Bleedin' Blue
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St. Louis Blues: Keys for Success Against Blackhawks

By Steven McNeil

Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) shoots the puck as Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) defends during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) shoots the puck as Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) defends during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) leads a charge with left wing Artemi Panarin (72) against St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) leads a charge with left wing Artemi Panarin (72) against St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Shutting down Kane/Panarin

The two most important players for the Blackhawks this season has been Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. The two of them have combined for 183 points this season, playing on the same line for most of the season. When you throw in Teuvo Teravainen‘s 35 points, this is a pretty nice top line for the Blackhawks.

This line will likely line up against the Blues “shutdown line” of Alex Steen/David Backes/Patrik Berglund. It is imperative that these guys keep Kane and Panarin under wraps. The Blues won’t be able to keep these two scoreless, but they must make their impact low and not let them break out. If Kane is left available to score three or four goals, it will be a tough series for the Blues to win.

However, keeping these two combined to three or four goals would be considered a big win for the Blues and would go a long way towards winning the series.

While these are the two most important players to key in on, the Blues will also need to key in on the Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa line as well. If the Blues can make someone else try to beat them besides Toews, Kane, Panarin, and Hossa; a series win should be within their reach.

Next: Special Special Teams

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