St. Louis @ Ottawa preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 19, 2019 ) Ottawa 2, St. Louis 3

The St. Louis Blues have leveled off since ripping off a franchise-record 11-game winning streak and are trying to hold onto third place in the Central Division as they open a three-game road trip with a visit to the woeful Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. The Blues are trying to avoid their first three-game slide since Nov. 17-21.

A lack of offense has haunted St. Louis, which is 4-4-2 since the 11 consecutive wins and has been limited to two goals or fewer eight times in that span. Forward Ryan O'Reilly called Tuesday's 3-1 home loss to Arizona "embarrassing" after the Blues dominated the Coyotes and owned a staggering 40-22 edge in shots on goal. St. Louis does own one of the league's better road records and has won both four straight overall against the league-worst Senators and its last four visits to Ottawa. The wheels have come off for the Senators, who have lost 11 of 12 overall (1-10-1) and five straight at home.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), RSD2, TSN5 (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE BLUES (36-26-7): St. Louis has managed three goals in two games since Vladimir Tarasenko was hurt, but offensive help could be on the way. David Perron, who has missed 23 games since suffering a concussion on Jan. 17, will accompany the team to Ottawa and could rejoin the lineup on the road trip. "It's good he's coming," coach Craig Berube said. "I'm glad he's coming. It's good to be around. No matter what, if he decides to play, if he's ready, it's good for him to be around his teammates and get on the road and be around these guys."

ABOUT THE SENATORS (23-41-6): Ottawa has scored two goals or fewer since trading away its top three forwards, and the hits kept coming in Monday's 3-2 loss at Philadelphia. All-Star defenseman Thomas Chabot, who collected his 36th assist and team-high 49th point in the contest, suffered a broken toe while blocking a shot. “It’s tough news for Thomas, but he’s very hopeful that he’s going to be able to play before the end of the season," coach Marc Crawford said. "Our doctors and our medical people will keeping us informed about the progress he has."

OVERTIME

1. Blues D Joel Edmundson (lower body) and F Sammy Blais were hurt Tuesday and will not travel with the team.

2. Senators D Christian Jaros (hamstring) is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out five games.

3. O'Reilly had two assists versus the Senators on Jan. 19 to give him 19 points in 19 meetings.

PREDICTION: Blues 4, Senators 2