Around the NHL in 30 Days: St. Louis Blues
The Fansided NHL Network, that SenShot is proud to be a member of, is embarking on its NHL preview. Each day in September, one of its members will be posting a preview for their club. SenShot will look at their preview, and let you have a look. After that, we will provide our own perspective. Jared will handle the Western Conference teams while Tony will look at the East.
Today, its the Western Conference’s St. Louis Blues
The Blues are another team in the midst of ownership uncertainty, as David Checketts and his group are looking to sell the team. On the ice, the Blues finished 10 points out of a playoff spot last year and figure to be one of a group of teams challenging to break into the post-season. Were the changes they made in the off-season enough?
(normally this is the spot where we link to the club’s website from the Fansided Network. however, St. Louis’ site has not previewed their club as of publishing time. We will link it as soon as it is up or you can check Bleedin Blue)
SENSHOT’S TAKE ON THE BLUES
The Blues have been dealt another huge blow with the news that the return of forward David Perron is still uncertain. Perron missed 72 games last season with post-concussion syndrome, and is still feeling symptoms. It was announced today, however, that he will be rejoining the team tomorrow. The power forward is a key cog in the Blues’ offense and was deeply missed. The addition of wily veterans Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner will ease the sting if Perron cannot come back at full force, but if Perron has a relapse and is out for an extended period again this season, the Blues will suffer.
The biggest changes to the Blues came mid-season last year when they added power forward Chris Stewart and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk in a trade from Colorado. The blueline is largely unchanged from the end of the season, and is a solid if not spectacular group led by hard nosed Barret Jackman.
In the net, Jaroslav Halak had best remain healthy and be able to play 65-70 games, because the backup is Brian Elliott, and we have seen what he can (or rather cannot) do when pressed into extended service.
The veteran additions have increased the depth and experience that the Blues needed to go along with their youthful exuberance. Whether it is enough to get them a playoff spot will be determined, but they will be in the group of 5 or 6 teams that compete for the last couple of spots up until the end of the season.
**Don’t forget to buy your Tickets for SenShot’s Alfie Night in Ottawa on November 11th, 2011. Click here for more details**
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