The Blues won back-to-back road games for the first time since a 3-0-0 run from November 23-29.
D Kris Russell has the flu and will miss tonight’s game against the Avalanche. The Blues recalled Ian Cole from Peoria to take Russell’s spot.
Patrik Berglund (Flickr by BridgetDS)
St. Louis dominated the Avalanche 4-0 in early January. The Avalanche recorded only 15 shots on goal.
Brian Elliot starts in-goal tonight. He is 1-1-1 with 2.98 GAA in 3 career starts versus Colorado, including the win mentioned above. Elliott leads the NHL in GAA (1.60) and save percentage (.940)
Ken Hitchcock is sick of fielding questions regarding the health of Andy McDonald and Alex Steen. They are practicing, but they “are 5th line players right now and when they’re ready, I’m sure they will come knock on my door.” There is an outside chance McDonald plays Sunday vs. San Jose.
The Blues’ win @ New Jersey was great, but it was sloppy. 0/4 on the PP including a 5 minute major in the 3rd period.
Fix the power play. Until it’s fixed, the Blues have absolutely 0 chance when it counts. 13% is just pathetic. Colorado is 9th in the NHL at 18.9%.
Last 10 games: Colorado 4-5-1 St. Louis 7-2-1
Who’s hot: COL C Ryan O’Reilly has 4 points in his last 5 games. O’Reilly leads the Avalanche with 15 goals.
Key to game: Do not let Colorado beat you on the PP. STL ranks 3rd in 5 on 5 Goals For/Against ratio (1.53) and Colorado ranks 28th (0.83).
Colorado is 12-12-2 on the road; STL is 22-3-4 at home.
Player to bank on: Patrik Berglund. #21 has a 2-game point streak and has had success vs. the Avs in his career. In 14 games, Berglund has 5 goals, 5 assists, and 32 shots on goal. Plus, he needs to have a huge 2nd half.
Hitch on Berglund:
Daily Grind Sports 