NHL: Blues @ Bruins Preview
The Boston Bruins currently sit atop the NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. They are third overall in the Eastern Conference and are 7-2-1 on their last ten games. In other words, this is a very good hockey team. One would think that a first place team would not need to worry about a team that is third in their division.
Normally, 14 wins and three losses out of 20 games would find a team in first place. Unfortunately, the St. Louis Blues share the Eastern Conference Central division with the Chicago Blackhawks (14-4) and the Minnesota Wild (14-5). The Blues are in the race but find themselves in third despite their wonderful record. Â Like, the Bruins they are 7-2-1 on their last ten. This third place team is going to give a division leader a run for its money
This will be the first of two meetings between these two teams. Their last match up was in February of last year with the Bruins coming out on top.
Jaroslav Halak will be at the goal for the Blues. Halak has been a bit inconsistent in his last two games. On Sunday against the Washington Capitals he gave up three goals in six shots and was pulled before the first period ended. He then bounced back helping his team win 4-1 against the Buffalo Sabres after stopping 23 shots. They will need the latter Halak to show up for this game.
It is also worth noting that defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is on a five-game point streak in which he also has five assists. Not to be out done, Boston’s Shawn Thronton has two goals in his last three games and will be looking for the net all game tonight.
The Bruins will begin a three-game homestand in this game. Boston finds themselves at the head of the pack in their division after beating the New York Rangers on Tuesday. However, they are only ahead by two points. A loss here could send them back to second place.
The odds are close in this one with the Bruins having the odds slightly in their favor. The moneyline to be on the Blues is set at -105 while the Bruins line is at -125. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET.
All odds courtesy of Bovada.
