On Wednesday evening, the St. Louis Blues played in their third preseason game. The Blue Note fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 3-0. Despite the loss, a few positive things stood out for the Blues, including the influence of a new coach and the continued emergence of a youngster.
Observations From Third Blues Preseason Game
Johnny Hockey Honoured Before Game
Wednesday was the Blue Jackets first hockey game on home ice since the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Johnny Hockey was honoured with a 13-second moment of silence prior to the game beginning. The Blue Jackets will continue to honour the Gaudreaus throughout the season. Here’s a brief clip of this emotional beginning to the game honouring their lives.
Prior to puck drop tonight, we honored the lives and legacies of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau with a 13 second moment of silence. ♥️💙 pic.twitter.com/hmPQkLrlH1
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 26, 2024
Nathan Walker is Worth His Weight in Gold
Walker has spent five seasons with the Blues and has only played in 144 games. However, Wednesday gave an example of why Walker still brings positive value to the Blues. In the second period, defenceman Matthew Kessel took a hard hit behind the Blues net. The hit was in retaliation from a hit by Kessel moments ago on the same shift. Walker, a 30-year-old veteran, immediately skated in and stood up for the young Kessel. Walker dropped his gloves and was prepared to fight. However, the referees intervened before the fisticuffs could begin.
The enforcer’s role is pretty much gone in the NHL today. However, it is still nice to see a veteran stand up for a teammate. As the Blues continue their retool, more young players will be seeing time on the ice. Knowing there is someone who will have their back will only increase the confidence of the youngsters.
The Claude Julien Effect
The Blues brought in Claude Julien as an assistant coach this summer. Specifically, Julien was brought in to help the Blues power play. Julien’s influence was on display on Wednesday. While the Blues failed to score on the power play, the units maintained pressure and shot more often than they passed. It is apparent Julien has adopted a “shoot first” mentality for the power play. While the Blues failed to score, continuing to generate chances will result in goals sooner rather than later.
Furthermore, Julien seems to also have prioritized a left-handed, one-time option on the power play. Left-handed players like Zachary Bolduc and Nathan Walker were set up on the right-wing position ready for a one-timer. This is a change of pace for the Blues. The Blues have not a true right-handed one-time option on the power play since Alexander Steen. Left-handed players since Steen have not been as dominant on the one-timer like Steen was. The Blues power play recently was set up to find the man in front of the net. This new strategy by Julien will help create more chances and rebounds on the power play. As the preseason continues, expect to see other left-handed players get looks in the one-time position.
The Youngster Keeps Impressing
Zachary Bolduc had a strong game on Saturday. The young forward had another impressive showing Wednesday. Bolduc led the Blues with six shots. Furthermore, he looked comfortable playing alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou on the first line. This is coming after a strong performance Saturday alongside Pavel Buchnevich and Jake Neighbours.
Bolduc is making it hard for the Blues to not have him in the lineup to open the season. With options galore, Bolduc had to stand out to earn a spot on the roster. He has done so. He has not scored yet, but plays with confidence, generates opportunities, and plays strong on defence. Without a doubt, his confidence playing alongside top-line players is what stands out the most.
Rivals Meet This Weekend
The Blues next preseason game will be this Saturday. The Blue Note will play at home for the first time this preseason. In addition, they will be playing the rival Chicago Blackhawks. Check in for more observations following the game. We are closer and closer to the season getting underway!
Main Photo Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
