St. Louis Blues This Is The Year...

John Davidson and Co have been saying since they came into the organization more then 4 years ago that it will be a 3 to 5 year rebuilding process.  Well were going into the 5th year and its looking like all signs are a go for a solid year and maybe a deep playoff run.

To start the year the Blues finally acquired a true number one goalie that is in his prime and not a veteran with his best years in the past no offense to any former Blues goalies.  Where the real problem lies is the offense and with it appearing that they will not sign any forwards it will be a huge year for guys like David Perron, T.J. Oshie, and Patrik Berglund to put up the points they were drafted for.

While all three have played very good hockey, they have not put up the type of offense that they were expected to and with the loss of a skilled forward in Paul Kariya.  All three of them and more Blues forwards will really need to rise to the occasion and score some goals.

The defense is where it gets interesting especially with the resigning of Carlo Colaiacavo.  With Mike Weaver leaving the team it seems, it makes all the sense in the world for Alex Pietrangelo to take his spot.

 Doug Armstrong has said he does not want the risk of young defense man grinding it out in the NHL and would whether have them develop in the AHL till they are ready.  It makes you wonder if they will give Pietrangelo his fair chance or just give the spot away to Tyson Strachan who has shown the ability in the past to play fundamental hockey, but has never shown the offensive ability of an Alex Pietrangelo.

The Blues playing the arguably the best division of hockey will have a tough time getting to the playoffs, but this is the year where the team has to show up and show everyone what they are made of.  Anything less then the playoffs will be considered a major disappointment for the fans, the management, and especially the players.