BLUES The St. Louis Blues finished their season-long homestand with a 3-4-0 record, falling to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.
The game played out in similar fashion to Saturday’s matchup with Chicago, where the Blues were unable to overcome an early deficit despite strong play in the final two periods.
“You can’t (always come from behind) in this League, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing against,” said Torey Krug, returning to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 23 following a lower-body injury. “We showed some fight, and at times we’re capable of (erasing deficits), but when points are at a premium we just can’t put ourselves in that position.”
Krug had an encouraging return to play, adding two assists to give him a personal five-game point streak (including games before the injury). With Krug and Vladimir Tarasenko both back in the lineup, the Blues hope to have a strong road trip before the All-Star break next week.
The Blues begin their three-game Central Division slate against the rebuilding Arizona Coyotes before traveling to Colorado and Winnipeg.
They’ll face the Coyotes with a record of 23-22-3, worth 49 points and sixth place in the division.
COYOTES The Arizona Coyotes are in the midst of a rebuild, reflected in their struggling record so far this season. A shootout win over the Red Wings on Jan. 17 ended a nine-game losing streak, though they were held scoreless in the two games immediately following.
The Coyotes hope that an impressive win over the Pacific-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday will provide some momentum as they near the All-Star break. Clayton Keller – selected as the team’s All-Star for the second consecutive year – recorded his second career hat trick to lead the way as the Coyotes won 4-1 at their new home arena.
Arizona is coming off a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks despite putting up a season-high 39 shots on goal.
Looking for contributions from their younger players, Arizona rookie Matias Maccelli had a promising season until suffering a lower-body injury in late December. Maccelli’s 22 points in 30 games ranked No. 2 among NHL rookies prior to his injury. He was set to be out at least six weeks at the time.
The Coyotes host the Blues at Mullett Arena with a record of 15-28-5, worth 35 points and seventh place in the Central Division.
HEAD-TO-HEAD The Blues went 3-1-0 against Arizona last season with a 19-12 goal differential. Thursday night will mark the first time ever that the Blues play at Mullett Arena.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BLUES Torey Krug, whose two assists vs. Buffalo brought his total to seven points over his last five games played (dating back to Dec. 16). Krug has 12 points in 22 career games against Arizona, and his plus-12 rating shares his highest against any opponent.
COYOTES Shayne Gotisbehere, who leads Coyotes defensemen with 29 points this season. Gotisbehere has eight points in 10 career games against the Blues and is currently in his second season in Arizona.
BLUE NOTES
With his next win in goal, Jordan Binnington will take sole possession of No. 4 in franchise history in wins. He is currently tied with Grant Fuhr at 108… Craig Berube will take sole possession of No. 3 for the most games coached in franchise history on Thursday, passing Brian Sutter… Ivan Barbashev is expected to dress in his 400th career NHL game in Arizona… Seven of the Blues’ nine games in February will be on home ice.
