After taking two points away from Vegas on Sunday, the St. Louis Blues look to complete the home-and-home series with the Golden Knights tonight at the Enterprise Center.
At 23-21-4, for 50 points, the Blues are tied with Vancouver and one point shy of Calgary for the final wildcard spot. Unfortunately, the Flames have only played 45 games thus far, compared to the Blues 48 games.
Vegas, with a record of 29-14-4 for 62 points, sits atop the Pacific Division. Sunday’s 5-4 loss in the shootout against the Blues was their fourth straight loss, their longest of the year. Luckily for them, the trailing Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, who both sit within just four points of the Golden Knights, are also on losing streaks.
Let’s preview this one.
Run it back
The second half of this home-and-home takes place on home ice for the Blues, as they host Vegas in the 49th game of the year. This game, like all the games from here on out, will be extremely important as the playoffs are in sight. Buckle up ladies and gents, these last 33 games are gonna be wild.
For the first time all season, on the nine instances of this occurrence, the Blues won a game with goaltender Jordan Binnington allowing 4+ goals. Previously 0-8-1, the offense rallied to keep the game winnable on Sunday, ending the night with a shootout victory.
Do not expect this to be the same kind of barn burner. Both of these teams realize how crucial this game is to their standing in the playoffs, so it will be a hard-nosed, grind-it-out game. Expect both bottom-six units to see plenty of ice time.
For the Blues, the player to watch will be Captain Brayden Schenn who has three goals and two assists in his last five games. He is continuing to show up when it matters most, so let’s see if it continues tonight.
Despite getting hurt in practice this week, Philip Broberg will still be in the lineup tonight. Also, after Binnington had the start on Sunday against the Golden Knights, it will be back-up Joel Hofer’s turn tonight.
For Vegas, the player to watch will be defenseman Shea Theodore, who has a goal and nine assists in his last five games. He is a big reason why the Golden Knights have the fourth-best goals-per-game average at 3.38.
The puck drop will be at 7:00 PM CT.