December Will Be a Shootout: St.Louis Blues Are Ready To Flip the Coin

As the last two years have proven, the St. Louis Blues (11-10-5 27pts) have experienced major trouble in December. St. Louis is (9-16-4) total for the month of December.

The Blues will look to flip the numbers around and find that scoring touch. David Perron leads the team currently with nine goals. Erik Johson leads the team with 14 assists and 18 points. 

The Blues are (5-4-1) in their last 10. They went (5-4-4) in the month of November. They are coming off a glorious third-period comeback victory against the San Jose Sharks to start December off. T.J. Oshies goal clinched the victory in the shootout.

Andy Murray's club has shown character against some difficult teams this year. Their resilience has attributed to their fantastic road record (6-2-3). Though they continue to struggle at home (5-8-2).

Erik Johnson has been exceptional for the Blues this year. He has shown a toughness that we were unable to acknowledge last year due to his injury. He has been hit all year long and never seems to miss a shift.

David Perron after a slow start now leads the team in goals with nine. He has made some cleverly stylish plays this year. David has used his size, speed, as well as his amazing stick-handling abilities to put the puck in the net.

I look for Patrik Berglund to start picking up his game in the month of December. Last year Berglund had his best month of the year. He had 13 points: six goals, seven assists, with a plus four. So look for a turn around this month from Berglund.

The next three games will be key for the Blues success in December. They have a strong record verse the West (9-6-3).

They will face the Los Angeles Kings (17-10-2 36 pts), Colorado Avalanche (15-9-6 36 pts), and Detroit Red Wings (13-10-4 30 pts).

The defense has played a big role for the Blues success all year long. St. Louis is ranked fourth with (84.6%) in the NHL on the penalty kill.

Goaltending has been really strong for the Blues this year. Chris Mason (2.29 goals against average), and Ty Conklin (2.26 goals against average) have been stellar for the team. Their strong play has provided a chance to win in almost every game this year.

Their defense has been strong with a plus/minus of plus twelve this year. The Erik Johnson effect has taken place.    

Let us compare the Blues next three opponents goals against St.Louis goaltending, and you will find St. Louis has the advantage.

Blues:   69 goals against    

Kings:   87 goals against    

Avalanche:  92 goals against

Red Wings:  77 goals against