Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save against St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) during the shootout to win the game at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Blues 4-3 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports (US PRESSWIRE)

Tomorrow is the moment many St. Louis Blues fans have been waiting for, a chance to end Chicago’s point streak. As the Blackhawks have essentially run away with the Western Conference, the Blues have quietly kept pace with every other Western Conference foe (with the exception of Anaheim). This goes without being said, but tomorrow is a big game.

NOTES: 

*Andy McDonald and Alex Steen suffered injuries during yesterday’s practice. McDonald is considered week to week, while Steen (day to day) could be available to play tomorrow according to Ken Hitchcock.

*Jaroslav Halak will get the start in goal for the Blues, while Corey Crawford will be the starting netminder for the Hawks. Crawford is off to a fantastic start with an 8-0-3 record, including a 1.50 GAA and a .941 SV%.

*The Blues called up Andrew Murray from the Peoria Rivermen following yesterday’s injuries. In 38 games with Peoria, Murray has 19 points (10G, 9A). He is a defensively responsible player, is an asset on the penalty kill, and has over 200 games of NHL experience, mostly with the Columbus Blue Jackets under then-head coach Ken Hitchcock. He knows Hitchcock’s system, which can only bode well for the Blue Note.

*Going into tomorrow game, the Blues are the better rested team as they haven’t played since Saturday. The Blackhawks played back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday. With three or more days of rest between games this season, St. Louis is 1-1. This includes an embarrassing 6-1 loss to Nashville back when the Blues lost five straight.

*This year, St. Louis has kind of gotten away from the physical game we are so used to seeing from them. The Blues will need to bring a different level of physicality to slow down Chicago’s high-powered offense tomorrow night. With the absences of McDonald, Tarasenko, and possibly Steen from the lineup, the Blues won’t quite match the finesse of the Hawks, which makes physical play that much more important.

*Tomorrow’s game is at home, so you can bet Scottrade Center is going to be loud. St. Louis needs to feed off of that energy early, plain and simple. Being a .500 club at home is unacceptable, and the Blues know that.

More to come,

Ben Bean

St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) and Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) battle for the puck during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports (US PRESSWIRE)

*Kevin Shattenkirk (pictured) had an incredible game last night against the Ducks. He made smart decisions, and he contributed on the scoreboard (he now leads the team with 12 points (1G, 11A). At times this season, I’ve thought that he has looked better than Alex Pietrangelo.

*I’m sure we are all relieved that Jaroslav Halak is back and healthy. Brian Elliott has really struggled to find his game this season. I would assume Halak will make the start against the Kings on Monday.

*Ian Cole‘s overtime goal that was disallowed last night was rather unfortunate. In my mind, it was a 50/50 call that just didn’t go the Blues way. Simply put, when it snows it hails. During their losing skid St. Louis has not gotten any breaks.

*Vladimir Tarasenko had limited to no scoring chances last night. I know line juggling is part of the game, but there is no doubt that Tarasenko has not been as productive since the Steen-McDonald-Tarasenko line was segregated.

The Blues have a tough schedule ahead, but it finally includes games outside of the Central Division. In fact, five of their next six games will be played outside the Central.

More to come,

Ben Bean