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Game 11 : Blues @ Panthers - Vengeful Cats |
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Nearly a month has passed since the Florida Panthers came to St. Louis and were blanked by the Blues 7-0. After such a thrilling opener the shutout and physical drubbing made for bad memories... and an understandable desire to pay back the favor. No doubt they've had November 1st circled on the calendar.
Kevin Dineen's club will be a little more prepared for the Blues this time around. Big forward Nick Bjugstad will be in the lineup as will speedy left winger Sean Bergenhiem.
The Blues start a three game road trip spanning five days Friday night. First up is the Panthers then the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday before traveling to Montreal on Tuesday.
Starting in goal for St. Louis will be Brian Elliott.
The goaltending scenario has morphed in to a clear number one and a backup where as it looked to be a 1a/1b tandem. This will be Elliott's second start. His first was two weeks ago on October 16th in Winnipeg. He yielded two third period goals that night which allowed the Jets to equalize and eventually win in the shootout 4-3.
Tim Thomas, who was lit up for five goals in the previous meeting, is out and will not play. Goalie of the future, Jacob Markstrom, will defend the home crease. In six starts spread out over nine appearances the Swede is 1-4-2 with a 3.19 GAA and .887 save %.
Due to the timing of upcoming games Jordan Leopold will get the night off. Taking his place along side Roman Polak will be Ian Cole. Forward Maxim Lapierre returns to the fourth line after serving his five game suspension. With Magnus Paajarvi and Brenden Morrow out with upper body injuries Adam Cracknell will dress.
Expected lines and pairings for Ken Hitchcock:
Stten - Backes - Oshie
Roy - Sobotka - Stewart
Schwartz - Berglund - Tarasenko
Cracknell - Lapierre - Reaves
Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo
Jackman - Shattenkirk
Cole - Polak
Don't forget to add your Pick the Goal Scorer contest guesses in the comments.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
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