Gameday 01-23-10: Blues vs. Ducks

Game Info

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO
Game-time: 7:00 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 13th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 51 Points

Anaheim: 11th in Western Conference & 5th in Pacific Division – 53 Points

Power Play:
Anaheim (Road): 12.6%, (26th)
St. Louis (Home): 14.4%, (29th)

Penalty Kill
Anaheim (Road): 76.9%, (22nd)
St. Louis (Home): 87.5% (T-10th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Anaheim (Road): 2.20 GF/G (26th) | 3.20 GA/G (23rd)
St. Louis (Home): 2.46 GF/G (26th) | 3.08 GA/G (27th)

Hot & Cold
Anaheim : Matt Beleskey (5 Goals in Last 10 Games) | Jonas Hiller(3 Goals or more allowed in Last 5 Starts)
St. Louis: Alex Steen (4 Goals and 6 Points in Last 6 Games) | Erik Johnson (2 Assist in Last 19 Games)

Food For Thought

What might have been, eh?

The Blues departed on a week long, three game road trip out by less than 10 points. A sweep would have meant being three points back of the 8th spot (current held by the Deadthings). Instead lack luster play in Columbus and Ottawa has lead the Blues to being seven points back. Only gaining one point on the final spot in three games.

The Ducks come to town charging up the standings. They are 7-4-0 this month and have split their last four after winning 5 straight.

If you take a gander (bad Duck pun I know) down at the Player Notes you will see TJ Oshie listed as centering the “top line”. He will skate between Paul Kariya and Brad Boyes. It seems like Brad has served his time on the checking lines and is making a comeback to the scoring lines. I have to honestly say I am excited to see how TJ does at Center. In my opinion, Coach Payne is showing a lot of confidence in our young padawan learner (reference is linked below) to step up and take charge of an important mission. Will Payne use the “Oshie” line the same way Backes was used? To take on the other teams top line? With Boyes out there I somehow doubt that. I would expect to see the match up card played and the McSteenbeen line seeing the Getzlaf line quite often at even strength.

If you look down again you will see Patrik Berglund moved down to “line 4″ with Brad Winchester and Cam Janssen. I am interested to see how fans react to this move. Andy Murray had made similar moves multiple times earlier this season, much to the chagrin of the fans. I don’t see anything too wrong with that, but at the same time it should be a one game move, or so long as Backes is out. Relying on Keith Tkachuk to center the second line with Andy McDonald and David Perron is not ideal. Hopefully Berglund keeps his feet moving and plays hard, earning a mid game line promotion.

Anyone think that Barrett Jackman has forgotten the knee to knee “hit” form Ryan Getzlaf? I doubt he has. Watch out for a fired up Jackman tonight.

Previews and Links

Blues Official Website Preview

Jeremy Rutherford’s Morning Skate Blog is now up.

Norm Sanders Blog up on Steen and tonight’s game.

Gameday Thread @ STLTODAY.com Blues Forums

HF Boards Gameday Thread

STL Game Time has their preview up as well…gotta say…not so impressed with the Star Wars spin on the Might Ducks.

The OC Register has a take on the game as well. I will say, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Lou Korac has just put up his Gameday as well. Take a look here.

Barkin’ For the Blues is happening down at the Scottrade tonight. Proceeds form this event will go to benefit Stray Rescue of St. Louis (Barrett’s Buddies) and the St. Charles Humane Society (David’s Dogs).

The Blues are also having a 50/50 Raffle at the game to raise money to help earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Difference Makers:

Special Teams

The Blues were totally shut down by the Senators Thursday night. They were held scoreless on the power play and killed only ONE of FOUR Senator power plays. The Ducks come in to tonight’s game with one of the leagues worst Road Special Teams Units. If the Blues want to win and start crawling back in to the race for the 8th spot

Player Notes:

I would expect to see Chris Mason back between the pipes tonight. According to Lou Korac (via Ducks radio color commentator Dan Wood), Jones Hiller will start tonight for the Ducks.

Most reports coming in to today mentioned David Backes returning tonight/ According to Lou and Belleville News Democrat scribe Norm Sanders, that will not be the case. Both Backes and Carlo Colaiacovo are expected to be out for tonight’s game. Assuming the pairs stay in tact, look to see a lot of Jackman-Polak and Brewer-Johnson at even strength with Weaver and Sydor working the kill. Here is a link to Norm’s most recent blog.

Lou also has the lowdown on the lineup:

Paul Kariya-T.J. Oshie-Brad Boyes
Andy McDonald-Keith Tkachuk-David Perron
Alex Steen-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Patrik Berglund-Cam Janssen

Eric Brewer-Erik Johnson
Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Darryl Sydor-Mike Weaver

Chris Mason in net.

Keys to the Game

1. Special Teams need to be special again
-  As much improvement the Blues have seen from their power play, the timely goals are still not there often enough to steal them needed points. The power play must click at home to drop the Ducks.

2. It’s Over and Done
- Forgot the road trip and opportunity lost. Start a new at home and get back in the race.

3. Clean Up  the Game
- Keep it simple. Play hard, fast, and always keep moving. Don’t take bad penalties where the Ducks skill players can work you over.

Who to Watch for?

TJ Oshie