After a stretch of six losses in seven games, the St. Louis Blues exploded for a 7-2 win at the San Jose Sharks which they and their fans hope will be an end to their slump that caused them to fall to third place in the Central Division behind the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks. Goaltending continues to be the main concern for the Blues although to netminder Brian Elliott had returned from injury to help stabilize the position.
Home Stand Could Ignite Resurgence
The Blues open a seven game homestand on Thursday as the revenge minded Sharks will come calling followed by the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. The homestand is an opportunity for the Blues to make up ground in the Central where Nashville in particular has been impressive. The Blues homestand will end with a showdown against the Preds on January 29.
Elliott’s Value Illustrated
Elliott is the clear number one goaltender and his December injury illustrated just how important he is to the Blues. Last year, Elliott could have been insulted when the Blues made the big trade with Buffalo for Ryan Miller. But Elliott made no waves and calmly rode out the brief Miller era in which the highly touted netminder failed to deliver the goods in an underwhelming performance that ended with a playoff loss to Chicago in the first round.
But for the Blues and Elliott perhaps it was a valuable lesson about Elliott’s actual value to the team and that he can actually be a bona fide number one goalie that can deliver the goods come playoff time. Elliott had a .930 save percentage that was among the best in the NHL and far and away the best on the Blues. Young Jake Allen and future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur each had save percentages of .899 and could not hold down the fort in Elliott’s absence.
Oshie Rocks Hat Trick
TJ Oshie had such a disappointing start to the season that he became the subject of trade rumors and speculation. But his hat trick in the win at San Jose will likely quiet such talk, at least for now. The USA Olympic hero has the skill that makes it wise for the Blues to ride out such slumps and stick with the 28 year old right wing. He now has 10 goals on the season.
Sniper Emerges
St. Louis was fortunate to have RW Vladimir Tarasenko as he was enjoying a breakout season with 22 goals and a +19. Best yet the 23 year old Russian still has plenty of upside which bodes well for The Note come playoff time.
