Looking to hit Gretzky's number in the standings tonight.
Puck drop at 7:30
Schwartz is in the line up tonight. Just kidding, I have no idea.
This is meeting 2 of 3 in March between these clubs.
I think Chicago was pissed after the last game, and we'll probably see their best effort (at home). After the Columbus games, I'd like to see the Blues come out more "alert". Should be a good game.
Chicago's 23d on the PP and 26th on the PK. Blues have risen to 14th PP and 7th PK. Have to take advantage of special teams.
This is a big one. If the Blues do win, it's hard to see them lose the Central. They only really struggle on the road against the Central (3-6-1) and this is one of two games left. They've also won two in a row on the road against the Central. However, disregarding the shootout crediting them with a third goal in Nashville, they still haven't scored 3 goals in the first 60 or 65 minutes of a road game at the Central this year.
Schwartz will probably be interviewed in between periods or during a period. That should be cool.
I expect the Hawks to fight hard and the game not look like the 5-1 win the other night. This is a 3-2, 3-1, 2-1 type of game again most likely. Hawks are still desperate. They have a little more cushion than their nearest chasers but a two or three game losing streak and suddenly they're in big trouble. They lost in a shootout to LA but they played a vigorous game and I expect to see the same tonight.
This and Thursday's game in Carolina are the Blues' last 4th-in-6 games. They've improved to 7-5-1 in those.
After the Columbus games, I'd like to see the Blues come out more "alert". Should be a good game.
I think they will. I think the team knew (and Hitch certainly let them know) that they played a stinker by their standards in Columbus and were fortunate that Halak was there to carry them. I'm expecting a much more disciplined and focused effort tonight.
Lou tweeted that Stewart is on the top line with Backes and Oshie. I was kind of waiting for Hitch to try this combination. Stewart played relatively well with Backes, and I think Oshie's heart and passion will will also have a similar affect on Stewart. If this line can get some chemistry, we will be very dangerous offensively.
Blues need to take advantage of Toews being out. Stewart being on that top line means he needs to be a difference maker, as you know the Blues will try to match Backes with Hossa.
Blues can't be anywhere near as undisciplined as allowing 8 power plays like they did in Columbus. This kind of game is a recipe for that streak being broken. If they hold it to 2, maybe 3 Hawks power plays I think the Blues win.
I was at the Blues/Hawks game last Tuesday and it was men against boys.
The Hawks roster with Toews is a 6-8 seed and without him its an 8-10.
Their NHL caliber depth is appalling. So are their special teams. Maybe its because Jamal Mayers was on their first PP unit against STL. My dad and I got a laugh out of that.
Kane and Hossa were completely ineffective on the road so they'll probably be noticeable tonight but the Blues are the much better team.
Blues players were tweeting yesterday that they got a day off in the Windy City and were out on Mich Ave...probably good that they got a little mental breather after a long week. Maybe even Polak got laid.
Yeah, despite Toews being out and despite how badly the Blues outplayed them in St. Louis, I watched the LA game and they were playing pretty tough. The Blues are better than LA but the Hawks had urgency and fed off the crowd as they often do. Quick was just brilliant and stole that win. I'd be shocked if the game resembled the one in St. Louis a week ago.
Hossa, Kane, and Sharp are always dangerous. This isn't going to be an easy game at all. I expect us to come out with a win, but this is definitely not going to be a gimme.
Hitch said Schwartz will play at some point during the road trip. Thanks captain obvious lol. I wish there would've been some type of hint of when he'll play.
They're not going to win 6-0 as that game on March 6th was one of the best games the Blues have played all season long and the players said as much after the game.
But that game revealed how much better the Blues are than Chicago currently, especially without Toews.
The Blues never dominate Detroit or Nashville or any other upper echelon team for 60 minutes like they did against Chicago that night.
Get to 3 tonight, win. Don't, probably lose unless MAYBE win 2-1.
I know what you're saying, but isn't that are usual plan though, score 3 goals and we win. Wasn't it Pietrangelo who replied when he was asked about the record when scoring 3 goales by saying, "we need to score 3 goals." I love the brutal honesty our players and coaches have in interviews lol.
