corvo are both legit puck movers and Corvo has an excellent shot from the point. Keep an eye out for both tonight.
Who to watch for?
All you need to know about Ward is that last year he was 2-0 versus St. Louis last year with a 0.50 GAA and .980 Save %. I am a huge Cam ward fan and I Love watching him play. Western Conference fans don’t see him much, but he is one of the top 5 goalies in the league.
Sorry to cut the Gameday Preview short, but need a break form work stress and have some fun with my daughter. I will be back for a Game Recap tonight.
