*8* play on St. Louis Blues.

The St. Louis Blues opened the year with four consecutive losses as part of a five-game slide. They've bounced back of late with back-to-back wins against the Kigns and the Devils though, and they're looking good to make that three in a row and at the same time end the Carolina Hurricanes three-game winning streak.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Brian Elliott - The Blues netminder has impressed since replacing injured Jake Allen, allowing only three goals on 51 shots in back-to-back wins as a starter. He has posted a 2.19 GAA in eight appearances home at Scottrade Center this season.

2. Home Cookin' - The Blues have dominated Carolina at home since the club moved from Hartford, going 8-2-1 with a tie. They're 5-1-1 in their last seven on home ice overall while the Canes have dropped three of their last four on the road.

3. X-Factor - Patrik Berglund has three goals and an assist in six games since coming back from an injury, with two of the goals tallied in Tuesday's 5-2 win against the Devils.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Blues (8*)