Ducks at Blues
THE STORY: The Anaheim Ducks continue their quest for a playoff spot against the top team in the Western Conference as they take on the St. Louis Blues in the opener of their three-game road trip on Thursday. Anaheim, which has lost four straight visits to St. Louis, is six points out of eighth place in the West. The Ducks have dropped three of their last five contests following an 8-1-3 run. The Blues, who are tied with the New York Rangers in the race for the Presidents' Trophy with 91 points, have won six of their last seven matches and have earned at least one point in 22 of 23 at home (19-1-3).
TV: 8 p.m. ET, KDOC (Anaheim), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (29-28-10): Anaheim has not fared well on the road of late. It has lost two straight away from home following a 5-1-2 road trip and has dropped 20 of 29 as the visitor. Part of the problem has been the team's offense, which has scored two goals or less in each of its last eight road games. Teemu Selanne needs one point to take sole possession of both 19th place on the all-time list and first among Finnish-born players. He sits tied in both categories with Hall of Famer Jari Kurri at 1,398 points apiece. Jonas Hiller has started a franchise-record 26 consecutive games and leads all NHL goalies with 61 games played.
ABOUT THE BLUES (42-18-7): The only way to beat the Western Conference leaders is to clamp down defensively. The Blues are 34-0-0 when scoring three or more goals. St. Louis has been stellar on the penalty kill lately, successfully thwarting 32 consecutive chances. Andy McDonald has been an offensive force since returning from a concussion, scoring eight goals in 13 games and five in his last four contests. Jaroslav Halak is in the midst of career high-tying six-game winning streak. He also has won nine straight at home and is 12-0-1 at Scottrade Center since a regulation loss to Los Angeles on Nov. 22.
OVERTIME:
1. The clubs split their first two meetings, with each posting a 4-2 home victory.
2. The home team has won each of the last seven matchups.
3. St. Louis has captured nine straight games against Pacific Division opponents, while Anaheim has lost 12 of 15 vs. the Central.