The St. Louis Blues opened their preseason schedule with a visit to Texas to play the division-rival Dallas Stars. The Blues lost 2-1, but the preseason is not necessarily about wins and losses. Veterans are looking to get ready for the regular season. Young players are looking to make an impression and possibly even make the roster. We are going to look at what stood out in the Blues preseason opener.
Three Observations From the St. Louis Blues Preseason Opener
It’s finally gameday! Select Blues preseason games will be available live at https://t.co/qz2Ghf4cey, the Blues App, Victory+ and 101 ESPN for fans in the St. Louis region. https://t.co/S6FiPRkQ8p
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 21, 2024
Do Not Forget Kasperi Kapanen
When the Blues re-signed Kapanen over the summer, it shocked many. Kapanen only scored six goals in 73 games last season. The move seemed to be for forward depth, nothing more.
Then Kapanen took the ice Saturday night. He played a strong game. He skated well in the offensive zone and moved the puck well on the power play. On one particular power play, the Blues placed him on the left wing position. He looked comfortable in that spot, handling the puck with confidence and keeping his eye open looking for a passing or shooting lane. In another instance, Kapanen carried the puck into the zone down the right side and cycled around the net to give the offence a chance to get set up. It was a good veteran play, showing he was aware of what was happening on the ice. Furthermore, he scored the only goal of the game for the Blues.
It was a nice reminder of the offensive potential Kapanen has. Is he the 20-goal scorer from 2019? Not likely. However, when he came over to the Blues via waivers in 2023, he scored eight goals in 23 games and was a positive player on the ice. It is easy to forget about Kapanen, especially after last year, but he is someone to keep an eye on.
Kappy making us happy #stlblues pic.twitter.com/6sf7e7IpLR
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 22, 2024
Alex Pietrangelo? Is That You?
Sadly, it is not the former captain and Stanley Cup champion. However, Samuel Johannesson was looking like the former captain on the ice. The 23-year old defenceman led the Blues in ice time. In addition, he moved the puck well on the power play and would chip in to keep the puck in the zone. His scouting report says his biggest asset is his hockey intelligence. That was on display Saturday night.
Johannesson has to have gained some attention from the Blues tonight. It will be interesting to see how quickly the Blues put him back in the lineup to get more looks at the young defenceman. The team may have an abundance of defenceman for this season, but Johannesson may be a name to keep in mind should an injury happen.
“That’s My Secret, Cap. I’m Always Angry!”
Did someone forget to tell Tyler Tucker that it is only the preseason? That man was hitting anyone with a pulse. Tucker led both teams with seven hits. He was hitting so much the Chicago White Sox are thinking of putting him in their lineup. Now, Tucker did take a bad penalty as a result of his aggressive play. After a Star forward dumped the puck into the zone, Tucker continued forward to complete the check and was correctly called for elbowing. However, he was playing with energy and was looking to make plays.
Tucker comes into the preseason with an uncertain future. He is not guarantee a roster spot to start the season. He will have to earn it. Tucker used his body to make plays tonight. The bad penalty does stand out, however. Does that condemn him to the American Hockey League when camp breaks? Not at all. However, there are many other defenceman trying to stand out as well. There is not much room for error for anyone.
Former First-Round Pick Shines
Zachary Bolduc enters the preseason with an uncertain role. The former first-round pick made a strong impression in the preseason opener. Bolduc tied for the team lead in shots on goal with three. The forward was a confident skater in the offensive zone. He did get caught with head down once and got his pocket picked, but that was the only blemish on his night. He showed the handful of NHL games he got last year has helped him develop as a player.
Bolduc played on the top line alongside Pavel Buchnevich and Jake Neighbours. The line looked comfortable together. Bolduc and Buchnevich seemed to have good chemistry. Each had a great pass to the other from behind the net leading to a point-blank scoring chance. We know the Blues are committed to using Buchnevich as a centre. Could Bolduc emerge as a line partner for the star forward? Bolduc has been compared to Ryan O’Reilly. Blues fans fondly remember the chemistry O’Reilly had with David Perron. Could Saturday have been the prologue to the next dynamic duo in Blues history?
Next Preseason Game
The Blues will travel to Utah to take on the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday. It will be the Blues first visit to Utah since the franchise relocated from Arizona. Lineups are unknown at this time, but it can be expected to see some other faces taking the ice on Sunday.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
