TEAM PREVIEWS: THE ST. LOUIS BLUES

Introduction:
Don't look now but the team that most talking heads (a designation which I grudgingly accept as applying to myself now) had pegged as the worst team in the West is leading their division... you know the one with Chicago and Detroit. Do I think that will hold up? No. Do I think that St. Louis is a playoff team? Probably not. With Erik Johnson down St. Louis probably doesn't have the D to get it done.

What it does say is two things: a) The rebuilding started under John Davidson is beginning to work and b) say what you will about the rest of the team, but the offense can score.

Key Departures:
Erik Johnson

He's not gone but he might as well be for the purposes of discussing this season. If Johnson really does miss the entire season as a result of his freak knee injury you can bet the golf carts will be burned in effigy throughout St. Louis. The team is riding high, playing with what they have right now, but eventually the lack of D and the lack of Johnson's steadying presence on the point will cost them.

New Faces:
Chris Mason

Mason is "Legace's body" insurance. Unfairly run out of Nashville for crimes he didn't commit Mason will be a fine backup for Legace (who was unfairly run out of Detroit for crimes he didn't commit) and should be able to spell him for stretches if it becomes necessary. A good move for the organization.

The Offense:
So... they aren't the flashiest names and they don't put up the greatest stats but St. Louis has a good mix of veteran talent, skilled castoffs and young high draft picks. They have great ambassadors for the game, veteran leadership, and the future all in one place, that's how you build a team.

You Should Be Happy You Drafted:
Paul Kariya
Brad Boyes
Keith Tkachuk

We said this about Kariya when we ranked him as the 13th Left Winger, "He's an amazing talent even now. Don't let last season or his age convince you otherwise." So far BTT has been correct. Through 4 games Paul Kariya has 8 points and is skating like a player half his age and running the powerplay like a grizzled veteran. That may eventually slow but it certainly is encouraging. A top tier second LW option almost every league.
FACT: One more time for good measure, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51xq5G6053A

Boyes is off to a great start, picking up right where he left off last season. He has 4 goals and 2 assists through the first 4 games and looks strong in all aspects of the game. Boyes, one of the castoffs I mentioned above, Boyes doesn't get you PIM but he is a decent shooter and should be active on the powerplay all season.
FACT: Brad played several seasons of roller hockey for his hometown team, the Mississuaga Rattlers.

Last year was supposed to be the last season that Tkachuk was able to contribute. He had 58 points and 70 PIM. Now this is supposed to be the last season he can contribute. He has started the season with 5 goals and 8 PIM. Tkachuk won't keep this pace for the entire season, but when he stops scoring he will still contribute in other ways. He is a fine player to have on your bench as he is valuable in your lineup even when he isn't on a hot streak.
FACT: Keith Tkachuk was the first American born player to lead the NHL in goals, scoring 52 in 1996-97.

You Want to Be Prepared to Snag:
Andy McDonald
David Perron
Patirk Beglund

McDonald had a disgusting year after two great ones with Anaheim Ducks. If he returns to those heights, 85 and 78 points respectively, then he would be worth a roster spot.
FACT: Speedier then you might think, McDonald won the fastest skater competition at the 2007 NHL all star game.

Perron and Berglund are both low first round draft picks and, along with TJ Oshie, make up a trio of young talent that have really stood out for the Blues early this season. Perron and Berglund are receiving significant ice time, a good amount of it with Paul Kariya, and are really contributing to this club at a high level. Now when reality catches up with the Blues it is likely the rookies that will be the first to be affected but nevertheless their production should be watched carefully. Unexpected production from players no one else has heard of but you is where fantasy leagues are won and lost. Take heed.
FACT: 7. That's the number of first round draft picks St. Louis currently has playing offense for them.

The Defense:
Without the presence of Erik Johnson there isn't a whole lot to talk about here. Ultimately this will be St. Louis's problem this year (as it almost was the other day against the Maple Leafs of all teams). They are incapable of providing adequate protection for Manny Legace so if he is forced to leave a rebound he's kinda toast. If someone emerges here I'll be sure to let you all know.

The Powerplay:
Paul Kariya
Keith Tkachuk
Brad Boyes
Andy McDonald
Eric Brewer

Its a good unit that is going to miss Johnson's poise. Kariya is still aces at setting the table though as his 6 powerplay assists attest to.

The Goalie(s):

Legace is the starter here, but without D his numbers are going to suffer a bit this season, as likely will Mason's if he's called upon to spend any significant amount of time in the crease. Neither is a bad pickup as a spot starter but you certainly shouldn't place your hopes of a championship upon either.
FACT: Legace made the all star game last year. I know right?

The Verdict:
The Blues will be an exciting team to watch this year as they take another step towards becoming the dominant team they were in the 80's and 90's.