2009-2010 record: 40-32-10 (90 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Eric Brewer
Alternate Captain: David Backes, Barret Jackman
3 players to watch: New acquisition Jaroslav Halak brings a spectacular, albeit brief, playoff resume and a penchant for being clutch when it counts the most. He was also the goaltender when Slovakia nearly made it to the gold medal game in the 2010 Olympics. Brad Boyes is capable of a 40 goal season, as he did a few seasons ago. However, he slumped to 14 goals in 82 games. If St. Louis is expected to take the next step, Boyes will have to approach 30 goals or so. The blue line has a lot of potential, but not all of the parts have been around enough for it to realize its potential. One piece that could figure into the mix is Alex Pietrangelo. He will likely start on the third pairing, but expect him to move up in the order.
Things to look for: Like Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Los Angeles, the Blues have tried to develop from within. However, they have gone through the development quite slowly. Guys like T.J. Oshie, David Backes, David Perron, and Erik Johnson should be ready to take charge and produce to their highest potential. Offensively, the team is without a game changer, so scoring by committee is the team's best chance, unless Boyes can rediscover his scoring touch. The blue line isn't spectacular, but they play fairly well together and should be worth watching...if they can stay healthy. Leadership may be an issue, as Keith Tkachuk retired and Paul Kariya was not retained, but also won't be playing this season due to injury. Who provides the veteran leadership will be worth watching. Chris Mason was solid, but not flashy. St. Louis got even better in goal with the trade for Halak, and Halak will steal a few games for St. Louis. The comparisons to Dominik Hasek may be far off, but another year like last season, and those comparisons just may become true.
Prediction: 7th in the West
Song: Dillinger Escape Plan-Jim Fear
St. Louis hockey will be hard to turn away from this season, much in the same way that Dillinger Escape Plan is hard to turn away from.
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