St. Louis Blues Preview | 
| Last Season | |
| Record | 41-31-10 |
| Points | 92 |
| Conference | 6th |
| League | 15th |
| Offense | 2.77 GPG (19th) |
| Defense | 2.77 GAA (12th) |
| Power Play | 20.5% (8th) |
| Penalty Kill | 83.8% (3rd) |
| Points leader | Brad Boyes – 72 |
| Goals | Brad Boyes – 33 |
| Team Facts | |
| GM | Larry Pleau |
| Coach | Andy Murray |
| Arena | Scottrade Center |
| Capacity | 19,150 |
| 08/09 attendance | 18,554 (10th) |
| AHL Affiliate | Peoria |
Departures
Manny Legace, Dan Hinote, Jay McKee,
Arrivals
Ty Conklin
Forwards
One of the biggest surprises last season in terms of forwards, the Blues are back and are looking for even more production from their young players. Brad Boyes led the team in scoring with 33 goals, and should inch closer to the 40-goal mark this season barring injury.
Team Canada camp invitee Andy McDonald will need to have a great start to the season if he wants to impress Steve Yzerman and the Team canada brass.
Fan favourite T.J. Oshie should improve upon his rookie campaign where he scored 39 points in 57 games. One of the major focuses this season could be the continuation of the Oshie/Rick Nash rivalry from last season.
With no major changes to the dynamics of the forward lines, the Blues should improve upon their 19th GPG standing from last year.
Defenseman
An underrated defensive corps that contributed massively to the 3rd overall penalty kill in the league last season. Barret Jackman and Eric Brewer provide a solid shut down top line. Erik Johnson and Carlo Colaiacovo – picked up from Toronto last season – will be counted on to carry some of the offensive load this year. Watch for prospect Alex Pietrangelo to make an impression during camp and potentially steal one of the top six spots on the roster.
Goalies
When Chris Mason took over the starting job last season from Manny Legace, the Blues started soaring up the conference standings. Mason played in 57 games, winning 27 with a GAA of 2.47 and a SV% of .916. Mason will get a little more work load this season and will look to continue flourishing in the solid St. Louis system. Journeyman goalie Ty Conklin was brought in to backup Mason this season. He brings a veteran presence and has the ability to start if Mason does end up getting hurt. The Blues won’t play in the winter classic this year, making the first time that Conklin won’t play in the annual game.
Strengths
- The sniping ability of Boyes, the passing ability of McDonald and the emergence of youngsters Oshie, David Backes, and David Perron means the Blues will be dangerous once again this season.
- The special teams play on this team is simply remarkable. They are a combined fifth overall in the entire league, and with no changes to the forwards or defense, these stats should only improve
- Mason was an absolute force in goal last season. Not only did he have the afforementioned 27 wins, but he had six shutouts; good enough for six in the league. He should once again put up solid numbers in front of a solid team.
Weaknesses
- After the first two lines, the scoring dried up and vanished last season. If the Blues want to be more consistent, especially in the playoffs, they will need some secondary scoring from the blue collared players.
- The offensive ability of the defensemen on the Blues is fairly lacking. The most offensive minded player they have is Brewer, and his career is winding down. They will need more offensive production from their defense if they want to improve their conference standing.
Analysis
The Blues are poised to once again battle for a playoff spot. They have all the necessary tools to compete in the Western Conference, however, so do many other teams. Brad Boyes should lead the team in scoring once again. Chris Mason will be a vital piece of the team. If he can play a consistent game, the Blues will remain in the hunt for a spot and could slip into the playoffs at the end of the season.
Prediction: 9th in the West.
Topics: Andy McDonald, Brad Boyes, Chris Mason, David Backes, David Perron, NHL, NHL Preview 2009-10, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Blues 2009-10, TJ Oshie, Ty Conklin
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