The St. Louis Blues are coming off a three-game road trip in California against the Los Angeles Kings, the San José Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. They took 2 of those 3 games with just one loss to LA. They come home needing to pick up some big wins if they wish to catch the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild in the Central.

To pick up the wins they need, the Blues need a goalie that they can trust as their starter. Their usual starter, Jake Allen has had major issues keeping the puck out of the net in his last few starts. He has allowed no less than 3 goals in 4 of his last 5 games. It is very clear that he has not been himself. He needs to redeem himself eventually but he should sit out for a few games until he can focus again.

On the other hand, Carter Hutton has put up some very strong performances. He only allowed more than two goals only once in his last 5 appearances and that was on January 7th against the Dallas Stars. While the Blues have not won every game that he has appeared in, he kept them in winnable situations far more often than Allen has. If his recent performances in San José and Anaheim are anything to go by, it would be wise of the Blues to continue using Hutton for a while until he starts showing signs of trouble. Hopefully, by the time that happens, Jake Allen will be able to take up the reins again.

Other than the goalie situation, the Blues are doing well for themselves as of late. Their biggest problem has been all the penalties that they have racked up. The most egregious one that keeps popping up is the one for too many men on the ice. A delayed penalty for too many men also ended up costing the Blues a goal in Anaheim. They need to keep the other players from jumping on the ice too early. The Blues must also avoid penalties that turn power plays into penalty kills so that their offense can capitalize on whatever man advantage that they may have.

It’s a long road for the Blues to get to the top of their division but there is still a little time left in the season to catch up. If Jake Allen can find his game again and the Blues can stay out of the box while Hutton keeps pucks out in the meantime, the Blues can make the playoffs as a team that is tough to beat without question.

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