Blues’ Power Play Success Under Bannister & How They Can Have Successful Trade Deadline
Also, takeaways from the previous winning streak before the loss to Columbus & more
Welcome to the THW St. Louis Blues Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have the club’s power play success under interim head coach Drew Bannister, how they can have a successful trade deadline, and more.
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Blue Note Weekly Audio Report: Robert Thomas Has Big Week as All-Star in Toronto
February 5th, 2024 by Ethan Carter (Premium THW Substack Content)
In this week’s edition, the St. Louis Blues sleepwalk into the All-Star break with a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Robert Thomas has a big week as an All-Star back home in Toronto.
Also, a look at how the Blues should approach the 2024 trade deadline and much more.
Blues Finding Success on the Power Play Under Bannister
February 5, 2024 by Anthony Testaguzza
Before the termination of head coach Craig Berube, the St. Louis Blues had the worst power play numbers in the NHL and could not find or show any sign of improvement. Fast forward to now, under interim head coach Drew Bannister, the Blues suddenly have found more composure on the power play and have completely revamped their special teams. It’s benefited them greatly as they have moved up to 25th in the league in power play percentage (PP%) and have a 26.7 PP% in their last five games, the 11th highest in the league within that span.
Due to this uplift in their special teams, the Blues are now in a better position to make the playoffs, and many factors play into their success. Here are three areas of improvement on the power play that have changed their chances of making the playoffs this season.
How the Blues Can Have a Successful Trade Deadline
February 4, 2024 by Ethan Carter
The NHL Trade Deadline is still over a month away (March 8) and the St. Louis Blues have several decisions to make between now and then. Last season, the club sold off rentals with Ryan O’Reilly heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vladimir Tarasenko to the New York Rangers, and Ivan Barbashev to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Blues won’t go into full sell mode as they are near a playoff spot and don’t have many realistic valuable pieces to move on from right now. However, there are plenty of players that they can listen on in calls if the opportunity to trade them presents itself. I also wouldn’t rule them out of the low-tier trade market either if the deal makes sense. Here is how the club can have a successful trade deadline.
5 Takeaways From the Blues’ 5-Game Winning Streak
January 29, 2024 by Ethan Carter
The St. Louis Blues are in the midst of a five-game win streak with just one game to go before the All-Star break. The club is in a playoff spot right now with a 26-20-2 record for 54 points. Despite the tough schedule in January, the Blues have played well with a record of 8-3-1. They are one point ahead of the Nashville Predators for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Let’s get into five takeaways from the five-game win streak.
