Blues-Fest at the United Center- St Louis Visits Chicago

Mar 14, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks starting lineup stands for the national anthem before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Game #36– St Louis Blues (18-14-2) at Chicago Blackhawks (27-5-3)

Game Time-7:30 Central

TV-CSN-Chicago

Radio-WGN

Season Series– Hawks lead 2-0 with the Hawks winning both in Chicago and St Louis

Preview-The Blues made some moves at the trade deadline to bolster their defense and the Blackhawks will get to see them put out their new toys with Jay Bouwmeester joining Jordan Leopold who already has one game under his Blues belt. Brian Elliott will be in goal for the injured Jaroslav Halak who left the ice in the 4-1 victory Monday night over the Minnesota Wild.  It will be hard to tell what kind of chemistry the new look Blues will have tonight. The Blues had lost 3 straight and were on the outside looking in at the playoff race before Monday’s win.  The Blues are in a huge pack fighting for the last few playoff spots which really makes the Hawks season starting streak a lot nicer this time of year.

Brandon Saad not only is showing he belongs with the top line for the Hawks, but he’s been doing it all including racking up the points in March.  The Hawks lineup gets Marian Hossa back which will be a huge lift against a chippy team like the Blues.  Corey Crawford will get the start at the United Center and will need to play big after a couple really iffy at best goals were allowed Monday night against Nashville.  No big trades for the Hawks so it will be back to business at the United Center.

Prediction– Too many moving parts for the Blues so the Hawks pull it out 5-3.

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