St. Louis Blues eyeing third straight win as they face Chicago Blackhawks – NHL Preview
As the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs come closer, Chicago Blackhawks have begun worrying slightly.
The reason is their inconsistency and after recovering from a noticeable slump that even jeopardised their playoff chances a couple of months ago, they are yet to completely find their winning ways back.
On the other hand, St. Louis Blues are still well on the course of winning the President’s Trophy this season.
Blues slightly got strayed from their path recently, but they are doing well at the moment.
Blues and Blackhawks are going to face each other on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blackhawks
Blackhawks have played relatively well this month, but their current performance is not so good.
Out of the 12 games they played in March, Blackhawks have won eight, but are on a two-game losing streak presently.
The defeats came against Nashville Predators (6-1) and New Jersey Devils (2-1 after shootout).
Against Devils, Blackhawks struggled on offence. They scored their only goal of the game in the third period when Devils were leading by one goal.
The game was forced to shootout at the end, but Blackhawks failed to score there as well.
Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane said after the game:
"We probably could have taken more shots … we're trying and getting pucks through, but they're either getting blocked or deflected. On the 5-on-3, we probably could have had more movement."
Blackhawks are ranked at sixth spot in the Western Conference with 93 points after 77 games.
Blues
They are leading the Western Conference with 105 points after 77 games.
At present, they are on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Phoenix Coyotes (4-0) and Nashville Predators (3-0).
As the scores suggest, Blues are defending pretty well and if they could keep on the momentum going, it would be impossible to beat them in the postseason.
Blues’ T.J. Oshie said of his team’s goaltenders:
"We definitely don't expect them to be playing this good, but they are and it's great. It gives us a sense of confidence to go out and to make plays and to know they're going to be behind us. You look at their numbers this year, it's been unbelievable."
Predictions
Blues have an edge.
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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