Both the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks had golden opportunities to extract some playoff revenge on home ice against their arch rivals but they once again fell short.
The Blues lost a 4-2 decision to Chicago as the Blackhawks have now won six out of their last seven games against St. Louis. Montreal a scored a 3-1 win at Boston to extend their domination of the arch rival Bruins to six wins in a row and 14 wins in the last 18 meetings overall.
Sour Note
The Blues set a franchise record for a 13 game unbeaten streak but are now running in fumes after a stretch of seven games in 11 days. The Blues were skunked 7-1 at Columbus on Friday night before the loss to Chicago. Defensive breakdowns are becoming an increased problem as St. Louis slipped to ninth in the NHL for goals against. St. Louis blew an opportunity to take over first place in the Central division and is now four points behind first place Nashville.
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Bruins Slow Down
Boston was playing its best hockey of the season but their lack of speed bit them yet again against Montreal. The Bruins have split their last eight games and their lack of offense is becoming a worry for their post season aspirations. Boston ranks 22nd in the NHL for goal scoring and lacks a finisher that can light the lamp at critical junctures. As defensive as playoff hockey is, a player that can finish an offensive rush is mandatory for a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
Rinne Returns
The Predators were glad to have world class goalkeeper Pekka Rinne back in the lineup from injury as they have taken over the lead for the top record in the NHL. Nashville picked up a statement making 3-2 home win over the New York Rangers on Saturday and gutted out a 3-2 shootout win at Florida on Sunday. The Predators rank fifth for goals scored and third for goals against and have a champion ship look. Rookie center Filip Forsberg continues to impress with a team best 18 goals and 30 assists.
Wild Jump into Race
The Minnesota Wild are looking wise for not firing head coach Mike Yeo and instead acquiring a much needed reliable goaltender in Devan Dubnyk from Arizona. The Wild have won five in a row to climb within five points of the final Western Conference playoff spot. Dubnyk has a save percentage of .948 in a Wild uniform.
Penguins Continue Fall
Pittsburgh has gone from a top contender for the first seed in the Eastern Conference to a team that may finish near the bottom of the playoff seedings. The Penguins have lost six out of their last 10 games and their once prolific offense is becoming more staid. Pittsburgh ranks 12th in the NHL for goal scoring. Of concern is the drop in production and dominance of center Sidney Crosby, who is projected to finish with just 27 goals. Crosby showed a loss of dominance in the playoffs last year that has carried over to the current season. His lack of scoring is looking more like a new harsh reality rather than an aberration. If this is indeed the new Crosby the Penguins are finished as a top shelf contender.
Jets Halt Streak
Winnipeg scored a 5-3 home win over Colorado on Sunday night which stopped a six game losing streak and ended a tumultuous week in which Evander Kane elected to undergo surgery after a long brewing feud with teammates and head coach Paul Maurice. With Minnesota catching fire, the Jets are no sure thing for the post season and the upcoming week will be critical starting with a Tuesday home game against the Wild followed by tough road games at Nashville and Detroit.
Sharks Slide
San Jose suffered an ugly 5-4 home loss to the lowly Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday which was their third loss in four games. San Jose ranks 18th in the NHL for goals against which is not a promising indicator for their playoff aspirations. Defenseman Marc Edouard Vlasic is out with an upper body issue which further adds to their defensive woes.
