Getty Images If the Chicago Blackhawks are ever going to lose a game in regulation, Thursday night in St. Louis is as likely a night as any.
While Chicago extended its points streak to 19 game with a 3-2 overtime victory over Edmonton on Monday, the Blues haven’t played since Saturday when they beat Columbus, 2-1. In the meantime, St. Louis has been practicing. Hard.
The Blues also have a healthy starting goalie in Jaroslav Halak. The 27-year-old has been very good since returning from a groin injury, surrendering just two goals on 40 shots (.950 save percentage) in two games.
“It would be great [to beat the Blackhawks],” Blues defenseman Ian Cole said Tuesday. “First and foremost, we have to get two points any way we can. Would we rather go out, dominate them and impose our will on them and show we can be a really elite team like they are? Absolutely.
“But they’re obviously a good team. They’re not going to let us step on the ice and beat the (heck) out of them. It’ll be a little harder than that.”
St. Louis is a disappointing 4-4-1 at the Scottrade Center this season. In 2011-12, the Blues’ home record was a dominant 30-6-5 (only Detroit won more games at home), and that’s something they’d like to get back to.
“I think just getting the feeling of winning again is going to do wonders for us at home now,” coach Ken Hitchcock said of his team, which is 4-1-1 in its last six games.
The Blues do, however, have injury concerns after forwards Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen were hurt during Tuesday’s practice. It’s not clear yet how serious those injuries are.
If it’s not St. Louis that gives Chicago its first regulation loss of the season, the Blackhawks host Columbus Friday and are in Detroit Sunday afternoon (on NBC).
-
Getty Images
They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
-
It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
-
AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
May 22, 2013, 11:40 PM EDT
Getty Images
Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
-
Video: Sens coach won’t take questions, refers press to game sheet
May 22, 2013, 10:59 PM EDT
John Tortorella would be proud.
-
Getty Images
The Penguins “have too much depth.”
-
Getty Images
Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
-
Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
-
Getty Images
He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
-
AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
-
AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
-
His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
-
Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
Getty Images
Click to read two good reasons.
-
AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
