Around the NHL in 30 Days – St. Louis Blues

FanSided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days checks in on the last Western Conference team today, the St. Louis Blues. The awesome writers at the Bleedin’ Blue blog are hoping that their team can stay healthy enough this year to squeak into the playoffs.

The Blues have some quality players in their lineup. Their goaltending has the potential to be superb with Jaroslav Halak. He had a so-so year last year, but keep in mind that he also was battling a hand injury that kept him out of the lineup. Forward T.J. Oshie has been gaining notoriety in the last couple of seasons because of his solid play, but he too was bit by the injury bug last year. The Blues will be looking to their leading scorer (and new captain) David Backes to shoulder the offensive load again this year. Also don’t count out Andy MacDonald from being a big contributor this year after scoring 33 points in his last 33 games.

Let’s see how the Sharks and Blues matched up last year:

The Sharks won 3 of the 4 regular season meetings against the Blues last year. The Sharks were in control for the most part against the Blues last year taking the 3 victories by 5-3, 4-2, and 4-1 scorelines. I expect that trend to continue this regular season, unless Halak can find the form that made him a star in Montreal.

Look for the Blues to be an fast skating young team that plays hard. But also look for the Blues to be lacking the experience and skill to get them back into the playoff dance. Not this year, St. Louis, but maybe next year. You just need those young players and new pieces to simmer a bit longer.

FanSided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days has only 2 teams left! The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets are coming up, so check back tomorrow.

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