Backes is just getting ready for the playoffs. If you recall the last tow years he spent significant time in the penalty box, at very critical times. He's got a huge heart and huge talent but he is not a leader and does some really dumb stuff at the most inopportune times...

The Blues had an overall inordinate number of shots miss the net. It skewed the SOG stats. Pang said the scouting report was that Hutchinson went down a lot, so they must have been shooting high, based on film study. Might be a case of too much film and not enough common sense. The stats are clear, 100% of shots that go high, will not result in goal.

All games in March and April are statement games. This is where teams start to get into playoff mode. The ice gets smaller, the checking is tighter and the play intensifies. Don't look now but LA is doing what they do. Prior to last night's game they had won 8 in a row. That is an organization that gets it. They're peaking at the right time and will be formidable in the playoffs...

Hopefully, some GM was scouting Berglund last night. He played reasonably well. Exceptional, for him. Maybe someone will offer a bag of pucks for him and the Blues will only have to eat half of his salary.