The Blues have had a somewhat disappointing start to the season, but sit at 3-1-1, so all-in-all, we cannot be too displeased with no preseason to get ramped up.
The first game, on Wednesday January 13, was exceptionally well played by the Blues, as they beat a quality Colorado team 4-1. They were lead by Oskar Sundqvist with two goals, but it was really the solid play of Jordan Binnington, and magnificent, electrifying passes of Robert Thomas that showed what a force the team can be when everything is clicking.
Then there was a second game against Colorado two nights later. This did not go as well. This in fact was one of the worst games the Blues have played in my almost 30 years of watching hockey, as they got obliterated 8-0. The game could have been 2-0 and it would not have changed how lackluster the effort was. They appeared very tired, slow, and disengaged from the end of the first period. Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon led the way with 2 goals, and 3 points respectively.
Putting that dismal effort and offensive showing behind, the Blues faced off against the San Jose Sharks on Monday, January 18. The Sharks jumped to a 2-0 first period lead, but the Blues were able to rally and score 4 goals in the second period, en route to a 5-4 victory. This was a much needed win not only to right the ship, but to prove that they were able to muster some offense. Justin Faulk had a bit of a coming out party with two goals, and the Blues will need him to live up to his contract if they are to go far this season.
Two nights later, the Blues and Sharks played again. It was a good game, with the Blues playing well defensively, but ultimately falling 2-1 in a shootout. Jordan Kyrou continued his impressive play, notching an assist on the Blues’ only goal scored by Brayden Schenn.
The last game of the week had the Blues playing the LA Kings. The Blues blitzed them early with a barrage of shots, taking a 1-0 lead in to the second period. The Kings did not go away though, scoring two of their own in the second, but ultimately the Blues were too much, winning 4-2. Ryan O’Reilly had two assists, and Torey Krug scored his first as a member of the Blues.
