Blues at Blackhawks
THE STORY:
The Blues have vaulted into the top spot in the NHL, fueled by a
six-game winning streak. St. Louis has won nine of its last 10 games,
including a 5-1 beating of Chicago on March 6. The Blackhawks have split
their four meetings with the Blues this season and may have their top
player, Jonathan Toews, back for the fifth encounter Tuesday in Chicago.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (Blues), CS Chicago (Blackhawks)
ABOUT THE BLUES (45-18-7):
Jaroslav Halak is rounding into playoff form during the Blues’ red-hot
run. He has won eight straight starts and boasts a slim 1.45 goals
against average and a .945 save percentage in that span. Halak made 34
saves in a 2-1 victory over Columbus on Sunday, marking the 10th
straight outing in which he’s allowed two or fewer goals. Halak stoned
the Blackhawks on 20 of 21 shots in their last meeting and is 2-0 with a
0.50 GAA and .980 save percentage versus Chicago this season.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (37-25-8):
Chicago is crossing its fingers that Toews is ready to return against
the Blues. He has missed 10 straight games while recovering from a
concussion but has skated with the team and told reporters he’s aiming
to return Tuesday. Chicago has missed its playmaking captain, going
5-4-1 without Toews in the lineup. Fellow stars Patrick Kane, Patrick
Sharp and Marian Hossa have picked up their play with Toews on the
shelf. In that 10-game span, Hossa has nine points, Sharp seven and Kane
seven.
OVERTIME:
1. The home team has won 10 of the past 12 meetings.
2. Chicago goaltender Ray Emery is undefeated in regulation at home, going 10-0-2 with a 1.70 GAA and a .934 save percentage.
3.
Halak and fellow netminder Brian Elliot give the Blues two 20-game
winners – something a professional St. Louis sports franchise hasn’t had
since the 1985 Cardinals boasted pitchers Joaquin Andujar (21-12) and
John Tudor (21-8).