On The Ice: Blues vs. Blackhawks Showdown
As the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks prepare to face off, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling match-up on the ice. The game is set to take place at 5:00 PM on December 31, 2024, with coverage available on TNT, truTV, and Max. This encounter promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the NHL.
Team Stats
When it comes to faceoffs, the St. Louis Blues have a significant edge over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blues boast a faceoff win percentage of 63.6%, while the Blackhawks trail with 36.4%. This statistic could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game, as winning faceoffs often leads to more scoring opportunities.
Game Information
The game will be officiated by referees Jean Hebert and Trevor Hanson, with linesmen Jonny Murray and Bevan Mills ensuring fair play. Fans can expect a well-managed game with these experienced officials on the ice.
Key Plays and Highlights
In the first period, Ryan Donato’s wrist shot was saved by Jordan Binnington at 11:17, keeping the score at 2-0 in favor of the Blues. Shortly after, at 10:48, Jordan Kyrou’s shot was blocked by Alex Vlasic, demonstrating the Blackhawks’ defensive resilience.
Another notable moment came when Jason Dickinson won a faceoff against Dylan Holloway, showcasing the Blackhawks’ determination to improve their faceoff statistics. Meanwhile, Zack Bolduc’s wrist shot was saved by Petr Mrazek, highlighting the goaltender’s skill in keeping the Blackhawks in the game.
Scoring Summary
The first period saw the Blues take an early lead with two power-play goals. At 8:10, Jordan Kyrou scored his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway. This was followed by Cam Fowler’s second goal of the season at 1:40, with assists from Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas. The Blues ended the period with a 2-0 lead over the Blackhawks.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with injuries, which could impact their performance on the ice. The St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks will need to rely on their depth to overcome these challenges and secure a victory.
Regular Season Series and Standings
This game is part of the regular season series between the Blues and the Blackhawks. As the 2024-25 Central Division Standings continue to evolve, both teams are eager to climb the ranks and secure a favorable position for the playoffs.
NHL News
Stay tuned for the latest NHL news and updates as the season progresses. With each game, the dynamics of the league shift, and fans can expect plenty of excitement and surprises along the way.
- Faceoff %: Blues 63.6%, Blackhawks 36.4%
- Referees: Jean Hebert, Trevor Hanson
- Linesmen: Jonny Murray, Bevan Mills
- Coverage: TNT, truTV, Max
Originally Written by: ESPN
