Since we’ve all had time to play the latest edition of the EA Sports NHL video game series, I decided to take a look at some player rankings.
More from St Louis Blues News
- St. Louis Blues Giving Nick Ritchie A Look Is No Lose Situation
- St. Louis Blues Torey Krug Already Injured Before 2023-24 Season
- Former St. Louis Blues Forward Going Into Hall Of Fame
- Can Hofer Upstage Binnington in Starting Goalie Spot for Blues?
- St. Louis Blues 2023-24 fourth line depth chart could be surprisingly strong
The St. Louis Blues are one of the more talented teams in this year’s game, and here are the top 3 rated players on the roster (according to EA Sports). Not only are they the highest ranked Blues in the game, but they are in the top 50 overall for EA Sports NHL 16.
If that doesn’t just make your entire month of September, then you aren’t a true Blues supporter. Well, maybe you are. Personally, I’m about 5 games into my NHL season on the Xbox and Alex Steen is my top scorer.
Kevin Shattenkirk
Jan 30, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; St. Louis Blues defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk (22) watches the play against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The St. Louis Blues defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The no. 42 best player according to EA Sports is St. Louis Blues defenseman, Kevin Shattenkirk. He is set at a “90” overall. The former 1st round pick of the Colorado Avalanche is one of the premier offensive defenseman in the NHL. His “88” slap shot power harkens back to the days of Al MacInnis.
Personally, I’m quite impressed with Shatty’s speed in the game. His speed is rated at an “89.” If the Blues have any hope of getting past the 1st round of the playoffs, they’ll need all the speed they can find. After all, Minnesota skated circles around our Blues last year in the playoffs.
Alex Pietrangelo
Apr 22, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St. Louis Blues forward Ryan Reaves (75) celebrates his goal with defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
At the no. 41 overall ranking, another Blues defenseman takes the stage. Alex Pietrangelo, the Canadian international, is one of the premier defenders in the league. Pietrangelo is also rated at “90” overall. His puck control is rated in the 90s as is his passing and slap shot power. I’m not sure if his speed should be at an “87,” but I wasn’t consulted.
His puck skills are 5 star caliber, which I completely agree with, but I would like to see some more speed from Alex in real life, not just in the video game world.
Vladimir Tarasenko
In what will be a surprise to no one, Vladi comes in at the no. 29 overall player in NHL 16. This is something I take issue with. He should be in the top 20 at the very least. His highlight reel goals are total video game quality. EA Sports has his deking at “94” and his shooting at a 5 star.
The 23-year-old will be in the top 10 sooner rather than later, but for now fans will have to just settle for a top 30 forward. His wrist shots are some of the best in the league, and his rating for wrist shot accuracy comes in at a “94.” I still think EA Sports won’t respect the player until he wins a few playoff series, but who knows. Vladi will make them pay with a 50 goal season in 2015-2016.