Improving Chicago Blackhawks take on the challenging St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
After gaining stability again, Chicago Blackhawks are gradually returning to their threatening mode, but the real test of their strength will be displayed on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, when they will play against St. Louis Blues in a National Hockey League
(NHL) game at Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri.
The Blues, who are leading the Central Division, are also in thundering form and will not prove to be an easy opponent for the surging Blackhawks.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blackhawks
It looks as if Blackhawks’ bad patch is over as they are gradually gaining momentum after recovering from the pathetic slump they underwent during the last two months.
Blackhawks are presently on a three-game winning streak with the recent victories coming against Toronto Maple Leafs (5-4), Ottawa Senators (2-1) and Detroit Red Wings (2-1).
While referring to the slump, Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said after the victory against Red Wings:
"You know over the course of a season, you're going to have some good stretches and some tough stretches. We extended our last (tough stretch) too far.”
Blackhawks did drop in the Western Conference after failing to secure victories last month, but they are still in the comfort zone after being ranked at sixth spot with 79 points after 67 games.
Blues
They have won five out of their last six games with the recent victory coming against San Jose Sharks.
Blues got two goals in the first period while conceding one and managed another in the second period to get the decisive two-goal advantage.
Blues’ coach, Ken Hitchcock, said after the game:
"We're a hard team to play against. We don't have much quit in us and we're willing to work for it."
Defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo, added:
"They're one of the best teams in the league year in and year out. Big points for us there. You never know, we might end up playing them in the first round. Just give them a taste if we do play them of what to expect."
Blues are ranked at second spot in the Western Conference with 89 points after 66 games are just one point behind the conference leaders, Vancouver Canucks.
Predictions
Blues have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Blackhawks win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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