Playoff Preview: Blues vs. Blackhawks | Game 2

There is always talk about the NHL wanting to increase scoring, but there is something about a 0-0 overtime game in the playoffs that is crazy exciting. Despite not scoring at all, Game 1 did not lack excitement. There was back and fourth action all game long, but both Corey Crawford and Brian Elliott stood on their heads. Here’s a look at a number of Elliott’s 35 saves.

After endless chances from high-scoring zones, it was a harmless, bad-angle shot that deflected off of a skate and in to give the Blues a 1-0 series lead.

Heading into game two, the Blues will absolutely be looking to take a 2-0 lead as they head back to Chicago. A lot of people didn’t give Blues a chance to win the series because of their past playoff blunders, but Wednesday was an excellent start.

There is no shortage of skill in this series and there probably won’t be another 1-0 game with game breakers like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on the ice. The Blackhawks get Duncan Keith back after he served his six-game suspension for slashing Charlie Coyle in the face. If the Blackhawks were able to limit the Blues to one goal without Keith, St. Louis may have an even more difficult time tonight.

One of the more impressive Blues’ lines was the Robby Fabbri, Paul Stastny and Troy Brouwer line. They are one of the best third lines in the NHL and should continue to have success against the Blackhawks’ bottom six. Both teams will go with the exact same lineups as they used on Wednesday, however Joel Quenneville said that Richard Panik and Dale Weise will play at some point during the series.

A lot of the storyline will continue to be the goaltending in this series. Elliott and Crawford were excellent at year long and as this series continues that storyline will be one to follow.

Quick Links

• Starting Goalies
• St. Louis Blues Line Combinations
• Chicago Blackhawks Line Combinations

Prediction: Blackhawks Win

Brock’s 2015-16 Prediction Record: 3-4

I picked the Blues to win this series, but the Blackhawks to win game one. With the Blues taking the first one, I expect the Blackhawks to battle back and send this series to Chicago tied at 1-1.

Editor’s Note: Again, I have run out of time to complete a game preview for every game tonight (will likely be the case every night), so here is a quick look at the Ducks vs. Predators. John Gibson vs. Pekka Rinne in goal. Rickard Rakell and David Perron are definitely back, Kevin Bieksa is a game-time decision for the Ducks. 

Prediction: Ducks Win