I have been waiting for this day for quite some time -- NHL opening day. I love opening days, especially in the NHL. This is the year that the Blues finally...make the playoffs. I know that no one cares about hockey, but here is my season preview blog.
Let's start with the Blues. The Blue Notes are coming off a very disappointing season in which they found themselves 9-2, and the top team in ESPN's power rankings after the first few weeks. Unfortunately, the wheels came tumbling off as Halak wore down, Perron took a nasty hit to the head, and Oshie landed on his foot. Some bad luck, mixed with playing in the toughest division in the NHL resulted in a nasty slump and the Blues missing out on meaningful hockey. To rub dirt in the wound, the blues finished the season just strong enough to have to forfeit their conditional first round pick to Colorado. After a season of disappointing losses, the Blues needed to lose their last game to retain their first round pick, but they found a win in the one game they didn't want it. All this to say, I am glad it is opening day.
The Blues have a lot to prove this year. Davis Payne's honeymoon is over, Oshie and Berglund no longer have any excuses, Halak must step up, and all this to entice a buyer to purchase the Blues before the year is over. In my very amateurish opinion, these are the keys for the Blues this year:
1. Goaltending Consistency
Halak has shown that he can be spectacular, but he hasn't proven that he will show up every night. Halak's save percentage must improve over last year, especially considering how well the defense played. If Halak is consistent, the Blues will be in the playoffs.
2. Special Teams Production
Much of the dominant penalty kill from the 09 season is gone. Last year's penalty kill was adequate, but not the heartbeat of the team. The penalty kill can be just as energizing as a powerplay conversion, and the Blues must take pride in shutting other teams down. The injury to Crombeen will not help to begin the year, but the addition of Scott Nichol in the faceoff circle should be a huge improvement.
The powerplay lacks creativity and a lethal scorer. Steen will have to get his confidence early with his one-time slapper, and Backes will need to be more of net-front presence. If McDonald is willing to get to the net, he should lead the team in powerplay goals.
3. Faceoffs
Faceoffs are about effort, and the blues weren't trying very hard last year. With Backes as the first line center (converted from RW), he is still perfecting his skill on the dot. The addition of Nichol and Arnott will certainly help in the circle, but Berglund and Backes must lead the way with face off wins. For the Blues to be effective with their aggressive and physical style, they need to control the puck. Plus, nothing helps your special teams units more than a faceoff win.
4. Chris Stewart
I am somewhat disappointed to see that Stewart is not starting the year on the first line. With the addition of Langenbrunner, Stewart will begin the year on the second line. For the Blues to be effective this year, Stewart's goal production needs to be significant (30 goals seems realistic). If Stewart and Backes stay healthy and motivated, the Blues can be the toughest team to play in the Western Conference.
5. Avoiding Sophomore Slumps
Now that E.J. and Brewer are gone, the weight of the defensive responsibility rests on the shoulders of two sophomore D-men, Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk. Both guys had amazing Rookie years and will need to avoid the sophomore slump for the Blues to be a top 8 team. The blues are deeper on defense than ever before, but the top guys must prove that they can keep guys out of the middle, and pucks out of the net. Defense always comes first, but the forwards will need some help with point production as well. Hopefully, these guys will make me forget about Erik Johnson completely.
My prediction: The Blues make the playoffs as a 6 seed, and upset the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs.
Now the rest of the league...
My previous two preseason, cup-winner predictions have fared pretty well. Chicago got it done two years ago, and the Canucks were 1 game away from making me 2 for 2. So, here is my pick for this season:
SJ Sharks defeat the Washington Capitals in 6 games.
I am not as confident as the previous two years, but I am feeling lucky!
If you hate hockey, I am sorry you wasted your time reading this post. If you have read every word, we should hang out and watch some hockey together this year. Let's all hope this is the year that Blues finally get back to where they belong; playing hockey games with 20:00 minute overtimes.
Happy Hockey!
