No excuses this year for the Blues

                                                                               St. Louie Blues by MrPessimist

By ANDREW ALLSMAN

ALHAMBRA, IL--  Blues fans have high expectations for the team this year, and rightly so.  The Blues have done a great job this year in Free agency, so they wont be able to blame ownership if they aren't in the playoffs at the end of the season.

Below, I am going to list things that are key this year for the Blues, and why I think they are a playoff team (I know that I have written a similar article in the past so just bare with me and enjoy)

Depth

Last season the Blues failed to make the playoffs again, and many fans immediately blamed injuries (I was one of them). Injuries were a big part, but it was more so the lack of players that could fill those roles.

This year the Blues have depth after some of the free agent signings so that should not be a reoccurring problem this season.

Players better than ever?

According to many reports, player like T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund, and Jaroslav Halak look better than ever. So lets break down the players who will be key to a successful season.

* Oshie- After coming off of a disappointing season, Oshie looks better than ever. Oshie is a key part of the organization, because he is a player that seems to always know what to do with the puck when he has it.  Oshie has yet to reach 20 goals or 50 pts. in a season, but he has come into camp ready to put that behind him.

"I just wanted to prove to them after everything that happened that I've matured and have grown up." 

Oshie signed a one year contract extension this off-season, so if he wants to remain a Blue, he needs to show he is capable of  performing.  If Oshie can stay healthy this year, I would expect him to be a big part of the Blues success

*Berglund- After putting on a fine display at the world championships this summer, Berglund comes to camp with confidence that hopefully carries over to opening night.  I expect Berglund to be on a line with Stewart, and Oshie.  Now we all know the chemistry that Oshie and Berglund have, but will Stewart fit in?  Supposedly Stewart and Berglund had great chemistry in last nights game and why wouldn't they?  Both players are big, and are always in good position to score, so they know where the other one is going to be.  This line is going to shine this year, and Berglund will have to play a huge role in it.                                                                                                                                                                               

  

                                                                                                                        

   

*Halak- Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments last year (besides not making the playoffs and Perron injury) was the play of former Canadien Jaroslav Halak, who was acquired last summer in a trade.  Halak had an outstanding performance in the 2010 playoffs, and maybe he came to St. Louis with expectations too high.  I think Halak has the ability to be a star in this league and I am optimistic that his performance last year was largely based on his new role as a starting goalie, but its time for him to step up his play to help the Blues get into the playoffs.  Halak claims he is in great shape and I am anxious to see him in action in his first pre-season game.

Other keys to success for the Blues (I know Ive touched on these before)

• Consistency
• Puck control
• special teams
• Face offs (should be fixed with acquisition of Nichols)

Blues Sale

Not to beat the topic into the ground, but I just wanted to reiterate the article I wrote last night.  The Blues reportedly rejected a $167 million offer by Max Chambers.  Some believe its because it wasn't close to the $190 million the team wants and others believe its because Chambers isn't really interested and they question where he will get his money from.  I have my opinion, but I'm not going to share it because it doesn't matter, all that we need to know is that it was rejected and the sale is still ongoing


Training camp

The Blues are 2-0-0 in training camp, and play again tonight as Halak starts in goal.  Training camp doesn't mean much but its good to see that if god forbid injuries do occur, we have the players that can step into an NHL role and fill the gaps.  Also we should have a decent view by the end of the pre-season games who will be the backup goalie.


Quote(s) taken from STLtoday.com article link



Pics taken from Flickr

• Oshie Pic- Blues vs. Oilers-7 by Herkie
• Berglund pic- Patrik Berglund by Dinur
• Halak pic- Untitled by ilianna lópez

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