The St. Louis Blues currently find themselves in a position for a playoff spot, and it appears that they're on their way to another Stanley Cup playoff appearance.
But most Blues fans aren't satisfied with that... just another playoff appearance.
This city is hungry for a Stanley Cup championship. Some say that a Blues' winner will be bigger than any St. Louis Cardinals World Series victory. I know, that's hard to believe. But regardless, it would be huge for this city.
With the Rams gone to Los Angeles, St. Louis is living and dying with the Blues right now. Now more than ever, people have turned their attention to St. Louis hockey.
It's about time that the Blues came through for the loyal fans of St. Louis. Here's four things to keep an eye on during the second half of the season:
1. Dominant Goalie Play
Shaky goaltender play has always seemed to bite the Blues come playoff time. Once again, however, the goalie combination of Brian Elliot and Jake Allen has been a force to reckon with so far. Both Elliot and Allen have save percentages that have hovered around .925 percent, while the league average sits at about .917 percent. The two will look to continue to provide a dominant stop in the goaltender position and hope to carry momentum into the playoffs.
2. Coaching of Ken Hitchcock
Much has been said of Ken Hitchcock's coaching during his tenure with the Blues. He is no doubt a talented coach and one of the best in the game, but something has always been off with him under the help in St. Louis.
During his time as a Blue, Oshie said that at times there was an "informational overload" from Hitchcock and the coaching staff. It was reported that Oshie and Hitchcock never really got along, either. For the Blues to be successful in the postseason, Hitchcock and the rest of the team must be on the same page.
3. The Vladimir Tarasenko Show
Right winger Vladimir Tarasenko has not disappointed this year. He has been the Blues' go to offensive man all season long, and he may have been what the team has been missing in the postseason of previous seasons. In the past, the Blues always struggled to the put the puck in the back of the net, but it looks like Tarasenko may finally be the guy that T.J. Oshie could never be.
4. Complimentary Play of Alexander Steen
Alexander Steen has long been a player that fans have waited to break out. This season, Steen is the second-leading goal scorer for the Blues and leads the team in assists. He has been Tarasenko's compliment all season. For the Blues to have a deep run at a Stanley Cup championship, Steen has to be the guy at Tarasenko's side carrying this team.
Who knows what will happen this year with the Blues. If it's anything like it has been in the last 49 years, the Blues will end the season without a Cup. But who knows, maybe something special can happen on Clark Ave. this June.
