It may just be preseason, but St. Louis Blues always enjoy a victory over the rival Chicago Blackhawks. On Saturday, the Blue Note defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime for their first win of the preseason. Here are five takeaways from the Blues fifth preseason game.
Five Takeaways From Fifth Blues Preseason Game
Takeaway #1- Youngster Shows Veteran Moxie
When a veteran stands up for a teammate, it is to be expected. When a 22-year old defenceman who has not played in an NHL game does it, it catches eyes. That is exactly what Leo Loof did Saturday night. After fellow defenceman Matthew Kessel took a hard hit behind the Blues net, Loof engaged in a physical altercation in retaliation. Loof was given a roughing minor and the Blackhawks scored on the ensuing power play. However, it was not a bad penalty to take by Loof. Kessel took a hard hit. Loof displayed veteran moxie by standing up for his teammate.
Loof’s scouting report describes him as a “tough defenceman who brings a noticeable physical presence on the ice.” We certainly saw that Saturday. If Loof gets time at the NHL level, it will be interesting to see how he fairs. His scouting report also says to not expect much offensive production. Loof may be a player similar to what Robert Bortuzzo was for the Blues. On the right roster, that is an asset to have.
Takeaway #2- The Backup’s Backup With A Strong Period of Work
With the exception of an injury, Jordan Binnington will be the Blues starter this season and Joel Hofer will be the backup. Next in line is Colten Ellis. Last season in the American Hockey League, Ellis ranked fifth among AHL goalies with a .924 save percentage. Ellis has only played in 22 AHL games, so the Blues are looking for a bigger sample size. 20 minutes plus an overtime period does not make the sample size that much bigger, but Ellis performed well Saturday night. Ellis stopped all 11 shots he faced and got the win as well as being named the game’s third star of the night.
The strong AHL season last year coupled with Saturday’s performance helps Ellis keep his spot on the depth chart. Binnington and Hofer are not in danger of losing their jobs. However, if one gets hurt, Ellis the next man up. If he does get some NHL time, it will be interesting to see how he performs.
Takeaway #3- The “Hometown Hero” is on the rival? Ugh!
Pat Maroon may have the biggest goal in Blues history. He is the hometown hero who helped the Blues win their first Stanley Cup. He is on the rival Blackhawks now, and that should sting for Blues fans. Furthermore, he scored a goal for the Blackhawks on Saturday. There were not as many cheers this time for Maroon, but that is to be expected.
Takeaway #4- New Faces Shine
The Blues had a busy off-season. Many few faces joined the team and participated in Saturday’s game. In addition, Dalibor Dvorsky, the Blues first-round pick in 2023, has participated in his first preseason this year.
On Saturday, the new faces played a big role in the Blues win. Forward Dylan Holloway, the newcomer via offer sheet, scored two goals including the game-winning goal. Veteran centre Radek Faksa, who the Blues acquired in a trade, led the Blues with five hits and had a strong night on the face-off dot. Another newcomer via trade, Alexandre Texier, had another strong night on the face-off dot while also adding an assist on the game-winning goal. Dvorsky only had one shot, but had many attempts that blocked. He also had a strong night on the face-off dot.
The Blues brought in these new faces to make an impact on the team. While it is just a preseason game, is still nice to see the new faces making an impact in a game.
Takeaway #5- In-Game Adjustments Work
Through two periods, the Blues had 20 shots on goal. However, they were failing to generate chances in front of the net. The Blues were taking shots from point and looking to throw pucks on net from the perimeter. While they did generate some strong scoring chances, it was not enough to sustain pressure. In the third period, the Blues made an adjustment. They began working the puck towards the middle of the offensive zone and in front of the net. This led to the game-tying goal by Nathan Walker.
Again, it was just a preseason game. Something like this would mean a great deal more in the regular season. However, the Blues have been struggling to score so far in the preseason. It was nice to see an adjustment made that resulted in goals. If the Blues failed to make an adjustment and lose without scoring, we would not be hitting the panic button, but it would be a greater concern as we enter the final week of the preseason.
Thankfully, adjustments were made, goals were scored, and the Blues beat the Blackhawks. It is always a good day when that happens.
Three Remain
The Blues have three games left on the preseason schedule before the season begins. Three more games for players to stand out. Three games to see how the 2024-25 Blues will look heading into the new season.
Main Photo: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
