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The injuries are taking their toll on the team, and the effect is already being seen in the standings. Once first in the Central, our Blues are now in 2nd place, behind Detoilet, and 4th overall in the Western Conference. While we can't expect the Blues to be at the top of the standings the entire year, they need to play as if they can. These games represent the points that they'll look back on at the end of the season, when the playoff races are down to the last few games. On the bright side, goals may be starting to come around now. Not only did Brad Boyes finally pot a goal, but David Backes has himself a 2-game goal scoring streak. The potential return of Carlo Colaiacovo will help the cause, too. As we head up to the Mile High city, we're also within reach of higher ground in the standings.
Higher Ground / Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Enemy: The Colorado Avalanche has been hit hard by the injury bug as well, particularly in the defensive corps. They just got captain Adam Foote back from a concussion. The opening-day starting goaltender, Craig Anderson, is out indefinitely with a knee injury. All of this has added up to an overall 8-7-1 record, 2-2-1 in their last 5. Backup-now-starter Peter Budaj has proven a capable fill in, going 5-3-1 (and 2.67 / .910) as a starter. We'll probably see him tonight. Also, the Blues will want to keep an eye or 2 or 12 on Chris Stewart, who leads the team in points. In 7 career games against St Louis, he has 8 goals and 5 assists.Ugh.
Further Reading:
Puck Daddy's Colorado Avalanche Season Preview
Blues vs Avalanche coverage
The puck drops at 7PM St Louis time. Tonight's game will be on Versus, our first game on their channel. There, another motivating factor for a good showing tonight. If the announcers drive you nuts, there's the reliable KMOX team of Kerber and Chase. The GDT will drop shortly before the puck does. Until then, gather here, predict who scores first tonight, and enjoy some anti-puck bunny music.
"Puck The Bunnies" An Original Song (via live2tivo)
LGB!
-CrossCheckRaise