Event of the Day: St. Louis Blues versus Vegas Golden Knights
Our event of the day is the pivotal NHL clash between the St. Louis Blues and the Vegas Golden Knights at the Enterprise Center. With five teams already having clinched a playoff berth, both these sides will be looking to follow suit and will be desperate to notch a win in tonight’s clash to keep their postseason dreams alive. St. Louis have been unable to effectively capitalise on their home comforts this term losing 15 of their 37 games at the Enterprise Center – only three other teams in the Western Conference have lost more times at home this year. However, they remain well in the hunt for the playoff places after a recent run of form has seen them win three straight outings on the ice. Goalie Jordan Binnington has been a crucial cog in Craig Berube’s team this term and has conceded just 1.88 goals per game, leading the league in that category.
Before the disappointment of last season, the Blues had finished in the top three of the Central Division for six straight seasons and their fans will be desperate for a return to those lofty heights this time round. Despite losing last time out at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings, the Golden Knights are currently in a rich vein of form and have won ten of their last twelve fixtures in the league. This impressive streak leaves them third in the Pacific Division and are set to secure back-to-back playoff berths in their first two seasons of existence. Their key man has been right winger Mark Stone who leads his side in goals, assists and points this term and will need to sustain his impressive form if the Golden Knights are to make back-to-back Stanley Cup appearances. After losing out on the sport’s grandest stage last year, Vegas will be out for redemption and will certainly be one of the contenders to lift the coveted title come June. In their two-game regular season series this year, St. Louis are 2-0 up having beaten the Golden Knights both home and away back in November. Tonight should see a thrilling game of elite ice hockey.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Indian Premier League where the Rajasthan Royals meet the Kings XI Punjab at the Sawal Mansingh Stadium. With these two sides having endured mediocre seasons last year, finishing 4th and 7th respectively, both will be desperate to get the new campaign started in style with a win in today’s clash. Elsewhere, there are four NBA games to watch out for tonight, with Oklahoma City’s visit to Memphis headlining the bill as the teams take to the FedExForum court. The qualification stages for Euro 2020 continue today, as reigning champions France host Iceland whilst England travel to face Montenegro fresh off their 5-0 demolition job of the Czech Republic last week. At the Miami Open, both Roger Federer and Kevin Anderson are in action looking to book a place in the last 16 as they do battle with Filip Krajinović and João Sousa respectively. Finally, back in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Boston Bruins to the Amalie Arena with both sides having already clinched a playoff berth.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL