Something To Believe In
Blues win third in a row against Columbus
By: Tom Boeckelmann 11/28/11
_ Jump on the band-wagon boys and girls because our St. Louis Blues are one of the top teams in the NHL right now. Okay... Okay.... the Blues just barely squeaked out a few wins in their last ten games with Ken Hitchcock going 7-1-2, and yes, the Blues took their fourth "too many men on the ice" penalty of the season this Sunday marking their third such penalty in the last six games, and sure, the Blues went 0 for 22 on the power play before netting a power play goal last night against Columbus but hey.... the numbers don't lie. The Blues have taken 16 out of a possible 20 points in their last ten games and are in third place in the Central Division with 28 points, only one point behind Detroit, and three behind the first place Blackhawks. In the Western Conference the Blues are sitting in fifth place with Phoenix, Vancouver, and Dallas on their heels touting 27 points in the sixth, seventh, and eighth seed slots. Overall the Blues are tied for fifth in the NHL with the Florida Panthers in total points. Thanks to the amazing play from both goaltenders Elliott and Halak the Blues have only let up 49 goals this season which is ranked fourth in the league. The Blues Home record stands fifth in the league at 8-2-1 and the Bluenotes are ranked fourth in the league in their last ten games (7-2-1) under Hitchcock.
There are problems still lingering however. The previously mentioned power play is dismal at a 9.2% conversion rate (30th in the NHL). The Carolina Hurricanes are second from last with their power play at a whopping 12%. The Blues penalty kill could use some more success since it is ranked 19th in the league at 80.7%. I should mention that since Hitchcock took over the Blues penalty kill it has improved from the 28th overall spot. There are still times when watching the Blues that they seem to fall into a lull and let the opposing teams dictate the play. There are still times the Blues give up two-on-ones and cough up breakaways. Sometimes our guys are just trying to make the perfect play and make impossible passes forcing turnovers and odd man rushes. this being said I think its safe to say that with Hitchcock on the bench and some very much needed confidence this team will continue pushing on and winning. The Blues have finally given their fans something to believe in.
There are problems still lingering however. The previously mentioned power play is dismal at a 9.2% conversion rate (30th in the NHL). The Carolina Hurricanes are second from last with their power play at a whopping 12%. The Blues penalty kill could use some more success since it is ranked 19th in the league at 80.7%. I should mention that since Hitchcock took over the Blues penalty kill it has improved from the 28th overall spot. There are still times when watching the Blues that they seem to fall into a lull and let the opposing teams dictate the play. There are still times the Blues give up two-on-ones and cough up breakaways. Sometimes our guys are just trying to make the perfect play and make impossible passes forcing turnovers and odd man rushes. this being said I think its safe to say that with Hitchcock on the bench and some very much needed confidence this team will continue pushing on and winning. The Blues have finally given their fans something to believe in.
Tuesday night the Blues take on the Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals have a record of 12-9-1 but have been 3-6-1 in their last ten games. Ovechkin has tallied 8 goals and 9 assists for 17 points in 22 games. Nicklas Backstrom has really been the story of Washingtons success this year. He leads the team in assists with 18 and has recorded 7 goals for 25 points this year. The Caps number one goaltender Tomas Vokoun will most likely get the nod in net against the Blues. Vokoun holds a mediocre 2.82 GAA and a 10-5-0 record.
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Former Washington Capital Dale Hunter will be coaching his first game as head coach Tuesday night. Will the Caps "flip the script" on the Blues? Ovechkin and crew will no doubt be trying to step up their game for their new boss. Ken Hitchcock has already made it clear that Halak will get the start in goal for the Blues. Halak is currently sporting a 2.57 GAA and a 3-7-2 record. He has been playing well as of lately but just hasn't got the support he deserved. Win or lose it's going to be a great night for hockey and the action starts at 6:00pm CST. If you miss this one you are insane.
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