NHL Division Outlook: Central
St. Louis Blues
Feb 8, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) takes a shot against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Hitchcock had the Blues going as the hottest team in the Western Conference prior to the Olympic break.
Hitchcock, who was part of Team Canada’s coaching staff in Sochi, returns as a gold medalist, along with Blues defencemen Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester. Meanwhile, captain David Backes led all Blues in Sochi scoring with four points in six games, and he also had a stretch where he had at least a point in six of seven games just before the break.
The Blues have the best chance at catching the Anaheim Ducks for the top seed in the Western Conference, as they have three games in hand. However, they don’t have a real easy schedule, as 16 of their final 25 games come against current playoff teams, including two games with Chicago that could determine the Central Division champion.
Western Conference Standing: 2nd
Division: 1st
Record in Last 10 Games: 7-2-1
Top Scorers
- Alexander Steen (46 GP, 28-18-46)
- T.J. Oshie (57 GP, 14-32-46)
- David Backes (52 GP, 20-22-42)
- Jaden Schwartz (55 GP, 19-23-42)
Top Goaltender: Jaroslav Halak (39 GP, 24-8-4, 2.26 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO)