Game Day Preview – St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks | February 19th
Brian Elliott Patrols The Crease Today
St. Louis Blues
(36-15-7)
at
Chicago Blackhawks
(31-21-7)
United Center
Game Time 11:30am
TV – NBC Radio – 1120 AM KMOX
Internet Stream: NBC Sports
First: Happy Hockey Weekend/Day Across/In America, Blues fans!
Second: What more needs to be said about today’s game? It’s late February and the Blues and Blackhawks play each other that will impact both teams playoff positioning. Damn, its been a while, but it will make for a hell of a game.
From the Blues POV
The Blues are flying high after yesterday’s 4-0 dominance of the Minnesota Wild. But it has to be forgotten as quickly as the 2-1 loss to Columbus last Tuesday. Focus on the task at hand will be critical given their shortcomings away from Scottrade. On the road to Chicago they go where they’ve not been so strong in recent history. In the last three seasons the Blues have won just one game there. That was on February 3rd, 2010. Overall their road record, 10-12-13, does not match favorably against the Hawks 3rd best home record in the West, 19-6-4.
The good news is that they haven’t lost there yet this season. Well, that’s because today is the first time… Perhaps they can get on the right track then. The last time the Blues won multiple games in Chicago was their last playoff appearance in 2008-09. With the playoffs in sight yet again, maybe the stars are aligning correctly again.
Head coach Ken Hitchcock says that captain David Backes is “fine” after taking a cross check to the head from Wild forward Warren Peters. Peters has a hearing with league officials scheduled for today. Cal Clutterbuck should for his comments to Andy McDonald and his hiton Alex Pietrangelo. Doubtful he gets a call though. The league’s rats often go free.
Alex Steen and Matt D’Agostini are VERY likely out. Haven’t seen official word, but would imagine we’d have heard by now if they were going to play.
Brian Elliott will get the start in goal. Ben Bishop will provide backup services. Jaroslav Halak will stay home and rest up.
I’m not expecting major line changes after a second consecutive win by wide margin.
Perron – Backes – Oshie
McDonald – Berglund – Langenbrunner
Sobotka – Arnott – Stewart
Crombeen – Nichol – Reaves
Jackman – Shattenkirk
Huskins – Pietrangelo
Russell – Polak
That said, Hitch may want to add an element of speed to the lineup. If so, Reaves or Crombeen will sit out while Porter comes in to Nichol’s left.
From The Hawks POV
The Blackhawks are back to their old ways. Winning their last two in convincing fashion following a nine game losing streak. Toppling the East’s best in the New York Rangers 4-2 and trouncing the Blue Jackets 6-1.
After playing 10 of 11 on the road since January 21st, the Hawks are going to chomping at the bit to hear that ridiculous Chelsea Dagger song.
Corey Crawford is the “likely” starter for the Hawks per DailyFaceoff.com. He is 3-1-1 with a 3.70 GAA and .865 save percentage against the Blues.
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