St. Louis Blues take on Vancouver

(Photo by: Anne-Marie Sorvin – USA TODAY Sports)

The St. Louis Blues head to Vancouver to face off against the Canucks in their first game back following the Olympic break. Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Pietrangelo return to the Blues with Olympic gold.

The Blues look to stay atop the Central Division with 84 points, and distance themselves from the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Canucks are looking to get another win against the Blues. Vancouver has beaten the Blues in their last two meetings this season. The Blues hosted the Canucks on October 25th, 2013, and took the Canucks to overtime but lost 3 to 2. On January 10th, 2014, the Canucks hosted the Blues and defeated them on home ice 2 to 1. This will be the final game of the Blues-Canucks series this season and the Blues are looking to avoid the sweep.

Vladimir Sobotka #17 is still on injured reserve for the Blues, while the Canucks have four players out with injuries, Chris Tanev #8, Kevin Bieksa #3, Andrew Alberts #41, and Mike Santorelli #25.

The Blues have been scoring from all over the ice, with both forwards and defense contributing to their goal total. Being able to rely on multiple players for points is crucial when building a winning team and heading into the playoffs. It also helps having two very strong goaltenders who can create momentum for their team. Jaroslav Halak is coming back form the Olympics and has a save percentage of .915. Brian Elliot’s save percentage is .916 and he proved last season that he can step up when the Blues need him too.

The Blues take on the Canucks at 9:30ET in Vancouver, Canada at Rogers Arena.