The St. Louis Blues were scheduled to start the second half of the NHL season on Tuesday night before a huge winter storm blew into the St. Louis area and postponed Tuesday's contest against the Colorado Avalanche.
The storm itself in downtown St. Louis really wasn't that bad. Forecasters were predicting it to be a trainwreck.
Since the calendar rolled to 2011, "trainwreck" is a perfect word to summarize the Blues play. In 12 games since the beginning of the year, the Blues are 2-8-2, with both victories coming over the Los Angeles Kings.
Dreadful.
Generally the first game after the all-star break is not a must win in most sports, but for the Blues this year its different. They must get back on track. Here is why:
1. Andy McDonald is Back!
If getting Andy McDonald back in the line-up doesn't make a difference, than nothing will.
McDonald is one of the team's three top forwards that have missed significant time this year and likely possesses the best play-making ability on the roster.
McDonald should be able to provide a jump-start to an offense that ranks 23rd in the league in scoring at 2.6 goals per game.
If anything else, besides making the Blues better on the ice, it should revive a locker room that has been grinding out the past two months with little to show for it.
McDonald's return is a positive sign. The Blues should come out flying versus Edmonton.
2. The Blues are well-rested
The cancellation of the game on Tuesday gave the Blues an extended All-Star break. The team should be well-rested.
All the more important to take advantage of this game on Friday and get a win. Even more pressing considering the impossible schedule coming up. Starting on February 18th, the Blues play 7 games in 10 days, including a brutal trip to Western Canada.
Wins may be hard to come by during that stretch so getting two points on Friday with fresh legs is vital.
3. Leapfrog is difficult.
The Blues are currently sitting in a 13th place tie in the Western Conference standings with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Keep in mind there are 15 teams in the Western Conference.
While St. Louis is just 7 points behind Colorado, who is in the 8th and final playoff spot, there are 4 teams that the Blues will need to hurdle if the team expects to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The earlier the Blues get started on making up ground, the better.
4. Edmonton Stinks!
Finally, let's just be honest. The Edmonton Oilers stink.
The Oilers have been settled in last place in the Western Conference for the entire season and with just 38 points on the season, are the worst team in the entire NHL.
If you can't win at home against the worst team in the NHL, playoffs shouldn't even be in the conversation.
Winning on Friday is vital for the Blues playoff hopes.
Lets see if the Blues can come through on Friday night at the Scottrade Center.
The storm itself in downtown St. Louis really wasn't that bad. Forecasters were predicting it to be a trainwreck.
Since the calendar rolled to 2011, "trainwreck" is a perfect word to summarize the Blues play. In 12 games since the beginning of the year, the Blues are 2-8-2, with both victories coming over the Los Angeles Kings.
Dreadful.
Generally the first game after the all-star break is not a must win in most sports, but for the Blues this year its different. They must get back on track. Here is why:
1. Andy McDonald is Back!
If getting Andy McDonald back in the line-up doesn't make a difference, than nothing will.
McDonald is one of the team's three top forwards that have missed significant time this year and likely possesses the best play-making ability on the roster.
McDonald should be able to provide a jump-start to an offense that ranks 23rd in the league in scoring at 2.6 goals per game.
If anything else, besides making the Blues better on the ice, it should revive a locker room that has been grinding out the past two months with little to show for it.
McDonald's return is a positive sign. The Blues should come out flying versus Edmonton.
2. The Blues are well-rested
The cancellation of the game on Tuesday gave the Blues an extended All-Star break. The team should be well-rested.
All the more important to take advantage of this game on Friday and get a win. Even more pressing considering the impossible schedule coming up. Starting on February 18th, the Blues play 7 games in 10 days, including a brutal trip to Western Canada.
Wins may be hard to come by during that stretch so getting two points on Friday with fresh legs is vital.
3. Leapfrog is difficult.
The Blues are currently sitting in a 13th place tie in the Western Conference standings with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Keep in mind there are 15 teams in the Western Conference.
While St. Louis is just 7 points behind Colorado, who is in the 8th and final playoff spot, there are 4 teams that the Blues will need to hurdle if the team expects to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The earlier the Blues get started on making up ground, the better.
4. Edmonton Stinks!
Finally, let's just be honest. The Edmonton Oilers stink.
The Oilers have been settled in last place in the Western Conference for the entire season and with just 38 points on the season, are the worst team in the entire NHL.
If you can't win at home against the worst team in the NHL, playoffs shouldn't even be in the conversation.
Winning on Friday is vital for the Blues playoff hopes.
Lets see if the Blues can come through on Friday night at the Scottrade Center.
I think every game the Blues play from hear on out is a must win...you said it yourself....they have leapfrog a bunch of other teams to get into the 8th playoff spot.
ReplyDeleteWe shall see.
SB
Playing 7 games in 10 days is basically an impossible stretch, especially with having to trave to Western Canada. Hopefully they aren't completely out of it by the end of the month. Lets get it started tomorrow night!
ReplyDelete