The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the most impressive teams early in he NHL season winning seven of their first 10 games of the lockout-shortened schedule. The St. Louis Blues have been nearly as good earning 12 points while going 6-4-0.
The two teams will face off at Scottrade Center in Saint Louis on Saturday night, with both the Blues and the Ducks coming off of disappointing losses. The Blues are on a three game losing streak after falling 5-1 to Detroit on Thursday and the team is slumping since winning six of their first seven games.
"We're cheating all over the ice. We're cheating each other, we're cheating the game and we're paying the price for it," Hitchcock said. "You hope that sooner or later the players have had enough and they're willing to make the changes necessary."
Rookie Vladimir Tarasenko has been one of the top stars for the Blues after scoring 10 points in the first eight games, but over the past two he has recorded zero.
"When you have players playing under the bar, it's hard to win hockey games," Hitchcock said. "Our team game is not good right now."
The team is dealing with some issues at goalie, with Brian Elliot posting nearly a 5.00 goals against average during the three game streak. The Blues have been dealing with the injury to number one goalie Jaroslav Halak after he sustained a groin injury on Feb. 1 that put him on the injured reserve list.
"Goals are going to go in. The best goaltenders in the world let in goals," Elliott said. "You can't be too hard on yourself. We'll figure it out. It's just a matter of time."
The Blues have played well against the Ducks recently, winning six straight games at home. The Ducks enter the game after a 3-1 loss against Dallas on Friday, which ended a four game winning streak.
"I want them to know that they didn't come ready to play and that's what happens when you play good hockey clubs and you're not ready to play," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "You can't win hockey games playing 40 minutes. It's a 60-minute game."
The Ducks have been dealing with their own goaltender injury as well, as Jonas Hiller suffered an injury in Friday's defeat against Dallas. Viktor Fasth may get the start Saturday and has been solid when needed, winning each of his four starts with a 0.98 GAA.
Anaheim has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 3.2 goals per game. The defense and power play has been solid, ranked 11th and eighth in the NHL, but the penalty kill has been lacking, ranking 26th in the league with a 71.1 kill percentage.
The Blues have been just as good on offense, scoring 3.2 goals per game and the team ranks first in the NHL on the power play, converting 33.3 percent of the time. The penalty kill ranks 25th and the goals against average is 22nd, but that is mostly due to the injury.
CLICK HERE for the official NHL Live Stream from the Game Center.
