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It’s been a while since the Blues have played the Coyotes - since February 15th, to be exact. The schedule was never intended to have the two teams play seven games in a row, but serendipity and COVID-19 cooperated to give Blues fans a chance to see a mini-playoff series in the middle of the season.
The series against Arizona has turned into the Blues’ biggest of the season thanks to the Blues’ seven game slide and a three game run. That run was stopped by the Blues’ 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday evening, which was a game that reinforced that the tired concept of “play a full 60” really is true. Two out of three excellent periods won’t necessarily win you a game when you’re playing against the best team in the division, and one of the best in the league.
Not playing a full 60 would be a dangerous concept to flirt with today with Arizona. The Coyotes, who are mired in a five game losing streak, are looking for any opportunity to snap that slump. They’re still just one point behind the Blues for the last playoff spot in the West Division. While the Blues have two games in hand, a win by Arizona and a leapfrogging in points could be a season changing event. The Blues continue to have an atrociously difficult schedule ahead of them. Getting two points to add some padding between themselves and the Coyotes would be welcome insurance.
These two teams have decided five of their seven games by just one goal. A close win or a blowout win won’t matter - what the Blues need is a win, and a win in regulation.
Win or lose, tonight is a notworthy night for the Coyotes, their fans, and the family of a very special little girl:
Leighton Accardo was supposed to have one last hockey game, but she died hours before it could happen.
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) April 16, 2021
Months later, the Arizona Coyotes have found a way to include her in every home game by inducting her into their ring of honor on Saturday. https://t.co/kb5GuhxU15
It’s a tribute that Blues fans can understand in much the same way.
As a reminder, due to a scheduling conflict with the Cardinals, tonight’s game will air on Bally Sports Midwest Plus. Please check your channel listings if you’re one of the fortunate ones not fighting a blackout.