Since we last met the St. Louis Blues…
IN: Not Chris Porter
OUT: Several players are close to returning, so this gets tricky. Alex Steen and Matt D’Agostini (concussions) skated with the team in practice. Andy McDonald (shoulder) and Kris Russell (concussion) are healing up too.
Enemy reading: St. Louis Game Time
Possible lines (last minute changes may occur if players return):
Perron-Backes-Oshie
Schwartz-Berglund-Langenbrunner
Sobotka-Arnott-Stewart
Crombeen-Nichol-Reaves
Colaiacovo-Pietrangelo
Jackman-Shattenkirk
Cole-Huskins
In net: Elliott
Kings lineup: Expected to remain the same.
As well as the Kings have played during their winning streak, they’re still only an eighth place team.
Tonight they face their toughest game yet against the first place Blues. They’re coming off an uncharacteristically sloppy game where they blew a lead and let the Ducks overtake them, so Hitchcock will be cracking the whip. They would like to lock down the top spot and make sure they enter the playoffs in top form.
The Kings’ playoff mode began a while ago. They could be on the outside next week, or holding down third. It’s up to them. Two top rated defensive clubs! Neutral zone wars! The first time facing the Blues with the re-vamped Jeff Carter/Dwight King/Jordan Nolan team! Should be a good one.