A miserable slump down the stretch could be the Blues’ downfall, as it has caused them to open the postseason with a tough matchup against the defending Cup champion Blackhawks.
The Blue won the season series against Chicago with three wins in five games, but Chicago took the last two matchups. Looking back further the home team has typically had the advantage when the Blues and Hawks clash. St. Louis has won their last three at home versus Chicago, while the Blackhawks are 8-2 in their last 10 home games against the Blues.
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It looked like the Blues had the Central Division wrapped up before they dropped six straight games to end the season. St. Louis also lost captain David Backes and T.J. Oshie to injury. Oshie is expected to be ready for Game 1, but Backes’ status warrants watching.
Chicago has their own injury concerns heading into the playoffs. Patrick Kane has missed nearly a month with a leg injury and even though he’s expected to return, he could take a few games to get back into game shape. Captain Jonathan Toews has also been out for the last two weeks, but he’s also expected to suit up for Game 1.
Chicago may be the defending Cup champs, but the Blues are getting better odds to drink from Lord Stanley’s mug this year. The Blues are listed at 6/1 on the Bodog futures while Chicago checks in at 8/1.