It will be a Western Conference wildcard showdown as the Blues start their four game road trip against the San Jose Sharks. Yes, the same Sharks that they beat just five days ago in overtime, 2-1.Â
Every game for the rest of the season is important, for a multitude of reasons. The Blues are in earshot of the playoffs, but also close enough for a great chance at the first overall pick this June in the NHL Draft. This week is going to really dictate where this team will end up at the end of the season.
Lets look at which three Blues are going to have the biggest impact.
Joel Hofer
Last time these two teams met, it was Joel Hofer in net. Seeing as though head coach Jim Montgomery has been switching both Hofer and Binnington, on-and-off, it should be Hofer's time once again. He slammed the door shut in the most recent 2-1 win, adding to his fantastic run after the Olympic break.
Robert Thomas
One of the players that did not suit up in the last game against the Sharks, was Robert Thomas. He sat out with an upper-body injury following the scuffle with Pierre Luc-Dubois of Washington. Earlier this month, the Blues beat the Sharks again, in overtime, 3-2, with Thomas scoring the game-winner. Look for him to continue that success against superstar in the making, Macklin Celebrini.
Dylan Holloway
The x-factor from earlier this week was Dylan Holloway, who had the game-winner in the final seconds of overtime to win it. He had an assist as well earlier in the game, on Dalibor Dvorsky's opening goal. Can he repeat his performance and secure another key victory for the Blues.