Last week, I talked about a few St. Louis Blues players who haven’t played to expectations yet in 2024-25. This week, it’s the exact opposite, as I’ll be checking up on a few players whose efforts have flown under the radar in Gateway City.
Now, each of the names mentioned below are more than familiar to fans, and everyone might just be sold on the first name listed. As for the second player? Oh, I’m sure there will be some questions about how they made it, but hear me out because their numbers might be better than you thought.
Anyway, let’s cut the chatter and get after it. Which three players on the Blues have fared better than expected this season and whose efforts deserve some recognition?
Zachary Bolduc
If there’s one player this season I haven’t talked about enough, it’s Zachary Bolduc, who has more than made the most of his 12:02 of average total ice time this season. Bolduc is a player I can see playing roughly middle six minutes toward the end of the year if the Blues fall out of contention, and don’t be surprised if he produces well when given the chance.
So far this season, Bolduc has played in 26 games, has found the net four times for a shooting percentage of 12.9, and has 10 points in the process. Bolduc is also boasting a plus-5 rating, which is tied for third on the team with Dylan Holloway.
Looking at some advanced numbers, it's even better for Bolduc, who’s boasting a Corsi For of over 50 percent at even strength. He’s also got an on-ice shooting percentage of 11.7, indicating, in conjunction with his Corsi number, that he’s been creating chances when on the ice. As for the on-ice save percentage at even strength, it’s a healthy 92.1.
Scott Perunovich
Not long ago, Scott Perunovich started to impress me, and he’s since put up some fair numbers. No, Perunovich won’t be a breakout star or even someone who averages over 16:30 of ice time per game unless a slew of injuries occurs, but he’s played well so far in his niche when given a chance.
Perunovich has seen time in just 19 games so far this season, with a pair of goals and four assists, with 14:58 of average total ice time, 20 blocks, and nine hits. Those are numbers a few fans will scoff at, but when you look beyond the basic stat line, you see some good things.
Perunovich has been on the ice at even strength for 14 goals so far, good for a 10.8 on-ice shooting percentage. He’s well above average in Corsi For at 53.3 percent, indicating more efficacy, while the Blues have the puck. Not all his numbers show it, but Perunovich has been rather effective so far.
Radek Faksa
Radek Faksa has landed on injured reserve, and there’s a chance his impact could hurt the Blues. Faksa’s 54.2 faceoff win percentage is the second-highest on the team behind Robert Thomas among Blues forwards who regularly find themselves at the faceoff dot, and he’s been one of the Blues more physical forwards so far.
Faksa’s Corsi For at even strength may have sailed way under 50 percent, but for someone who routinely takes defensive zone faceoffs, that’s not to be unexpected. This is more than the case when he’s firing the puck at the net, considering his through rate of 50.8 percent, which ranks seventh on the team.