St. Louis Blues Preseason: What To Watch For

With the new season upon us, I figured I’d take to four burning topics on St. Louis Blues fans’ minds.

Brian Elliot vs. Jake Allen

Elliot vs. Allen, Stark vs. Lannister, Jedi vs. Sith, what do these all have in common? Well, maybe Allen and Elliot aren’t quite combatants, but they’re certainly vying for the starting job this NHL season. Jake Allen began training camp with a leg up on the competition to be the first choice shot blocker for the St. Louis Blues.

After just one weekend of camp, Allen began experiencing back spasms. This has paved the way for Brian Elliot to move into the no. 1 role. Bleedin’ Blue covered this event in depth earlier this week.

David Backes to the wing?

Much of this offseason has been spent prognosticating on Backes’ future. Captain David Backes has one year left on his 5-year deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016. His expiring deal was worth a total of $22.5M, and I wouldn’t expect him to attract another deal of that magnitude again.

Backes could be moved further down the pecking order at center this year for the Blues. Jori Lehtera and Paul Stastny will be pushing the captain down to the 3rd line this year. Stastny will be looking to improve upon a less-than-stellar 2014-2015 season. In his first year with the Blues, he totaled just 46 points in 74 games played.

An injury limited his production last year, but the club expects big things from the St. Louis native. Backes could move to the wing which would allow him more opportunities in front of the net where he excels. Backes also needs to limit his penalty minutes this season. In order for the captain to remain as a top 6 forward perhaps his best move is to the flank.

3 on 3 OT Lines

The new overtime rules will allow for the speedsters, superstars, and top players from each team to end games in a hurry. With 3 v. 3 for 5 minutes after regulation, the NHL looks to limit shootouts as much as possible. Not only will shootouts become less frequent, but hockey fans will be able to see wide-open ice with the top skaters slotting home game-winning goals in highlight reel fashion.

Apr 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) and Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) battle for the puck in game one during the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

I’d look to see Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Steen, and Vladimir Tarasenko, win many games for the St. Louis Blues within the new OT rules. I discussed the Blues’ position in the new overtime in a piece on Bleedin’ Blue last weekend. I think Paul Stastny has an opportunity as well in this situation, but look to see Vladi and Steener showing the Blues potential in preseason games that will test out the new NHL overtime.

The Troy Brouwer Experience

Troy Brouwer is the new kid on the block for the St. Louis Blues.

He came to the arch city in the T.J. Oshie trade via the Washington Capitals. I would expect him to thrive in Hitchcock’s system. He will be able to terrorize the opposing goalie in front of the net with young talent such as Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz.

Brouwer is aware of the player he has “replaced” and of his standing with Blues fans in St. Louis. Brouwer won’t attempt to replace the club-favorite, Oshie, but he will be a key piece of the puzzle as the Blues try for their first ever Stanley Cup. I expect big things from Brouwer Power in 2015-2016, and preseason will be the first opportunity to witness his potential chemistry with his new club.

Next: Tarasenko's Top Five Goals

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