The last time the St. Louis Blues faced off against the Los Angeles Kings, they were in need of proving something to the league. While slightly different, they are in need of proving something again.
When the St. Louis Blues faced the Los Angeles Kings at the end of October, they were still needing to prove themselves to the league. Despite a great start, it was one of those games still viewed by some as the first real test.
St. Louis ended up passing that test with flying colors. Jake Allen turned away 26 of 28 shots. The Blues won the game 4-2 and it was in hand until late in the second period.
It was a great way to cap off a fantastic month. With fans dressed in all manner of costumes, due to the Halloween holiday, it was a joyous occasion.
The rivalry might be dying off now, but there are still plenty around who dislike L.A. That win capped off a four-game win streak as well.
As we have documented, November did not go quite as well. Fortunately for St. Louis, the rest of the league kept their own pace, so nobody really gained any ground.
Still, after a mediocre month, the Blues find themselves in a similar situation facing the Kings again. The Blues must prove themselves again.
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The Kings have leapfrogged over Las Vegas for top spot in the Pacific Division. They are also only two points behind St. Louis.
It was a similar situation the last time the teams faced each other. The Blues are hoping they can get a similar result.
Right now, the Blues do not need to win in overly convincing fashion. They do need to win though.
St. Louis has lost two of their last three and did not look great in either of those games. L.A. gives them a chance to turn them around.
This time, the difference might be more within the team. The Blues have less to prove to the league than they do themselves.
Their power play is still a shamble and the penalty kill has fallen apart a bit as well. They need to show themselves they are as good as they were. They need to prove that October was not a fluke.
Like the first time, the Kings are the perfect foil. They are a very similar team to the Blues.
St. Louis is 6-4 in their last 10 and the Kings are 4-6. The Blues are plus-20 in goal difference and the Kings are plus-19.
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Maybe the Blues win and maybe they don’t. At the very least, they have to have a good showing.
St. Louis has not been coming out of the gates fast enough. They cannot afford to do that against the Kings.
This team will force them to be uncomfortable and maybe that’s what they need. Hopefully the Blues show us something, just like they did the first time they faced the Kings in 2017-18.