You can’t fault the Blues for trying to test themselves against the best each preseason. They’ll be facing the champions for another straight year this coming fall.
The St. Louis Blues are constantly trying to test themselves against the best teams and holding themselves to that standard. Based on postseason results, that has not worked out so well. However, to start seasons, they’ve done a good job of it.
Whether it is coincidence or planned, the Blues have faced the Stanley Cup champions in the preseason for several seasons the past few years. 2017 was the highest profile example, with the Blues facing the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Kraft Hockeyville preseason game.
That continues this fall when the Blues will face the Washington Capitals. In fact, the Blues will see the Capitals twice this coming preseason.
"PRESEASON SCHEDULESept. 18 at Dallas Stars, 7:30 p.m.*Sept. 19 at Minnesota Wild, 7 p.m.Sept. 21 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 at Columbus Blue Jackets, 2 p.m.Sept. 25 vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m.Sept. 28 vs. Dallas Stars, 7 p.m.** Sept. 30 at Washington Capitals, 5 p.m.* Game will be played at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA** Game time subject to change"
There are no marquee games that are going to be televised, like last season. However, it is the usual mix of regional rivals and a sprinkling of teams from the other conference.
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The Blues also continue their recent tradition of trying to help spread the popularity of the sport in the heartland. They played games in Kansas City the last couple seasons.
This year, they will face Minnesota in Iowa. While it is a preseason game, this one makes a lot of sense. Iowa is right between Missouri and Minnesota, so you’ll have a good balance of fans. Some past games made you wonder what the attraction was other than just having an NHL game there.
Columbus will be a good matchup. The Blue Jackets are still led by former Blues president, John Davidson, and are a former rival from their days as a Central Division team. They have some good talent and should be a solid preseason test.
Of course, the big matchup of the preseason (if there is such a thing) will be against the Capitals. If the Caps have overcome their championship hangover, that is a literal and figurative statement, it will be fun to see them take the ice early in the fall.
Blues fans could have an opportunity to give T.J. Oshie a warm welcome and wish him well on his championship success. Perhaps Alex Ovechkin will have some Russian words of encouragment for Vladimir Tarasenko that can push him to the next level too.
Ultimately, this is just preseason stuff matters very little. The Blues did translate last year’s win over Pittsburgh into a grand start to the season. We all know what happened once the shine wore off that.
So, wins over Washington or Dallas or any of these teams will mean very little. Nevertheless, it is nice knowing we have tangible dates.
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The prospect camp will be at the end of June. Free agency starts July 1. Now, we know when we will see actual games, even if they barely matter more than NFL preseason games.
The league is going to announce home openers on June 20. They will announce the entire league schedule on June 21.