St. Louis Blues 2014-15 Season Preview

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Mar 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) hops the boards to start his shift against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Blues beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

ST. LOUIS BLUES

2013-14 RECAP

The Blues went for it in 2013-14, adding Ryan Miller to a team that was already a top contender. The Blues seemed home and cooled down the stretch for the division lead and a Wild Card opponent, but they slumped down the last few games and the Avalanche nipped them for the crown. The punishment for their collapse was the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, who won 4 straight after the Blues won the first two at home.

Apr 8, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Stastny (26) looks for a pass against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

CHANGES

IN – Paul Stastny, Jori Lehtera, Carl Gunnarson

OUT- Derek Roy, Roman Polak, Ryan Miller

The Blues added the top player availalbe in the free agent class, and dealing Gunnarson for Polak adds some more mobility to an already strong blue line.

Sep 25, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott (1) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeat the St. Louis Blues 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

1. Elliott or Allen? – While the Miller experiment didn’t work out and he is now a Canuck, the Blues look back internally and for the time being will be starting Brian Elliott with Jake Allen as his backup. It seems like just a matter of time before Allen usurps Elliott and becomes the goalie of the present, not just the future.

2. How Much Does Stastny help? Bringing in the most highly touted forward from the Free Agent class, Stastny becomes the #1 pivot and makes the pecking order more like an NHL contending forward unit. David Backes is a competitor, but will be much better as #2 than #1.

3. Hitch’s team now? – Ken Hitchcock has two rock-solid anchors on the blue line and a group of forwards that know how to play both ways for the most part. If he can’t get it done with this group, will he ever get it done?

May 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) is congratulated by St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) after scoring the tying goal with 44 seconds left in the third period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

PREDICTION