Blues Face Predators in Crucial Central Division Matchup

Blues and Predators Clash: A Sunday Showdown at Enterprise Center

Get ready for some high-octane hockey action as the St. Louis Blues prepare to face off against the Nashville Predators this Sunday, March 23, at 5 p.m. CT. The Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO, will be buzzing with anticipation as these two Central Division rivals collide in what promises to be a thrilling contest. For those who can’t make it to the arena, you can catch all the action on the FanDuel Sports Network or tune in to 101 ESPN and the Blues App for live coverage. Tickets are still available online at ticketmaster.com, so grab yours now and be part of the excitement!

The Blues are riding high on a five-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and determination on the ice. Their recent 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center was a testament to their strong team play and unwavering spirit. The fourth line, in particular, has been a revelation, with Alexey Toropchenko and Nathan Walker contributing crucial goals. Toropchenko and Walker each had two points on the night (one goal, one assist), while Radek Faksa had an assist and +2 rating. Coach Jim Montgomery praised their leadership and commitment to good habits, emphasizing their role in setting the tone for the team. The team are now 11-2-2 since the 4 Nations break.

But the road ahead remains challenging, as Calgary (77 points), Vancouver (76 points), and Utah (75 points) are all nipping at their heels with games in hand. With such a tight race for playoff spots, every game is a must-win situation. St. Louis will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage as they host Nashville on Sunday and the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday to wrap up their four-game homestand. The Blues need to continue their solid play and maintain their focus if they want to secure their position in the standings.

Predators Seek to Build on Victory

The Nashville Predators, on the other hand, are coming off a morale-boosting 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, snapping a four-game losing streak. After falling behind by two goals in the first period, the Predators rallied with five unanswered goals to complete an impressive comeback victory. Filip Forsberg and Luke Evangelista led the charge with three-point nights, showcasing their offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. The Predators will be eager to carry this momentum into their game against the Blues and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Central Division. But can they keep up with a strong blues team?

Juuse Saros started in goal on Saturday for Nashville, which means the Blues are likely to face backup Justus Annunen in Sunday’s game. Annunen will be eager to prove himself and give his team a chance to win, so the Blues will need to be sharp and focused on offense to break through his defense. The Blues and Predators are in the midst of a three-game series over 10 days, creating an intense rivalry between the two clubs. St. Louis has won the first two games of the season series, but Nashville will be determined to turn the tide and even the score.

Currently, the Predators are in seventh place in the Central Division with 60 points. They will be looking to climb up the standings and make a push for a playoff spot in the remaining games of the season. Every game is crucial for them, and they will be giving it their all to secure a win against the Blues.

Players to Watch: Toropchenko and Evangelista

Keep an eye on Alexey Toropchenko of the Blues, who is enjoying a productive stretch with seven points in his last eight games. His goal against the Blackhawks was a game-winner, demonstrating his ability to come through in clutch moments. Toropchenko has become an important part of the Blues’ lineup, contributing both offensively and defensively.

For the Predators, Luke Evangelista is a player to watch after his three-point performance against Toronto. The young forward has been making a name for himself with his speed, skill, and offensive instincts. Evangelista will be looking to build on his recent success and continue to contribute to the Predators’ offense.

Blues Notes: Dvorsky’s Debut and Key Player Updates

The Blues have recalled Dalibor Dvorsky from the Springfield Thunderbirds, potentially setting the stage for his NHL debut on Sunday. Dvorsky, a highly touted prospect, will be eager to make a strong impression and showcase his skills at the highest level. His addition to the lineup could provide a spark for the Blues and inject some fresh energy into the team.

Pavel Buchnevich is currently listed as day-to-day with an illness, leaving his status for Sunday’s game uncertain. His absence would be a significant loss for the Blues, as he is a key offensive contributor. However, the team has shown resilience in the face of adversity and will be ready to step up and fill the void if necessary. Zack Bolduc has been on a hot streak, scoring goals in his last two games and is currently third among all League rookies in goals and eighth in points. Dylan Holloway has extended his point streak to six games, while Jordan Kyrou has a five-game point streak of his own, further highlighting the Blues’ offensive depth.

A Pivotal Game in the Playoff Race

This Sunday’s game between the Blues and Predators is more than just another regular-season matchup; it’s a critical contest with significant implications for the playoff race in the Central Division. Both teams are battling for position, and a win could provide a crucial boost in their quest for a playoff berth. The Blues will be looking to defend their home ice and continue their winning streak, while the Predators will be determined to avenge their previous losses to St. Louis and prove that they are still a contender. Expect a physical and intense game as these two rivals leave it all on the ice. It’s a game you won’t want to miss!