Surging Columbus Blue Jackets face NHL Western Conference leaders, St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
Columbus Blue Jackets are in exploding form after winning all the games they have played in the month so far. But this effort has come quite late and at this stage, securing games will only help them ending the current National Hockey League (NHL) season
on a positive note as they cannot reach the playoffs owing to the record they maintained earlier in the season.
Blue Jackets are ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference and their next encounter is scheduled against the conference leaders, St. Louis Blues.
Blues are among the strongest contenders for grabbing the President’s Trophy this season and despite Columbus’ winning run, hold an edge in the game that will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blue Jackets
They are presently on a four-game winning streak with the victories coming against Colorado Avalanche (2-0), Phoenix Coyotes (5-2), Phoenix Coyotes (3-2) and Los Angeles Kings (3-1).
Blue Jackets are placed at the bottom of the Western Conference with 51 points after 67 games.
Mark Letestu, who scored two goals in the game against Kings, said after the victory:
"It's about building something. Obviously we're out of the playoff race but building a culture, building a foundation for something to work on next year. Guys are really buying into it and it's showing on the ice."
Blues
Blues have won seven of their last eight games and are currently on a three-game winning streak with the victories coming against San Jose Sharks (3-1), Chicago Blackhawks (5-1) and Anaheim Ducks (3-1).
Blues were one goal down in the second period against Ducks, but they scored a goal to level the score in the same period and added another two in the final to seal the victory.
Blues’ goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, has been performing very well lately, but he thinks that the credit of the victories goes to all the players. He said after the last win:
"I'm just trying to have fun out there and keep the guys in the game. It's always great to win a few games in a row. It's a team effort. I wouldn't be able to do it without the guys."
Blues have 93 points after 68 games and are leading both the conferences in terms of total points
Predictions
Blues carry an upper hand.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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