Gameday 2-19-11: New Look Blues vs. Ducks

Ty Conklin Goes Back In The Crease Tonight

What a wild and wacky 24 hours it’s been folks. The captain and the cornerstone rebuilding block both traded in a span of barely 12 hours. One thing is for sure, Doug Armstrong clearly has a different mandate than Larry Pleau. It’s the dawn of a new era.

Oh, one other thing is for sure. The St. Louis Blues (26-21-9, 61 Points) play tonight down at Scottrade against the virulent Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks (32-23-4, 68 Points).

Given the a fore mentioned craziness of the last 24 hours, today’s preview is a quick and dirty rundown.

- This is a crucial game to take in regulation. The Blues are 7 points back of the Ducks who hold 8th place currently in the West. All teams from 6th to 9th have 68 points currently. Some major catching up can be done tonight.

- Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk are expected to play. Stewart wearing #25 and Shattenkirk wearing #12. Recalled Peoria Rivermen forward Phil McRae will switch from #25 to #38.

- Ty Conklin is starting for the Blues.

- Carlo Colaiacovo is good to go after taking a shot to the head from Patrick Kaleta in Buffalo last night.

- Tyson Strachan appears to be scratched along with Cam Janssen.

- Jonas Hiller is still out for the Ducks. He has been battling fatigue issues. Curtis McElhinney is the expected starter for Randy Carlyle’s squad.

Here is the Blues lineup according to Lou Korac’s Gameday:

McDonald – Backes – Stewart
Steen – Berglund – Oshie
Sobotka – McRae – Boyes
Winchester – D’Agostini – Crombeen

Jackman – Pietrangelo
Nikitin – Polak
Colaiacovo – Shattenkirk

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