Anaheim Ducks set to host St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
The St. Louis Blues are satisfied to know that they will be playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this season, but they still have nine more games to play in the regular season and victories will certainly help them taking the momentum into
the postseason.
As far as the Anaheim Ducks are concerned, the competition is tough for them and they could be left out of the playoffs this season.
Both teams are going to play against each other on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Honda Center, Anaheim, California.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blues
After losing first game this month, Blues went on to win five in a row. However, they lost two straight games after that, but managed to snap that skid in their last game against Tampa Bay Lightning.
Blues scored two goals in the first period and added another in the second. Lightning managed their only goal of the game in the final period.
Blues’ goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, cautioned his teammates against complacency and urged the players to focus on the regular season games.
He said:
"It's great, but I don't think anybody is focusing on the playoffs. We have work to do. We've got nine games left in the season, and we have to get as many wins as we can. We have to do our job, and I'm sure everybody realises that."
Blues are leading the Western Conference with 100 points after 73 games.
Ducks
Out of the last seven games, Ducks have lost five. They defeated San Jose Sharks in their last game to snap a two-game skid.
Ducks and Sharks scored twice in the first period, but the former managed to edge past after scoring three in the second period while giving away only one goal.
The final period went goalless and the final score settled at 5-3.
Ducks’ coach, Bruce Boudreau, said after the game:
"Our team has a lot of pride; we've played hard from January on. Whenever you can derail a California team -- you like to do it."
Ducks are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 73 points after 74 games.
Predictions
Blues have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Ducks win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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