The St. Louis Blues have put themselves in a great position to be in the playoff hunt for the remainder of the season. Tonight is a special opportunity to gain another set of points closer to reaching that last wild card spot and secure their first three-game win streak of the year.
Their opponent tonight is the Utah Hockey Club at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Blues have played the league’s newest re-branded team once already this season, dropping at home 4-2 on November 8.
Let’s see if the Blues can finally get over the hump, and preview this one.
Central Division Battle
With a record of 22-20-4 for 48 points, the Blues are currently fifth in the Central Division standings. Right behind them is Utah, with a record of 18-19-7 for 43 points. Much like the Blues were clawing closer toward the Calgary Flames this past week, Utah is now trying to do the same thing. There will be two more meetings with these two teams after tonight.
The player to watch for the Blues will be the hero from Thursday night’s 4-1 win, Brayden Schenn. His two-goal performance was exactly what the Blues needed, and he delivered when it mattered most. He currently has potted 10 goals on the year, and if he can hit 20, he will reach that milestone for the fourth straight season.
The last time these two played, the Blues were outshot 31-15, with backup goaltender Joel Hofer in the net. This time, expect the Blues to pepper Utah with much more than 15 shots, and although unconfirmed, expect Jordan Binnington to get the nod in this one.
Every game from now until the end of the season should be considered a playoff game. It is do or die until April 15, coincidently against Utah.
The puck drop tonight will be at 8:00 PM CT.