Blues Gameday – November 12th, 2009 Blues vs Preds
Game Info
Location: Scottrade Center, St.Louis, Missouri Game-time: 7:00 pm Central
TV: FS-MW(HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM
Previews
Blue’s Official Website Preview
After playing their divisional rivals to open the season, the Blues played their next 14 games against non-divisional teams. That changes tonight when the Nashville Predators come for a visit to the Scottrade Center. These two teams always play a tight physical game, a style of play that both coaches like to have their teams play.
After the offensive explosion Tuesday night against the Canucks where David Perron had his first hat-trick, Brad Boyes busted out of his scoring slump with 4 points and Andy McDonald had a goal and 2 assists as well, it will be interesting to see if the Blues can carry that momentum forward into tonights game.
This wont be an easy game by any means, as Nashville is playing some good hockey of late. They lost 4-3 to San Jose on Tuesday night, but probably deserved a better fate.
One would expect to see the same starting lineup tonight as we saw on Tuesday. Andy Murray never likes to changes a winning lineup, and after the fine performance on Tuesday, one can’t blame him for not messing with that roster.
The one change that I can see happening is Kariya being put back onto a more offensive line. Tuesday was probably his best game of the year, despite not scoring, and he looks to have regained some of his confidence with the puck. He was jumping into gaps better throughout Tuesday’s game, even in tight situations along the boards. Put that effort alongside a couple players with better finish than McClement and Crombeen, and some production should follow suit.
Shea Weber returned to the the Predator’s lineup for the last game. When he’s in the lineup, that’s a big boost for their Powerplay. His cannon from the point has to be on the PK units mind the entire 2 minutes. The fear of his shot, opens up passing lanes that he is good enough to take advantage of.
Player to Watch
Jordin Tootoo
Not a big offensive threat, but as a player that most/all Blues fans love to hate, he’s the most likely of players to do something that is worth watching. Whether it be a big hit, or causing a stir in post whistle scrums, Tootoo is worth keeping an eye on. He’s a player that isn’t afraid to back up his actions, although not likely to fight a guy like Janssen, he be more than willing to take on a Crombeen type player, which, from watching Crombeen’s fights, I can’t really blame Tootoo.
