Blues Gameday – Thursday November 5th, 2009 vs. Calgary Flames
Game Info
Location: Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO
Game-time: 7:30pm Central
TV: FS-MW(HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM
Previews:
ESPN Preview
Blues Official Website Preview
Flames Official Website Preview
Food for Thought
Tonight’s game is a clash of polar opposites to an extent.
The Blues have one of the NHL’s worst home records at 2-5-0. While Calgary has one of the better road records, boasting a 3-1-1 record. Seven points out of a possible 10 is a very solid road number.
Calgary also owns the second best power play in the NHL, converting at a 27.5% pace. Conversely the Blues power play is 27th at 14.0%. Calgary’s penalty kill is a full 6 points higher away from home. That doesn’t bode well for a Blues power play clicking along at a horrendus 10.7% at Scottrade.
Calgary’s veterans have been steady (and when they’ve been bad they’ve responded. See Iginla, Jermoe) while being lead by “late bloomer” Rene Bourque. Rene was very good in his role in Chicago, showed some goal scoring ability, but was never really in a position to be in that role. He made it to Calgary and scored 21 goals in 58 games last season. None of which were on the power play. He was due to break out at some point. The Blues on the other hard have their veterans struggling (save for Tkachuk). Kudos to Walt for leading the way, but its time other players step it up.
<finger pointing at Brad Boyes, Paul Kariya, and David Backes>
Pretty easy, it’s the same formula every team uses and the Blues took it to the extreme last season. Work hard, apply lots of pressure, make smart plays. Made the trick is to have the Blues treat this as a road game. Play sound positionally, get the puck deep every time down the ice and out work the other team. Calgary is still a physical team after Mike Keenan departed, so winning those battles will be difficult, but be at a premium.
One aspect I want to see the Blues improve on is puck management. At times it has been very good. Possessing the puck up ice, getting it deep, no lazy or blind passes. At times its been very bad. repeat turn overs at the the offensive blue line, lack of movement to get open for passes, inability to work the boards. This is one reason why I hope Alex Pietrangelo is going to dress, even though it looks as if Carlo Colaiacovo is set to return. For Pietrangelo’s last three games he has been effective working the puck up ice and keeping the even strength play going in the offensive zone. Colaiacovo should be able to do to the same, but has not shown any consistency in that regard this season.
Player Notes
Speaking of players returning, TJ Oshie should be dressed and ready to work tonight. His energy, skill, and work ethic should help get the Blues moving again. Adding a top-six level forward back is always a good thing. Barrett Jackman is not likely to dress as he is still recovering from a high ankle sprain. Then again, the Blues like to annouce players are back the day of a game with little warning (See Brewer, Eric). I just don’t expect him back yet.
One tid bit on the Flames injuries. Goalie Mikka Kiprusoff sat out last night’s game versus Dallas with flu like symptoms. This should benefit the Blues. Either they see a half sick goalie or one tired (Curtis McElhinney) from last night’s game and travel.
Who To Watch For?
Jarome Iginla
Why? After being called out by Coach Sutter, he respodned with a 2 goal night against Dallas. Leading the Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. He loves to score on the Blues and when he is motivated, he is just as good as the other more well known names in the NHL today.
Prediction
Blues 3 (Perron, Backes, Johnson (PP))
Flames 2 (Iginla, Bourque)
Final in OT
