I have always had a minor dislike for the St Louis Blues
because they beat the old Jets in 1982, three games to one. The Jets had
finished second in the Norris, coming off one of the worst seasons ever in
1980-81. The Jets were favoured over the sub .500 Blues and promptly dumped in
four games. Looking back at the rosters now, St Louis
had several players aged 21-25 who were just coming into their own and were a
better team. Doesn't matter, I'm still bitter... (although I always loved Mike
Liut, great hockey cards)
follow me on Twitter @bearcats_dean for useless
information about all things hockey and fantasy football.
For the first time since that playoff year, The Jets and
Blues are back in the same division. Tonight will be the first time they meet
as division opponents and the Jets catch a break in that the Blues will be
starting Brian Elliot for the first time this season. Of course, playing the
backup goalie does not mean automatic defeat as Al Montoya is 1-0 with a shut
out so far this season. St Louis is
a heavy, fast team and feature two of the best young D men in the league. They
will be a stern test for the Jets.
It's expected that Evander Kane will play tonight but will
be something less than 100%. Kane denies it is his knee that is the problem,
but wouldn't say what it was exactly. It's beneficial that their best forward
is available to them, but if his speed is compromised he will be someone
limited. On the positive side, at least his line mates have a chance to keep up
with him... According to Darrin Bauming on Twitter (@DarrinBauming), expect Bryan
Little and Jim Slater to play even though both are dinged as well. St
Louis is not a team you want to face at less than
perfect health as they tend to play a heavy game.
No word on who the starting goalie is for Winnipeg
yet but I'll go ahead and assume the Ondrej Pavelec will make the start. The
Jest are off tomorrow and host Nashville
Sunday so there is no back-to-back scenario. I think it would be wise to put in
Montoya again but I've given up trying to figure out what coach Claude Noel is
going to do.
Game is at 7.00 CST and can be found on TSN
Jets. Bernie Federko will probably be working the game tonight for St
Louis . If you happen to see him, sneer at him for me
please.
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