New York Islanders are underdogs as they travel to play St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are still in sight of New York Islanders, but to ensure entry into the postseason, they will have to work really hard and the road does not get any easier as they move forward.
The Islanders have a tough task ahead of them as they take a trip to play against St. Louis Blues on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, and if Islanders manage a victory, they cannot be ruled out of the playoff contention.
However, the Blues are also a force to reckon with and they will enter the game as favourites. Here is a look at the performance of both the teams.
Blues
As far as ranking is concerned, St. Louis is a much better team than New York Islanders.
The Blues are placed at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 75 points after 56 games. They have played seven games this month and have only lost two.
Their four-game winning streak was snapped by Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
The Blues have a very powerful defensive unit, but it failed against the Blue Jackets, who scored two goals after going one goal down and got the victory.
Islanders
New York will enter the game carrying a victory at its back, but its inconsistency has been a tormenting factor.
The Islanders have won three of their last six games and are placed at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 56 points after 56 games.
The last victory came against the Winnipeg Jets, who scored a goal in the first period to take the lead.
However, Islanders scored a goal in the second period and two in the final to secure the victory.
Islanders’ winger, P.A. Parenteau, said after the win:
"We know we're not the best offensive team, but we know if we're patient and have enough skill from our top forwards that we're going to get it done. That's the main thing when we play on the road. I think we've been having success since we've been doing
that."
Predictions
Blues will win the game in regulation.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams will remain under six.
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