Q’s Cuties: Blues @ Predators 11-24

Welcome to tonight’s cutie watch!  I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving- hope you get to spend time with those you care about tomorrow. Watch for a big Blues charity and fundraising update to come this weekend!

Tonight is the 4th match up of the Blues and Predators.  The Blues are coming off a win at home against the Devils last Saturday, winning both of their back to back games that weekend.  St. Louis native Mike McKenna was in goal for the Devils, and he looked good, but the Blues offense was better.  After a slow start, the Blues “top” forwards McDonald, Backes, and Boyes have had a combined 21 points in the last 5 games.  Much improved from what we had been seeing from them at the start of the season.  The Blues also have 4 power play goals in their last 3 games; something on the power play seems to have kicked into gear.

Will this Cutie come back fighting after his injury?

Here’s who my eye will be on tonight:

Barret Jackman #5:  This cutie is off injured reserve and is expected to make his healthy debut tonight in Nashville.  The Blues have suffered numerous injuries this season, and losing 3 of their top defnesemen really seemed to set them back.  Colaiacovo’s come back has led to him earning 2 goals and 2 assists in his 4 games back.  Hopefully Jackman can come back to the team just as strong and help the Blues score more.  The team has been doing well, but without defense and scoring the games are left solely in the hands of the goaltender- and he can’t be expected to be outstanding without help.  Watch for this cutie to come out playing strong- he hasn’t played in 20 days, and fans can expect him to work as hard as we have come to expect.

Predators Cutie to Watch:  The Predators have won 2 out of the first 3 against the Blues this season.  They are at only 9 wins out of their first 19 games this season, only 3 of those have been at home.  The Predators have been on the road for most of November, this is only their second home game this month.  Their biggest issue right now:  Scoring goals.  They have had only 5 goals in their last 3 games.  With Halak expected to start in the net tonight, hopefully they don’t fix this problem tonight.

Is this Cutie on a roll, or is he ready to break his low goal streak?

Here is who I’ll be watching tonight:

Pekka Rinne #35, Goaltender:  This cutie has been either a blessing or a curse for the Predators depending on how he ends up performing on a given night.  While he has 2 shut outs this season and a 2.59 goals against average, Rinne seems to either let in 0-2 goals or 5.  This lack of consistency is causing problems for a team that doesn’t score a lot, and for fantasy owners (like me) who have him on their roster.  Out of the 14 games he has started, he has allowed 4 or 5 goals in 5 games.  He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in 7 games.  Tonight, the Blues need to hope that after having 3 good games in a row that Rinne has one of his bad nights.  Keep your eye on this cutie’s goals against tonight, after three games with 2 or fewer goals allowed Rinne seems to be on a roll…. or he could be due for another 5 goals against night.