Blues Begin Huge Homestand

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The Blues are about to enter into a significant stretch, early in their 2009-2010 regular season. Andy Murray's team is about to embark on a six-game homestand looking to build on an overall record of 5-6-4 through 15 games. The Note is currently 1-5-1 in seven games played at Scottrade Center.

Tonight Vancouver is in to test the Blues in the first-of-four scheduled meetings this season. The two haven't opposed one another since April when Roberto Luongo and company swept Murray's club in four games to advance iin the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Luongo likely won't play tonight despite lobbying for a quick return from a fractured rib and flu. Andrew Raycroft should get the nod and has an NHL-best 1.60 goals against average and .936 save percentage. Canucks winger Daniel Sedin is also out with a broken foot, though he's expected to play later this week as a road trip continues in Detroit for Vancouver. Former Blue Pavol Demitra is also out after undergoing shoulder surgery in September.

The remainder of the homestand will see Nashville come in on Thursday and San Jose on Saturday. The Blues will then get a break until November 19th when Phoenix makes its second trip in (Coyotes won at Scottrade Center, 2-0 last month). The New York Islanders and Boston will follow on November 21st and 23rd.

Offense has been ice cold this season as the Note has accounted for 33 goals, the third lowest total in the league behind the Predators (31) and Carolina (32). The Blues' trio of Brad Boyes, David Backes and Patrik Berglund accounted for 85 goals last season but have only mustered five total in the team's first 15 games this season. Noteworthy is the fact that Backes and Boyes have played every game while Berglund only missed one as a healthy scratch.

In regards to special teams, the power play did show signs of life over the weekend but is still ranked 26th in the NHL. The penalty kill has improved, however from 16th to 7th. The Canucks bring the number-four PP to town for this evening's 7:00 start.

For a team that's struggling to win and score goals it certainly can't blame its goaltending. Chris Mason has a save percentage of .920 while backup Ty Conklin is at .928 after stopping 38 of 40 shots on Sunday in Atlanta. The team's goals-against average of 2.53 is the eighth-lowest in the 30-team league.

TPC