The St. Louis Blues kicked off their 2026-27 season with a statement road win over the Dallas Stars: Joel Hofer made a 25-save shutout, the depth players stepped up, and the youngsters made their presence known. Perhaps most importantly, the newcomers proved their value--starting with Mason McTavish, who opened the scoring with a goal 1:34 into the first period, with assists from Colton Parayko and Jimmy Snuggerud.
McTavish's immediate impact
At long last, the Blues may have their answer at second-line center behind Robert Thomas. With Pavel Buchnevich and fellow new addition Connor McMichael on his wings, the Blues might have a top-six forward group that opponents will have to respect. If this early-season success can be extended across an entire season, the Blues might be able to make some playoff noise.
Not only did McTavish score what would become the game-winning goal, but he was effective everywhere else on the ice, too. In 9:01 of ice time at 5-on-5, McTavish posted an 84.77 expected Goals For percentage (xGF%) and a 62.50 Corsi For percentage (CF%), per Natural Stat Trick. It's a one-game sample size, so don't expect such glowing numbers every game, but you can't ask much more of a player making his debut with a new team up against a serious Stanley Cup contender like Dallas.
All told, McTavish had six shot attempts in 14:36 total ice time, including two high-danger scoring chances.
Where McTavish goes from here
That's not to say McTavish had a perfect game. You'd like to see him earn a little more ice time, so as to take some of the load off Thomas (who played 22:59 against the Stars). McTavish also has some work to do in the faceoff circle if he wants to stick at center: his career average is 48.5 percent, and last night he was a lowly 33.3 percent. Again, one-game sample size, but it's an area he'll need to improve upon.
Then there's the power play. The Blues were 0-for-4 last night after going 0-for-18 in the preseason, and McTavish is on the top unit alongside Thomas, Snuggerud, Dylan Holloway, and Cam Fowler. Of the forwards on that unit, McTavish's spot is likely the most precarious--one of Buchnevich or Dalibor Dvorsky could prove themselves more competent in the role. McTavish will have to show he deserves to get those prime opportunities.
All told, though, it was a great debut for McTavish as a Blue, and there are plenty of positives to build on as the season progresses.
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