Three Reasons To Worry About 2023-24 St. Louis Blues Already

Relying on goaltending

Interestingly, one of the worries about the Blues going into the 2023-24 season was goaltending. Many fans had soured on Stanley Cup champion Jordan Binnington and were even pondering whether Joel Hofer could steal the starting spot.

Well, instead, Binnington has shown focus, determination and that cool demeanor that made him an unstoppable force in 2019. He has kept the Blues in both of their early contests by making some highlight reel saves.

How could that be a bad thing? It is because the Blues are already relying on their goalie far too much right now.

Through the first two games of the season, the Blues are averaging a little over 32 shots against per game. Not only is that a high number, but the high danger chances against are a little more than you would like.

Though the Blues collected three points out of four in two games, the only forced overtime against Dallas and only did not lose in overtime against Seattle because Binnington allowed it. If not for his gigantic saves, the Blues might easily have one or no points in the first two games.

That’s great to have a big start from your goaltender, especially when you wanted them to have a big year. However, it is not sustainable to expect that kind of performance from Binnington, nor Hofer, for 80 more games.

If the Blues don’t give their netminder an easy night now and then, this might be a long season again.