Blues at Flyers
After closing out a perfect three-game homestand, the St. Louis Blues look to solve their recent problems on the road as they open a two-game trek against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday afternoon. The Blues posted one-goal wins over Carolina, New Jersey and Vegas to improve to 15-8-0 at Scottrade Center, but are just 1-4-0 in their last five away from the Show Me State.
Brayden Schenn notched an assist in St. Louis' 2-1 triumph over the Golden Knights on Thursday, giving him just five points (one goal, four assists) in his last 12 contests after erupting for seven (six goals, one assist) during a four-game point streak. The former Flyer and his current mates were held off the scoresheet in the first encounter versus Philadelphia, as Michal Neuvirth turned aside all 33 shots he faced in a 2-0 win on Nov. 2. Former Blue Brian Elliott is expected to make his 16th consecutive start, however, as the veteran netminder has kept the Flyers afloat throughout the season. "He can win a game on a night when you are far less than at your best," coach Dave Hakstol said of the 32-year-old. "And those nights happen on the schedule. But also, on a regular basis, he is able to give the guys confidence that when there is a mistake or a breakdown, he is going to be there and shut that play down."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCSN Philadelphia
ABOUT THE BLUES (26-15-2): Schenn (team-leading 25 assists, 42 points) admitted to being a bit anxious in returning to his previous NHL home on Saturday, although the early start could settle his nerves. "It's always weird playing your former teammates," the 26-year-old said on Friday, "but I'm glad it's a 1 o'clock game. You get up, you get ready, and you go play." Schenn's 17 goals are tied for a club-best with linemate Vladimir Tarasenko, who has yet to find the back of the net in seven career meetings with Philadelphia.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (17-15-8): Captain Claude Giroux and fellow forward Jakub Voracek each notched a pair of assists in Thursday's 6-4 win over the New York Islanders, giving the former 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in his last 13 games while the latter has 18 (one goal, 17 assists) in his past 14. Giroux sealed the win in the first encounter versus St. Louis with an empty-net goal, but Voracek has better career statistics against the Blues with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) and a plus-5 rating. Sean Couturier, who has just two points - both assists - in 10 career meetings with St. Louis, has four goals and as many assists in his past seven games overall.
OVERTIME
1. St. Louis G Carter Hutton, who has yielded five goals in his last three-plus-games, owns a sparkling .947 save percentage this season.
2. The Flyers have emerged with the lead after one period on just one occasion in their last 20 games.
3. The Blues are 0-for-17 on the power play in their last seven contests.