2013-14 record: 52-23-7 (111 points)
Lost to Chicago in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: David Backes
The St. Louis Blues started last season on a tear, and were in fact, a favorite to win the President's Trophy. However, the last six games of the season, and eventually the playoffs, did not look upon them too kindly, as they not only lost the Central Division title on the last day of the regular season, but also lost the playoff series against Chicago after being up 2-0. While the regular season offense and defense were great (for the most part), both ends unraveled in the playoffs. That was why Ryan Miller and his 2.70 GAA in the playoffs wasn't resigned and Peter Stastny was brought in to provide clutch scoring. Stastny joins 33-goal scorer Alexander Steen and four other 20-goal scorers (David Backes, TJ Oshie, Jaden Schwartz, and Vladimir Tarasenko) in the hopes that his playoff luck will rub off on them, as only Tarasenko lived up to any billing as a goal scorer in the playoffs. They will have to compensate somewhat for the loss of Vladimir Sobotka, who brought a toughness to the front lines.
Defensively, this unit can jump start an offense, but won't intimidate anyone, as only Barrett Jackman provides any grit of the regulars. That means the likes of Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Bouwmeester, and Kevin Shattenkirk will all have to step up the transition game more so. Miller's departure opens the door for Jake Allen to become a full time NHLer after spending most of last season in the minors. He will be 1B to Brian Elliott's 1A, as the Blues will once again go with the hot hand throughout the season.
Prediction: 2nd in the Central Division
The Blues have offense for days and a system that keeps pucks out of the net. However, those systems seem to break down come playoff time, and now the Blues are playing catch-up with the Blackhawks and Kings of the world. The pressure is on to perform when it counts the most, so how the players respond this season may determine the fate of the coaching staff.
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