{"id":57459,"date":"2019-09-26T15:54:55","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T19:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=57459"},"modified":"2019-09-27T15:42:46","modified_gmt":"2019-09-27T19:42:46","slug":"2019-20-st-louis-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2019\/09\/26\/2019-20-st-louis-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"2019-20 St Louis Blues Must Watch Games"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There is less than one week until the hockey season is officially back. It seems like it was just last week that the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Louis Blues<\/a> were celebrating their first Stanley Cup Championship and they\u2019ll start defending their title on Wednesday. Isn\u2019t having a short offseason fun? Here is a guide to the must-watch games of the 2019-20 St Louis Blues season.<\/p>\n<h2>Must Watch Games For 2019-20 St Louis Blues<\/h2>\n<h3>Wednesday, October 2, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>This is the most in-demand Blues game of the regular season. The defending Stanley Cup champions play the former defending Stanley Cup champions, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Capitals<\/a>, in the Blues home opener. Usually, the home game against the Capitals are in high demand because Blues fans still love former Blue <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oshietj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">T.J. Oshie<\/a><\/strong>, but this year, something bigger than that is happening. Not only will it be a battle of former champions, but the Blues will raise their Stanley Cup champions banner in front of their fans and celebrate their championship run. It will be a night to remember for Blues fans.<\/p>\n<h3>Saturday, October 5, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a Western Conference Semifinals rematch between the Blues and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/stars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dallas Stars<\/a>. Is it possible for it to be as exciting as the last time they met? The Game 7 2OT goal by <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/maroopa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pat Maroon<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best moments in Blues history. There\u2019s no doubt that both teams have gotten more talent since then. Will the Blues come out victorious again or will Dallas get revenge on the Blues? The Stars are sure to be fired up as they will look for two points and some retribution. This should be a fiery game from both sides.<\/p>\n<h3>Monday, October 7, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>This is the first time <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Bozak<\/a><\/strong> will return to Toronto since he became a Stanley Cup champion. After the Blues signed Bozak last offseason, he said he signed in St. Louis because he wanted to win a Cup. Then, when the Blues did win, he called St. Louis the hockey capital of the world. Last year when he faced the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/maple-leafs\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> for the first time, he felt like he had something to prove to the team that let him sign somewhere else. This year, he\u2019s already proved it. It only took him one season to prove to the Maple Leafs that he could win elsewhere. A little cherry on top for Bozak would be beating his former club in his former home.<\/p>\n<h3>Saturday, October 26, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Blues and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/bruins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston Bruins<\/a> in Boston. The 2019-20 St Louis Blues will return to the place they hoisted their first Stanley Cup with nothing but fond memories of stealing the Bruins\u2019 dream away from them. Former Blues captain <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/backeda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Backes<\/a><\/strong> didn&#8217;t play in Game 7 and has been working hard to earn his spot since. Injuries may complicate things but Backes and the Bruins will surely still be upset about losing to the Blues and will want to not only beat the Blues but be as rough as possible on them in the process. It is definitely a can\u2019t miss game for either team\u2019s fans. Just another one on the schedule that should be filled with passion.<\/p>\n<h3>Tuesday, November 19, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>The biggest loss for the 2019-20 St Louis Blues this offseason was Maroon, who signed as a free agent with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/lightning\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>. Maroon will face his former club in front of his hometown fans. He\u2019ll get to see the Blues championship banner in person for the first time. There will no doubt be a video tribute to Big Rig, the hometown hero. Every Blues fan will want to be in attendance for this one. There won\u2019t be many dry eyes in the house.<\/p>\n<h3>Saturday, December 21, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>The Blues and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sharks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">San Jose Sharks<\/a> play each other in San Jose in a rematch of the Western Conference Final. There is always bad blood between these two teams, but even more so after the Blues beat the Sharks in six games after the infamous hand pass that led to a goal was allowed. The Blues were able to come back and win the series after that, but many Sharks fans think the referees were more lenient on the Blues the rest of the series to try to make up for that.<\/p>\n<p>The Sharks lost several players over the offseason, including former captain <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/paveljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Pavelski<\/a><\/strong>. The Blues, on the other hand, improved with the addition of <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/faulkju01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Faulk<\/a><\/strong> from the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/hurricanes\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>. It\u2019s going to be a battle just like the Conference Final was. A pre-Christmas gift for the Blues would be beating the Sharks again.<\/p>\n<h3>Friday, December 27, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>In another playoff rematch, the Blues will face the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/jets\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a> in Winnipeg for a rematch of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Winnipeg has dramatically changed since the teams last met in April. Power forward <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lainepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrik Laine<\/a><\/strong> has now <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/2019\/09\/27\/patrik-laine-re-signs-with-the-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reached a deal<\/a> with the team and defenceman <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/byfugdu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dustin Byfuglien<\/a><\/strong> was granted a leave of absence from the team, among others. The Central Division is going to be tough this season, but the good news for the Blues is that at least one team didn\u2019t seem to improve. This should hopefully be an easier win than the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<h3>Tuesday, February 4, 2019<\/h3>\n<p>Last but not least, the Blues will face former defenseman <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/edmunjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Edmundson<\/a><\/strong> and prospect <strong>Dominik Bokk<\/strong> against the Carolina Hurricanes in St. Louis. Edmundson spent four seasons as a member of the Blues. He was a huge part of making the Cup parade an interactive experience between the players and the fans. You could tell how much he loved St. Louis so this is sure to be an emotional return for him.<\/p>\n<p>Faulk will face the bunch of jerks, his former team. He played in Carolina for eight seasons. Last year was the first year they went to the playoffs while he was there and he managed to make a big difference both offensively and defensively. Hopefully, by this time, Faulk will have found chemistry with his Blues teammates and will be ready to dominate his former club.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"YgovVs3tSWB4_CtRZJ2yOA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1149977992\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'YgovVs3tSWB4_CtRZJ2yOA',sig:'BRt-qJp0XthXjtsnNQSesPKXT8JurbkUehZzk8-VWDY=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1149977992',caption: true ,tld:'ca',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There is less than one week until the hockey season is officially back. It seems like it was just last week that the St. Louis Blues were celebrating their first Stanley Cup Championship and they\u2019ll start defending their title on Wednesday. Isn\u2019t having a short offseason fun? Here is a guide to the must-watch games [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2202,"featured_media":57471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[86,2945,434,368,750,1099,3767,436,764,232],"class_list":["post-57459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blues","tag-david-backes","tag-dominik-bokk","tag-dustin-byfuglien","tag-joe-pavelski","tag-joel-edmundson","tag-justin-faulk","tag-pat-maroon","tag-patrik-laine","tag-t-j-oshie","tag-tyler-bozak"],"modified_by":"Alex Metzger, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2202"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57459"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57459\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}