Blues Finally Face Chicago

The Blues finally face an old foe in the Chicago Blackhawks in their 32nd game of the season. How on earth is the season well over a third of the way in the books and we are just now seeing the Blackhawks? I know the schedule makers have a tough task, but that’s just bad planning. The history behind the Blues/Hawks rivalry is a long & storied one and it is just a shame to see the first meeting occur this deep into the season. Cristobal Huet is set to be between the pipes for Chicago in what should be a huge test for the Blues on the road.

Here’s to hoping the Blues continue their hot streak on the road. The Blues are 8-2-3 this season away from the Scottrade and have clearly carried more energy and swagger on foreign ice.

Keys to winning:

• Carry the tempo over from the win over Calgary. You just came off a big win against a big crowd on a night honoring the great Brett Hull. Use it to your advantage.
  
• Shut down the big names. This might seem obvious, but time and time again teams let the opponent’s stars take it to them. Make the guy on the 3rd or 4th line beat you.
  
• Play an offensively minded game, even with a lead. If the Blues jump out to a lead and then attempt to protect it they will lose this contest. The Blackhawks have too many talented offensively gifted players that can jump on a team that is standing back.
• Bring the game to them before they bring it to us. Get that extra step, extra hit and extra shot in early and don’t let up.

Sounds simple enough right? These are the basics the Blues should be following in each game all year, but not getting hemmed in and avoiding the shutdown style of play is critical against a team like the Blackhawks.

I’m not making  a prediction for this one, but I hope to see the Blues continue to thrive on the road and use the big win at home on Brett Hull night as a catalyst to a winning streak.

Other big news around the Blues is coming in from JR over at the Post saying that the Blues are already talking about a new contract with Erik Johnson. Now that’s some awesome news.