Game one did not go the way that the Blues intended. After failing to capitalize on a strong first period, the team shut down for the second and third, not playing with effort necessary to get a puck past Jonathan Quick. The power play, so potent against the San Jose Sharks, was rendered useless -- and it got worse when a shot got past Brian Elliott while the Kings were killing Dwight King's boarding penalty.
The Blues' task tonight is to play a full 60 minutes, not to let up, and to score. Get the power play going, keep the Kings off of the man advantage, and play smart consistent hockey. Unfortunately, that's going to be done without Alex Pietrangelo. As you might remember, this happened Saturday night, knocking Petro out of the game and possibly the next few:
No hearing was called, but according to Jeremy Rutherford, the Blues' top defenseman is currently day-to-day with concussion-like symptoms. If Pietrangelo can't play, then Ian Cole will be paired with Carlo Colaiacovo. Cole hasn't played for the Blues' past 13 games, but he's solid. Unfortunately, the playoffs is a different playing field than the regular season. If even Kevin Shattenkirk can make turnovers due to jitters, Cole's possibly prone to a few as well. Kent Huskins also could dress, if the Blues elect to go with seven defensemen and eleven forwards.
Tonight's game begins at 8:00, and will be broadcast on CNBC.