One of the big, bad group that many Canuck fans are leary of come playoff time. Also one of the reasons that young Cody was dealt for younger Zack in an effort to balance our lineup. Coming off a waxing of the Oilers last night so hopefully the first home game following a road trip syndrome is offset by the fact the Blues travelled after last nights game.
Should be a good one.
NHL.COM PREVIEW
EXCERPT: First place is on the line as the Canucks and Blues battle for the top spot in the League as well as first place the Western Conference. The Canucks come in with a one-point lead over the Blues in the standings, 88 points to 87.
Vancouver is looking for a split of the four-game season series. The Blues won the first two contests but the Canucks edged St. Louis 3-2 in overtime in their last meeting on Jan. 12. Alexandre Burrows and Jason Arnott each had a pair of goals in that game.
INJURIES: The Blues are without Alex Steen, Matt D'Agostini, and Kris Russell all with concussion-like symptoms and Jamie Langenbrunner, who's out with broken foot … For Vancouver, Keith Ballard (concussion), Andrew Ebbett (collarbone surgery) and Aaron Volpatti (shoulder surgery) are out indefinitely.
HOT: Andy McDonald has five goals in his last eight games. … Alex Edler leads the Canucks defensive corps in scoring with 41 points on the season (eight goals, 33 assists)
HISTORY: Since entering the NHL, the St. Louis Blues have employed some of the greatest players in history. Such old-time hockey heroes as Dickie Moore, Doug Harvey, Glenn Hall and Jacques Plante helped give the team its start. Later, stars such as Brett Hull, Wayne Gretzky, Dale Hawerchuk and Peter Stastny also would spend time in St. Louis. Legendary architects Lynn Patrick and Emile Francis once ran the Blues, and championship team builders Cliff Fletcher and Jimmy Devellano had stints on the St. Louis hockey staff. Coaches include Stanley Cup champions Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour and Jacques Demers.
The Blues enjoyed some team success, too, reaching the Cup finals in the first three seasons out of the expansion bracket. From 1979-80 through 2003-04, the club reached the playoffs 25 consecutive times yet the team still seeks its first Stanley Cup title after 45 seasons.
