Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: St. Louis Blues

The other day I was talking about the huge mistake that it was letting Don Maloney go instead of installing him as GM in Sather's spot. Well, with the Blues come John Davidson. I mean, what can you say about JD? For some he was the big goalie who came oh-so-close to the Cup in 79 but to many of us he was the warm voice that taught us the game of hockey, night in and night out on MSG. And now he is teaching St. Louis to care again about their team. Long gone are the days of Hull and Oates but the new generation that JD built is slowly coming together. He has to be hoping that the kids he has accumulated are ready for prime time as this year's team will be without old stars Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk.

Familiar Foes: The Blues have built a core of players and have stuck with them. Olympians David Backes and Erik Johnson are the two most prominent faces but the rest of the names will ring a bell: Brad Boyes, Pat Berglund, Alex Steen, TJ Oshie, Cam Janssen, Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman and Carlo Colaiacovo. The Blues will be praying last season's 42 point performance by Boyes was an aberration after two straight seasons of improvement. Oshie is one of the most exciting young players to watch in the NHL but his production has yet to match his energy level. Jackman and Brewer, the two pillars of the defense, will attempt to get through a full season without injury.

N00bz: They will be called upon to keep the crease clear for Jaro Halak, the biggest offseason acquisition by the Blues. And all it cost them was Lars Eller and Ian Schultz - two middling prospects. Halak has a safety net in Ty Conklin but he has a big beard to fill, coming in and taking Chris Mason's job. That St. Louis was able to take Montreal's playoff hero and not have to give up blue chip blueliner Alex Pietrangelo was a pleasant surprise and should be quite the boon if he can live up to half of the hype. TJ Hensick (Colorado) and Vlad Sobotka (Boston) were also added in the offseason but neither one will be called upon to star.

Last Year: Saturday, January 16th, 4-1 Blues win and Thursday, March 18th, a 4-3 Blues win.

This Year: Sunday, November 7th at MSG and Saturday, January 8th in St. Louis.

What They Mean To Blue: It is hard to say that they are a look at what we could have become with JD at the helm as the situation he stepped in to there was significantly different than the mess he walked away from here. But when you look at the four points the Rangers pissed away in two pathetic performances last season, you see two games where the Blues completely outworked the Blueshirts - something JD surely would not have allowed.

 Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues, a franchise with a rich history and a passionate fan base, have experienced their fair share of highs and lows in recent years. As the NHL season approaches, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we take an in-depth look at what to expect from the St. Louis Blues in the upcoming season.

In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive analysis of the Blues' roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and address some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a die-hard Blues supporter or simply curious about this storied franchise, our preview has you covered.

St. Louis Blues Roster Analysis

The St. Louis Blues have undergone some changes in recent years but continue to be a competitive force in the NHL. Let's take a closer look at their roster heading into the upcoming season:

1. Offense:

The Blues have a well-rounded forward group led by superstar Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko, when healthy, is one of the league's top goal-scorers and a constant threat on the power play. Brayden Schenn and Ryan O'Reilly provide valuable scoring depth, while David Perron brings experience and playmaking ability to the lineup.

2. Defense:

On defense, the Blues have a solid group with captain Alex Pietrangelo, who has since departed for the Vegas Golden Knights. Colton Parayko is now the anchor of the blue line, known for his defensive prowess and booming slap shot. Torey Krug, acquired from the Boston Bruins, adds offensive flair from the back end.

3. Goaltending:

Jordan Binnington, known for his remarkable rookie season in 2018-19 when he led the Blues to a Stanley Cup victory, is the undisputed starter. Binnington's unflappable demeanor and strong play make him a reliable presence in net.

Recent Performance

The St. Louis Blues' recent performance reached its pinnacle in 2019 when they hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. Their incredible turnaround from last place in the league in January to champions showcased their resilience and determination.

Since their championship season, the Blues have remained competitive, making the playoffs consistently. While they haven't replicated their 2019 success, their ability to stay in contention is a testament to their strong core and coaching staff.

The 2020-21 season saw them finish fourth in the West Division but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche. Despite this, the Blues remain a team that can challenge for the Cup, given the right circumstances.

Key Players to Watch

Vladimir Tarasenko: The Russian sniper will be a focal point of the Blues' offense. If he can stay healthy and regain his scoring touch, he'll be a major asset.

Jordan Binnington: Goaltending is often the difference-maker in the playoffs, and Binnington has proven he can shine on the biggest stage. His performance will be critical.

Colton Parayko: With Pietrangelo's departure, Parayko has a chance to step into a larger role on defense. His ability to eat up minutes and contribute offensively will be crucial.

Ryan O'Reilly: The Blues' captain is a two-way force and a leader in the locker room. Look for him to set the tone in all situations.

Torey Krug: Krug's offensive skills from the blue line will be essential to the Blues' power play and offensive production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What impact will Alex Pietrangelo's departure have on the team?

Pietrangelo was the Blues' captain and a cornerstone of their defense. His departure leaves a leadership void, but the Blues have faith in their younger players and newcomers like Krug to step up.

2. Can the Blues replicate their 2019 Stanley Cup success?

While it won't be easy, the Blues have the talent and experience to make another deep playoff run. Much will depend on their performance in the regular season and their ability to stay healthy.

3. Who are some promising young players in the Blues' organization?

The Blues have a few promising prospects, including forward Klim Kostin and defenseman Scott Perunovich. These players could contribute to the team's future success.

4. How has head coach Craig Berube impacted the team's culture and performance?

Berube, known for his no-nonsense approach, played a significant role in turning the Blues around in 2019. His coaching style emphasizes hard work and defensive responsibility.

*5. What is the Blues' style of play?

The Blues are known for their physicality, strong defensive play, and solid two-way forwards. They play a structured game and rely on disciplined defensive play to create offensive opportunities.

The St. Louis Blues, despite facing challenges and changes, remain a formidable team in the NHL. Their recent championship and consistent playoff appearances underscore their competitive spirit and resilience.

As the new NHL season unfolds, Blues fans can look forward to watching their team compete at a high level once again. Whether another Stanley Cup is in the cards or not, one thing is certain: the St. Louis Blues will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting. So, brace yourself for an exciting season of Blues hockey as they aim to make their mark once more in the world of professional hockey.