The St. Louis Blues started their season with a couple of split decisions: a decisive victory over the Dallas Stars, followed by a disastrous defeat at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche where the Blues got their doors blown off.
The first proper week of the NHL season is underway, and the Blues have a more standard trio of games on the schedule--including their home opener. They'll have a chance to try and get their power play right, and hopefully the top line will start clicking too. Let's get into the opposition.
@ Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are without young phenom Connor Bedard for another few weeks, and their outlook is bleak. They've lost all three of their games so far this season in regulation, and their minus-10 goal differential is the third worst mark in the league. Major offseason acquisition Bowen Byram missed Saturday's game for a personal matter, though he's likely to be back in the lineup tonight against the Blues. Joel Hofer's likely to start in net, and the Blues should be able to rebound from last week's ghastly showing against the Avalanche.
Oh, and congratulations to Colton Parayko, who's expected to tie the franchise record for second most games played; his 803 games will match Barret Jackman. Long way to go to catch Bernie Federko's 927 but, barring a trade or injury, Parayko's contract takes him through 2030--Parayko will easily pass Federko if he finishes that contract with the Blues.
vs. San Jose Sharks
At long last, a home game! The three-game road trip to start the season behind them, the Blues finally have their home opener. Their opponent, however, is not one to take lightly.
This may be the season the Sharks' rebuild finally bears some fruit. Monday's 5-0 drubbing against the Stars aside, the Sharks' young core--led by Macklin Celebrini--looks like a team that could make some noise in a weak Pacific Division. San Jose has come a long way from being the "easy" team on the schedule, and the Blues will have to keep an eye on the rising stars on the Sharks.
vs. Columbus blue Jackets
Speaking of young teams on the rise, the Blue Jackets are another curious case in the Eastern Conference. They made a splashy trade the day before the season started, sending a noncommittal Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs (along with a few other assorted pieces) in exchange for Matthew Knies and a couple other assets.
It's a make-or-break year in Columbus after reigning Norris-winner Zach Werenski indicated he may not be interested in staying with the Blue Jackets when he's eligible to sign an extension next summer. With Marchenko already gone, and Werenski's future up in the air, this is a team desperate to make the playoffs in a muddled Metropolitan Division. The Blues will need to be prepared to face a team with everything to lose.
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