The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 and the Phoenix Coyotes defeated the San Jose Sharks 2-1, both on Wednesday night.
So, what does this mean for the Blues? With the Kings and Sharks both losing, the St. Louis Blues control their own destiny as they only need two wins in their final two games to finish in fourth place of the Western Conference, which would mean the Blues would have home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. It is crazy to think that the Blues weren't even in the playoffs yet before the game on Tuesday, and know they're battling for home-ice advantage. That's how crazy the Western Conference is in this shortened regular season.
The St. Louis Blues will play the Calgary Flames tomorrow night and the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday night, both at home.
The Flames and Blues tied the regular season series as the Blues won in Calgary 5-2 back in Calgary and then the Flames defeated the Blues in March 3-2, also in Calgary. The Flames sit at 12th place in the Western Conference with a 19-23-4 record with 42 points.
As for the Blackhawks, Chicago leads the season series 3-1 over St. Louis. The Blues only win against the Blackhawks came in April as the Blues won in a shootout at the United Center. The Blackhawks sit at first place in the Western Conference with a 35-6-5 record with 75 points.
However, with Chicago already winning the President's Trophy, you would have to question the Blackhawk's motivation to win this game as they could be resting players, but then again they would always love to spoil their rival at a chance for home-ice advantage.
So, it's all up to the Blues now as they control their own destiny moving forward to the end of the regular season. Two wins and they will have home-ice advantage for the first round in the playoffs. The Blues will look to take care of business Thursday night against the Flames and Saturday night against Chicago. Let's get playoff hockey underway!
