GDT #31: 12/17/11 > Blues @ Predators > 7:00PM > FSMW/KMOX

[dmiles2186]

The St. Louis Blues continue to roll behind a stingy effort in net.

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has certainly picked up the pace following a recent rough stretch.

With both teams riding four-game winning streaks, the Blues visit the Predators in a Central Division showdown Saturday night.

St. Louis (18-9-3) defeated the New York Rangers 4-1 on Thursday, improving to 8-1-1 over its last 10 matchups. The Blues have maintained their season average of 2.5 goals in that span, but they've surrendered just 16 -- including a minuscule nine in the eight wins.

"It's a testament to the team," said Brian Elliott, who made 25 saves Thursday. "They're blocking shots I can't see and ones that I can, there's no second opportunities and they're clearing it out.

"That's huge for a goalie. I think both (Jaroslav Halak) and myself can say thanks to the guys in front of us because it makes it a lot easier on us."

In addition to recording an NHL-best 1.43 goals-against average, Elliott's .867 winning percentage leads all goalies with at least 15 games played. He's won nine of 10 starts, 13 of 15 overall and his four shutouts are tied for the most in the league.

Though Rinne's numbers don't compare, he's rebounded nicely from a career-worst six-game skid (0-5-1) Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Rinne has started every game during Nashville's season-best winning streak, posting a 2.25 GAA -- significantly lower than his season mark of 2.54.

Rinne was terrific in Thursday's 4-3 come-from-behind win over Detroit, turning away 37 of 40 shots.

"I thought (Pekka) was really sharp. I thought he showed a lot battle in him," coach Barry Trotz said. "They know that he's an elite goaltender in this league."

While Rinne more than held his own, captain Shea Weber also came through when the Predators (16-11-4) needed him most. After his power-play goal tied the game with under five minutes remaining, Weber scored the game winner with 1:36 to play.

"In big moments, you need your top players to step up, and Shea stepped up in a huge way," Trotz said.

The Predators, who have scored a power-play goal in seven consecutive games, have converted an NHL-best 14 of 43 chances (32.6 percent) on the man advantage since Nov. 19. Continuing that success, however, could prove difficult versus a Blues team that has killed 16 of its 18 penalties over its last six road games.

"We're lucky to be at home right now for this stand. We gotta use that to our advantage," center Nick Spaling said. "Obviously we know they're playing good right now but we just gotta keep going and focus on them."

St. Louis, which hasn't won five straight since Dec. 21-31, had taken three consecutive contests in this series before falling 4-2 on Oct. 8. Despite stopping just 12 of 15 shots in that game, Halak is 4-1-1 with a 0.98 GAA and three shutouts over his last six games versus Nashville.

Elliott is 1-1-0 with a 2.03 GAA lifetime against the Predators.

Rinne, who made 31 saves in the Oct. 8 victory, has gone 8-4-1 with a 1.74 GAA during his last 13 meetings with the Blues.

Weber has totaled just one goal and eight assists in his last 21 games against St. Louis.

[glen a richter]

Gheys 3
Blues 1

[thedoc]

Important game. If we win tonight that would give us some nice breathing room in our division.

Blues 2

Predators 1

[ViPeRx007]

The important question is whether or not Carrie Underwood will be in attendance. I guess that's more of a statement in a semi-question format.

[gaijin]

[WaukeeBlues]

3-2 Good Guys.

[dmiles2186]

It should go without saying, but Rinne is disgustingly good. Makes the tough saves look easy.

[dmiles2186]

Sounds like a large contingent of Blues fans are in the building. Great to hear.

[KC Express]

How is it that someone has not shot Tootoo in the face by this point? Is there a more faggoty player in the NHL right now?

[glen a richter]

hey how about scoring some damn goals, eh?

[sseagle]

The Blues have agreed to throw all games involving stupid FSMW gimmicks..

[Gaijin Flyer]

I'm about fed up with Stewart. Seriously, does he think he's 5'9" 180 returning from concussion-like symptoms? What else explains it. He'd grade out at a D- for hustle.

[dmiles2186]

Slightly OT but this was just said on TV (I'm assuming NHL Network or HNIC, I've seen it posted on Twitter): Craig Button on the Leafs: "They're going to have to find a way to get a finger in the dike, so to speak."

[dmiles2186]

This game just feels like it is going to be won by a single, fluke goal. Each team with equal opportunity to do that at this point.

[KC Express]

Slightly OT but this was just said on TV (I'm assuming NHL Network or HNIC, I've seen it posted on Twitter): Craig Button on the Leafs: "They're going to have to find a way to get a finger in the dike, so to speak."

That is one major one-up on Pang.

[glen a richter]

Now would be a good time

[glen a richter]

goddammit!

[dmiles2186]

There it is...everybody ignore Shea Weber....and then everyone pay attention to Weber and ignore Erat! Good idea.

[Nyghtewynd]

I have to congratulate Shattenkirk. He truly plays like the first syllable of his name. 52 minutes thrown away by one minute of crap.

[dmiles2186]

Did the Preds crowd just chant Halak's name by pronouncing it 'Hal-ick'?

If you're going to taunt, at least pronounce the name right. Holy cripes.