^{Who wants to earn their frequent flyer miles these next two weeks?}
It’s a good thing the Mammoth ended on such a high note on Tuesday, as we won’t be seeing much of them in person for a bit. Over the next 9 games, only one is played at home – directly in the middle of the stretch – as Utah plays three straight divisional matchups, the slumping Oilers, returns to say hi to Sergy’s old team, then away for the next four again. The only divisional opponent Utah won’t see on the road in the first 3 weeks of the season is the Dallas Stars. Ouch.

At least Terminal B’s a shorter walk for those of you road-tripping with them.

Tonight, the long road trip starts in Bill Armstrong’s previous employer – St. Louis, city of sad music and current employer of ex-Utah Hockey Club member Nick Bjugstad who never even got to see the Mammoth logo while here.

St. Louis has started out with a mixed season so far; 3-2-1 for 7 points, 3 behind Utah, and wrapping up a 4 game homestand with the Mammoth tonight. Their last three games have gone to OT vs. the Kings (they lost 2-1), a win against Dallas (who we want to play while they’re struggling… and the only divisional opponent we won’t see for some time still) and got pasted by the Blackhawks 8-3.

It’s tough to get a read on the Blues this early. They’re hit and miss on the games they play, and their fans and management are frustrated with their poor start. Sound familiar?

The Blues coach, Jim Montgomery, has been tinkering with his lineup all month. Pavel Buchnevich has underperformed so far, including taking a costly penalty that gave the Kings an advantage in OT. Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer have been shaky in net, with the latter starting tonight after an 7 goals against performance against the Hawks. Their young defenseman star Logan Mailloux recently sat a few games because of Montgomery’s unhappiness with him.

Despite these problems, St. Louis has picked up 2 wins in regulation vs. divisional opponents. Those are important points at the end of the year, and Utah needs to remember how critical it is for them to win in regulation to get as much advantage as possible against a team likely to push them for a wildcard spot.

Thankfully, Jack McBain slots back into 3C after a scare last week. Utah’s lines look steady tonight, with no expected changes. Why break what’s working?

Key points to secure a victory tonight:

Pressure goalie Joel Hofer. Hofer was predicted to be a solid backup to Binnington, but has already been shelled for 7 goals against in his last outing. He’s given up 9 goals on 51 shots. Utah’s shooting close to 30 a game. High shot volume – even from low-danger areas – will likely prove vital for the team.

Keep Buchnevich quiet. The star winger has put up just 4 assists this season, and has been moved all around as the Blues try and find chemistry within their lines. Tonight’s a night to keep that chemistry disrupted. With Buch struggling, the team has had to rely on youngsters Jimmy Snuggerud (who has less than 20 games played) and Jake Neighbours. They’ve been responsible for about half of the Blues’ goal totals, and keeping Buch in check allows the team to focus on shutting those two down.

Have three strong periods – this is kind of cheating, as winning each period guarantees victory against any team. However, St. Louis has struggled more than Utah has in the dreaded 2nd period, giving up nearly half their goals against. They also have a shutdown 1st period, one in which they are outscoring opponents 8-3 so far, so it’s important to get the game firmly under control in the first 40.

Keeping the game close during the 1st – at least tied or within 1 – gives Utah a solid advantage through the rest of the game.

Expected Lineup:

TUSKS UP!