The St. Louis Blues are handing forward Jonatan Berggren a premier opportunity to once again showcase his offensive talent as the 26-year-old is projected to start on the second line against the San Jose Sharks. Through the opening three games of the season, Berggren's offensive production has been mildly throttled by some extended defensive-zone usage, forcing the winger to spend a lot of his ice time defending in his own zone. Despite those tough minutes, the Blues coaching staff has rewarded his early play this season by shifting him into a role where he can utilize his playmaking and offensive gifts to provide secondary scoring.
During Berggren's 36-game run with St. Louis last season, he proved he can be a dynamic playmker when given the chance, racking up 16 points and driving play at a 55 percent possession rate. The promotion to the second line should give the Swedish forward the chance to spark some of his offensive flair once more.
Setting Berggren up for success
Projected alongside Berggren, Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish should provide each other with the right amount of playmaking and skill to bring out the most in each other's game. Rather than forcing him to initiate physical puck retrievals, this trio should allow Berggren to operate and play more as a puck distributor. McTavish can provide the heavy net-front presence and forechecking that will free up pucks along the boards, while McMichael can use his transition play to enter the attacking zone with control.
With McMichael and McTavish combining for 28 shot attempts through three games, Berggren will be paired with two high-volume shooters who will be actively looking for his pass-first vision to benefit them in the offensive zone.
The San Jose matchup
The promotion to the second line puts Berggren in a position where he can start putting points on the board. Facing the Sharks at home, who have scored nine goals and allowed 12 goals in their first three games, could provide a chance to get a few players going offensively. The Sharks have needed to go into overtime twice in their first three games to get their two win's and could also be without their team captain, Macklin Celebrini.
Berggren should enjoy a boost in offensive zone starts and the pairing with two offensive-minded forwards who should find chemistry given their similar skill sets. Berggren is not afraid to shoot the puck, and while he only has four shots on goal through the first three games, the matchup against the Sharks and top-six deployment should help him boost some of his offensive numbers.
Berggren has been handed the keys to a perfect opportunity to spark his season and prove he belongs in the Blues' top six for the long haul. He will need to take advantage of every shift to fend off a group of wingers who are also vying for his spot.
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