St. Louis Blues In Make Or Break Situation?

Apr 9, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Kris Versteeg (23) celebrates with David Backes (42) and Patrik Berglund (21) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Peters of CBS Sports believes the St. Louis Blues are in a make or break situation in 2015-2016.

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I’m not 100% on board with Peters and his assessment, but he makes valid points. Part of his opening argument is that the St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup window with their current squad may be closing.

"The Blues have to wonder about their own window and how long they have to be as dominant as they are during the regular season without the big shiny chalice the team has been chasing to no end since joining the NHL in 1967. The Blues have pieces that should keep them competitive and probably even a regular playoff team, but 2015-16 very well could be their make-or-break year with the Stanley Cup window still peeking open. Here’s a look at three big reasons the pressure is on the Blues to win now."

Yes, the Blues have yet to win a Stanley Cup in their history, but this season is not the be all end all of NHL campaigns. They have just signed superstar forward, Vladimir Tarasenko to an 8-year contract. Sure, there’s pressure to win, and win now. But that pressure is on St. Louis Blues leadership. This is where I agree with Peters. He believes captain, David Backes, and Ken Hitchcock could be in the last year of their St. Louis tenures.

Hitchcock’s 37% winning percentage in the playoffs certainly won’t cut. I think the St. Louis Blues are a better team with David Backes than without, but a trade could turn my head for the right price.

I think Hitchcock has done a great job in St. Louis in the regular season. That being said, division titles and top seeds in the playoffs don’t mean anything when you lose in the first round. Many Blues fans feel Hitch needs to work in more rest for his star players to preserve their game fitness for the playoffs.

Last month, I wrote that Hitchcock wasn’t the problem for the St. Louis Blues. The 1 year contract given to Hitch this offseason is also a smart call. If the Blues crash out of the playoffs in an early round yet again, then it will be time for some new blood in St. Louis.

Peters believes this is the time for the young Blue Notes. Blues youngsters such as Tarasenko, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Jake Allen, will be the focus of the next decade in St. Louis. Certainly, Blues regulars of the past several seasons in Alex Steen, David Backes, and Jay Bouwmeester, will be moving out of the picture in that timeframe. The St. Louis Blues have already forced out club-favorite T.J. Oshie in a trade for Troy Brouwer formerly of the Washington Capitals.

The Blues must face reality. If they can move forward this season and advance to the Stanley Cup finals, then it proves this offseason paid off. If they lose in the 1st round of the postseason for a 3rd straight year, then expect heads to roll and a mass exodus of Blues players, coaches, and team executives to look for new jobs in 2016.

Next: St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko Can Score 50 Goals

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