Barkov-Less Panthers Carry a Shot Edge Into Enterprise Center

Over the last ten games, Florida has been the team doing more of the shooting, while St. Louis has spent more of its nights giving up attempts than taking them. That gap is the quiet story behind a meeting of two wild-card holders.

The Panthers have averaged 3.6 expected goals per game -- how many goals their chances were worth -- against 3.13 allowed, and they have out-attempted opponents roughly 59 to 53 a night. The Blues sit closer to even on chance quality (3.31 for, 3.18 against) but have been out-attempted about 62 to 57, which is a lot of rubber coming at their net.

That puts weight on Joel Hofer, who has steadied St. Louis, and on the Blues' home comfort: they are 5-2-1 at Enterprise Center versus 4-6-1 away. Florida plays on without Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand, leaning on Anton Lundell, who scored twice in the comeback win over Detroit.

Both clubs arrive on two-game win streaks. Florida (24 points) holds the East's second wild card; St. Louis (20 points in 19 games) clings to the West's last spot.