The St. Louis Blues are playing some great hockey right now. At 7-1-2 over their last 10 games, this franchise is making a serious attempt at the postseason. Of course, if it does not happen, this stellar play is a sign of good things to come through this impending retool.
On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals roll through the Enterprise Center. This is going to be a hard-fought game for both sides, even though neither is in a playoff position.
Let's take a look at three Blues players that should be x-factors in this game.
Jake Neighbours
Obviously, going against the Capitals has the threat of Alexander Ovechkin and Tom Wilson. For Wilson, the Blues had ex-captain Brayden Schenn to try to contain him and his aggressive playstyle. But, now that Schenn is on Long Island, it is time for his replacement, and potentially torch-carrier as the next captain, Jake Neighbours, to try and step up to Wilson.
Neighbours has a large part in whatever the future holds for the Blues. His continued development will be crucial, and this season has seen him take a major step forward.
Jimmy Snuggerud
Speaking of important parts of the next era of the Blues, Jimmy Snuggerud can make a difference in this game. Alongside Dylan Holloway, and another Blue we will talk about below that will make a big difference in this game, the first-line has been electric.
Snuggerud has 15 goals and 21 assists on the season for 36 points. That is good enough for the fourth-most points on this team for the season, in a tie with winger Jordan Kyrou. As for the rest of the NHL rookies, No. 21 is in fourth-place for points as well. Even though Matthew Schaefer from the New York Islanders has that Calder Trophy locked up, Snuggerud should get a few fourth-place votes or higher.
Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas is the final, and most important part of this very successful first lines for the Blues. This is a prime example why No. 18 should be the face of the next generation of this team, and at 26-years-old, he is entering his best years.
Thomas and Dalibor Dvorsky could be a very successful 1C and 2C of the future.