For the first time since the 1980-81 season, the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues are back in the same division. Tonight will be the first time they meet as division opponents and the Jets catch a break in that the Blues will be starting Brian Elliot for the first time this season. St Louis is a heavy, fast team and feature two of the best young D men in the league. They will be a stern test for the Jets.

PHOTO CREDIT - WinnipegJets.com

Edmonton - October 18, 2013 - I have always had a minor dislike for the St Louis Blues because they beat the old Jets in 1982, three games to one.

The Jets had finished second in the Norris, coming off one of the worst seasons ever in 1980-81.

The Jets were favoured over the sub .500 Blues and promptly dumped in four games.

Looking back at the rosters now, St Louis had several players aged 21-25 who were just coming into their own and were a better team. Doesn't matter, I'm still bitter... (although I always loved Mike Liut, great hockey cards)

For the first time since that playoff year, The Jets and Blues are back in the same division. Tonight will be the first time they meet as division opponents and the Jets catch a break in that the Blues will be starting Brian Elliot for the first time this season. Of course, playing the backup goalie does not mean automatic defeat as Al Montoya is 1-0 with a shut out so far this season. St Louis is a heavy, fast team and feature two of the best young D men in the league. They will be a stern test for the Jets.

It's expected that Evander Kane will play tonight but will be something less than 100%. Kane denies it is his knee that is the problem, but wouldn't say what it was exactly. It's beneficial that their best forward is available to them, but if his speed is compromised he will be someone limited. On the positive side, at least his line mates have a chance to keep up with him... According to Darrin Bauming on Twitter (@DarrinBauming), expect Bryan Little and Jim Slater to play even though both are dinged as well. St Louis is not a team you want to face at less than perfect health as they tend to play a heavy game.

No word on who the starting goalie is for Winnipeg yet but I'll go ahead and assume the Ondrej Pavelec will make the start. The Jest are off tomorrow and host Nashville Sunday so there is no back-to-back scenario. I think it would be wise to put in Montoya again but I've given up trying to figure out what coach Claude Noel is going to do.

Game is at 7.00 CST and can be found on TSN Jets. Bernie Federko will probably be working the game tonight for St Louis. If you happen to see him, sneer at him for me please.