Favourites St. Louis Blues set to host Boston Bruins – NHL Preview
St. Louis Blues have played five games on home ice in this month and have not lost any of them. Hoping to keep the record intact, they are going to host Boston Bruins in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at Scottrade Center,
Saint Louis, Missour.
Boston and St. Louis are well placed in the Eastern and Western Conference respectively, and by the looks of things, they would qualify for the playoffs.
However, it remains essential for both of them to stay in form throughout the season and carry the momentum into the playoffs.
Let’s have a look at both the teams:
Blues
In their last game, St. Louis Blues faced a defeat against the resurging Chicago Blackhawks.
Blues performed well in the first two periods, but the Blackhawks dominated the third and secured the victory.
In the first period, Blues took the lead. No other scoring move was made in that and the next period, but Blackhawks responded sternly in the final period and scored three goals.
Against Bruins, however, Blues have the home-ice advantage, which is difficult to ignore considering their recent run on the home.
Blues are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 79 points after 59 games.
Blues’ centre, Andy McDonald, thinks that his team should draw inspiration from the conference leaders, Detroit Red Wings.
He said:
"We've got a strong team here, but there's been times where we've let it slide for whatever reason. You watch the way Detroit plays, it's the same through three periods. They don't stray too much from their game. We have to find the kind of effort where
we're not having a drop-off."
Bruins
Bruins are ranked at second spot, just behind New York Rangers, in the Eastern Conference with 72 points after 57 games.
Keeping Bruins’ recent form in mind, it has become difficult for the team to maintain its position.
Out of nine games played in this month, Bruins have only won three and are currently on a two-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against Winnipeg Jets (4-2) and Minnesota Wild (2-0).
Bruins’ coach, Claude Julien, said before the game:
"Somehow we got to take that weight off our shoulders and just go out and play and give it all you got, and you might be surprised at what you can come out with.”
Predictions
Blues have an edge over Bruins.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Bruins win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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