St. Louis Blues’ Lethal Top Line

By Andrew Martin | Sep 25, 2015

Feb 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26), goalie Brian Elliott (1) and right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) congratulate each other after they beat the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. St. Louis Blues defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

I am a total believer in the top line of Vladimir Tarasenko, Paul Stastny, and Alex Steen. There, I’ve said it. As much as Stastny struggled to completely fit in with his new team, the St. Louis Blues, last season, I think this will be his year to shine.

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A completely healthy Stastny will do wonders for the St. Louis Blues, and his stat line in general. Last week, I analyzed his first season in the Note and his outlook on the upcoming season in a piece for Bleedin’ Blue.

The St. Louis Blues top line selected by head coach, Ken Hitchcock, in the first 2 preseason matches consisted of Steener, Vladi, and Stastny. Last night at the Scottrade Center, it appeared that our Blues’ top line is ready for action. Vladi and Stastny each notched 2 goals. Not only was last night’s game against the Dallas Stars an offensive explosion for the forwards, but they each notched a goal in their first game of the preseason against Columbus.

The Blues may have beaten the Stars 6-0 last night, and it really doesn’t amount to much in the grand scheme of things. Sure, teams are just getting their legs under them again and learning to play with new players, line mates, and coaches. But, the chemistry is certainly there with Stastny, Tarasenko, and Steen.

According to Left Wing Lock, this line combination only skated together for 2.29% of all games last season. Stastny was brought to St. Louis to be a top-6 forward for his hometown club. His ability is certainly not a question, but his durability will be under the microscope this season. He may have come back from injury too early last season in order to get back on the ice and prove his worth to his new club, but it may have cost him goals and assists along the way.

Dec 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) during the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. The Avalanche won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Stastny spent much of last season on lower lines due to this injury and the success of having Backes and Lehtera on the top lines as centermen.

This year, Backes may move to right wing. When Jori Lehtera and Patrik Berglund return from injury, it will only further add to the stable of centers on the active roster. Berglund won’t be back for a few months, but Lehtera shouldn’t be out quite as long. When that happens, Backes should have a chance at a top line on the right wing. He’s been taking reps on the right wing in camp this season, and Jaden Schwartz has seen time at center.

Stastny had 46 points in 74 regular season games with St. Louis last year, and he notched 60 points in 71 games with the Colorado Avalanche the season before.

His numbers over his last year in Colorado were staggering. I think with a year under his belt with his new club, and the confidence of being 100% health and fit for skating, he will be able to achieve a great deal with our Blues in 2015-2016.

Next: St. Louis Blues Like Their Chances In New OT Format

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