Chicago Blackhawks host the challenging St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
The strongest contender for winning the President’s Trophy this year, St. Louis Blues, are going to play second game of their present seven-game road trip against Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Blackhawks might also qualify for the playoffs, but the question for them is simple: Will they be able to play well in the postseason?
If the answer to the question is ‘yes’ then they have to prove their mettle by registering more victories in the regular season. Their test will start with the game against Blues.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blues
After losing the first game of the month against Vancouver Canucks, Blues have won five straight games with the victories coming against San Jose Sharks (3-1), Chicago Blackhawks (5-1), Anaheim Ducks (3-1), Columbus Blue Jackets (4-1) and Blue Jackets (2-1).
As the scores suggest, Blues have been pretty solid on defence. After getting the last victory, coach Ken Hitchcock, said:
"We had no energy, the goalie found a way. That's five games in nine nights with cross-country travel and we hit the wall. We hit the wall mentally. We hit the wall physically. Our goalie stole the game.”
Blues are leading the Western Conference with 97 points after 70 games.
Blackhawks
They are ranked at sixth spot in the Western Conference with 82 points after 70 games.
Blackhawks have lost two of the last five games, with the recent defeat coming against Los Angeles Kings.
Kings scored a goal in the first period to get the lead. Both teams scored apiece and Blackhawks added another goal in the final period to level the score.
After the goalless overtime, shootout was called and Kings eventually got the victory.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said after the game:
"I thought we worked ourselves back into the game with a good second period. I didn't like the goals we gave up tonight, but we had a real strong finish."
Predictions
Blackhawks have struggled on offence of late and with Blues in such an exploding form on defence, it will certainly be a game worth watching.
Keeping the recent record of both teams in mind, Blues can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Blackhawks win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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