It’s time to drop the Stanley Cup banner as the 2019-20 St. Louis Blues season gets underway against the prior champions, the Washington Capitals. It should be a night of reminiscing on a glorious summer that brought Lord Stanley’s rain down on this once dry championship desert.
The St. Louis Blues are embarking on yet another year where expectations are high for them to muster up another deep playoff run. St. Louis retained most of last year’s minus Pat Maroon and Joel Edmundson.
Justin Faulk was the major addition that beefed up an already stellar first defensive pairing. Needless to say, Blues fans are locked in on the potential dynasty unfolding under the arch.
Opponent’s 2018-19 Record
48-26-8
The Washington Capitals are coming off a disappointing game seven loss at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes (those jerks) in the first round of the playoffs. I say it’s disappointing, but I don’t know how disappointed they can be after coming off a championship in the season prior. They did, however, finish first in the Metropolitan Division and have several key returners. Led by Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and T.J. Oshie, tonight’s matchup could be a tough one.
Blues’ All-Time Record vs. Washington
43-42-12-2
The matchup between our favorite preseason opponent and us is neck and neck. With just 43 wins and 54 total losses, the Blues have a chance tonight to make the point percentage a little bit better. The Capitals are a team that always plays the Blues tough and no matchup with them can be taken for granted. They still have a great team, and if the Blues become distracted by the pregame, it could be a long night
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Players to Watch
Playoff MVP Ryan O’Reilly is the first person to watch for tonight. The 10-year veteran has thrived since putting on the Blue note and got off to a hot start last season, putting up four points in his first two games. From what I can tell, O’Reilly loves playing for this franchise and looks comfortable with his role in this lineup. I would expect him to have another solid year from a production standpoint and to play like his hair is on fire tonight.
Justin Faulk:
The newest Blue played in a few preseason games, but this one is the real deal baby. Faulk was part of the Canes squad that took down the Capitals last season. I expect him to be hungry to do it again in the opener. Hyped up to play in front of his new home crowd next to fellow stud Alex Pietrangelo, Justin Faulk should do just fine in the home opener.
Robby Fabbri might be on his last attempt to be a full-time St. Louis Blues forward. The oft-injured left-winger put up six points last season in 32 games played. Personally, I think this spot belongs to Zach Sanford, but I have no reason to question the Blues’ decision making. Hopefully, Fabbri can return to his rookie year form where he put up nearly 40 points in 72 games. For now, keep your peripherals on his performance to begin the year.
Alex Pietrangelo:
Alex Pietrangelo is one of the players I am most excited to start the year. Heading into a contract year, The Captain looks to do some damage alongside previously mentioned Justin Faulk. I would bet on this pairing to put up not just one, but multiple points inside a VERY loud Enterprise Center.
Tyler’s Take
I fully believe the Blues will win this game tonight. I know it’s a tough matchup against a high-powered offense and strong goaltending, but I have a good feeling. With the banner unveiling and the Blues faithful in full force, there is no reason to think anything other than a win is coming. The only concern is that the pregame ceremony acts as a distraction more than a motivator. Blues win 4-3.