Senators at Blues preview: Hutton starts again

By winning back to back games against the Sharks and Ducks, two of the Pacific Division’s best teams, the Blues accomplished something that they haven’t since January. They improved their road record to 7-11-1 on a road trip where wins were considered a pleasant surprise.

And, as an added perk, they brought back a goalie controversy! The Blues haven’t had one of those for at least six months.

Carter Hutton is starting tonight for the third game in a row, after coming into Thursday night’s loss to the Kings in relief of Jake Allen. Hutton pitched a shutout Saturday night against the Sharks and allowed one goal against the Ducks.

So, pretty much, he’s the starter now - right?

Of course not, but if he’s going to play like that, you ride the hot hand. It’s about time one of the two goalies found a streak he could ride.

The Senators traditionally have given the Blues fits in the past - they have the fewest wins against them when compared to any other team in the league. It may help that the Sens have so many guys out, though no one wants to see anyone injured and certainly no one wants to see someone be in Craig Anderson’s position. Best wishes to him and his wife as she battles throat cancer.

The Sens have two wins in their last seven games and are fighting for a playoff spot. The Battle of Ontario between them and the Maple Leafs means something this year, though the Senators aren’t the fun, rookie laden team that Toronto is.

The Blues are rolling with the same lines that won them two out of three in California. Tonight is Patrik Berglund’s 600th game as a Blue - he’s 11th all-time. Let’s hope that he celebrates with another goal.