The Carolina Hurricanes are bound to be a very frustrated team when they take the ice in St. Louis tonight. The group just came back from a 3-0 deficit with a furious third period, only for the game to be decided on a missed call. Nevertheless, the group settled for one point, getting them to 60 for the season, in a 4-3 overtime loss to Detroit.
The Hurricanes' special teams led the comeback effort. All three goals during the final 20 minutes of regulation came while one of the teams was on the power play. The Canes broke the shutout at 5-on-4, pulled within a goal while 4-on-5, and tied it on a 5-on-3. Jackson Blake, Seth Jarvis, and Shayne Gostisbehere were the responsible goal scorers, while Sebastian Aho had two helpers.
On the Other Side: St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues nearly did the unthinkable in upsetting the Winnipeg Jets in the 1st Round in April, coming 2.2 seconds away from winning in Game 7 before ultimately falling in double overtime. The Blues opted to keep things relatively calm this offseason, refusing to make too big a splash, seeing as their current roster nearly knocked off the President's Trophy winners.
However, things haven't been good for the Blues this season. If not for the Jets' complete collapse, they would likely be in the cellar. Instead, they're seventh in the Central Division and third from the bottom of the league. They've yet to win more than two games in a row, and they enter tonight's game with losses in three straight.
Their counting stats aren't good either. The Blues average the fewest goals per game on offense and have conceded the third most on defense. Their power play is 25th, while their penalty kill is 28th. Their save percentage is .877, tied for 30th. There are only so many ways you can say that the Blues are not having a very good time right now.
Last season: The home team defended home ice in both meetings a season ago. The Blues handed the Canes their only loss during their State Fair road trip in October, avoiding a collapse in a 4-3 win. The Canes got them back a month later in Raleigh. Martin Necas recorded four points, and Eric Robinson added three in a 4-1 victory at the Lenovo Center.
Blues to Watch
Robert Thomas: With the Blues at the bottom of the league, it means they are likely to be open for business to sell. One of the more intriguing names is their leading scorer. Thomas is tied for the team lead in goals (11) and is the only player with more than 30 points (33). He is locked in through 2031 with a full No-Trade Clause. His status for tonight is uncertain, but keep an eye on him if he plays.
Brayden Schenn: While Thomas is more valuable, Schenn feels like one of the most likely players on the roster to be traded. His remaining contract (3 years at $6.5 million) might make teams a little weary, especially at 34 years old, but his experience and 15-team No Trade list make him a little easier to move. He'll need to boost his numbers a little, sitting with nine goals and 18 points.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jesperi Kotkaniemi: There were parts of his game that I really liked last night in Detroit. Kotkaniemi was only credited with one shot, and he didn't get a ton of ice time in the third period with all of the penalties. The fourth line needs to put together a good game in St. Louis, especially after last night's upsetting finish.
Brandon Bussi: This is one of those occasions when you already know who the starting goalie is going to be, barring something catastrophic between now and the start of tonight's game. Bussi is backing the team in the second half of a back-to-back, which won't be easy. They should be an angry team, but they'll also be a little tired. Bussi will need to be sharp.