Game 46 on the Blues Schedule this evening against the Central rival Colorado Avalanche. This will be the final game before the All star Break. With that congratulations go out to Vladimir Tarasenko and Kevin Shattenkirk on being named to the game. Tonight will be the last of the 5 games the Blues and Avalanche will play against each other in the regular season.The Blues are leading 3-1 in the series, but the one game was a dominant 5-0 effort by the Colorado Avalanche.
The big thing for the Blues this evening is leave nothing left in the tank going into the break. Every puck, every back check, every forecheck gotta leave it all on the ice tonight and they will come out with the two points ( although Brian would say otherwise). Tonight we need to control the puck, puck possession will be key against this highly skilled offence of Colorado because if Matt Duchene, Nathan Mackinnon, or Gabriel Landeskog...to name a few touch the puck they can be lethal. Speaking of that highly skilled offence the Blues Defence need to finish every check on those guys make them not want to be in the corner, or drive the net. I haven't found who's playing in net tonight but whoever it is Jake Allen or Brian Elliot they will stop those outside shots all night.
With I am guessing Semyon Varlamov in net for the Avalanche the Blues Offence just have to keep doing what they do best go the net get a stick on the defensemen's shot and bang home some rubber. All the Blues have to do to bring home a big 2 pts is get the puck deep establish the forecheck and get that cycle going and just shoot whenever there is a chance pepper Varlamov tonight make him work for every save and try and make him stop two. Shoot low for the rebound and crash the net and win that second chance opportunities. Varlamov is a great goaltender so every opportunity to score matters.
Have not found line up cards for this evenings matchup so I am going to guess Hitch is going with what works.
Steen Backes Oshie
Schwartz* Lehtera Tarasenko
Berglund* Statsny Jaskin
Ott Lapierre Reaves
Pietrangelo Bouwmeester
Shattenkirk Gunnarson
Jackman Cole
and my guess for goal tonight will be Brian Elliot.
***** Could expect Berglund to move up with Lehtera and Tarasenko
**** Schwartz gives Statsny that extra speed and grit on the wing.
I am predicting a 3-1 Win for the Blues this evening! Shattenkirk and Statsny will both have a point against their former club.
For a little fun here I am going to post pictures of Erik Johnson, Paul Statsny, Kevin Shattenkirk and Brian Elliot all who used to play for the opposite team.
Here is Erik Johnson 1st overall pick in the 2006 Nhl Draft.
Kevin Shattenkirk Former Colorado Avalanche 1st round Draft pick 14th overall in the 2007 draft.
Paul Statsny, Signed by the Blues this past summer spent 8 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. Great Signing by Blues Management.
Fun Fact:Erik Johnson and Kevin Shattenkirk were traded for each other in 2011. Story here http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=553408
Have A good night everyone.
Tyler