St. Louis Blues 2009 Season Preview, Picks & Odds

With the NHL Hockey season just around the corner, we are providing season previews for all 30 teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best NHL Hockey Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009 season preview. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the NHL in our recommend sportsbooks. View the rest of our 2009 NHL Season Previews here.

St. Louis Blues 2008-’09 record:
41-31-10, 92 points (3rd in Central, 6th in West)

St. Louis Blues 2008-’09 playoffs:
Lost to Vancouver Canucks 4-0

St. Louis began the year with a thud and dragged along the bottom of the standings all the way until the middle of February. Most observers expected a 4 th consecutive season on the outside of the chase for the Cup but the Blues made a miraculous turn in their play and rode a late season hot streak all the way to a 41-31-10 record and a berth in the playoffs! While the Blues were swept by the Canucks in the first round, the team played with a ton of fire and passion in defeat and raised expectations in a major way going into this season.

St. Louis Blues 2009 Preview

St. Louis Blues General manager: Larry Pleau (428-331-143, 12th NHL year, 1st team)

St. Louis Blues Coach: Andy Murray (316-287-97, 11th NHL year, 2nd team)

St. Louis Blues Captain: Eric Brewer

St. Louis Blues Top Returning Scorer: RW Brad Boyes (33 goals, 39 assists, 72 points)

St. Louis Blues Top Returning Goalie: Chris Mason (27-21-7, 2.41, .916)

St. Louis Blues Key Additions: G Ty Conklin; RW Barry Tallackson; C Derek Armstrong.

St. Louis Blues Key Subtractions: D Jay McKee; D Jeff Woywitka; C Trent Whitfield; G Manny Legace; RW Dan Hinote.

St. Louis Blues Top Line: LW Paul Kariya, C David Backes, RW Brad Boyes

St. Louis Blues Top Defensive Pairing: Barret Jackman, Erik Johnson

St. Louis found scoring in a lot of surprising places last season, most notably rookies T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund. Considering that established vets Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald missed a ton of time, their goal output was impressive. Both Brad Boyes and youngster David Backes topped the 30 goal mark and ageless wonder Keith Tkachuk contributed 25 more. With the return to health of Kariya and McDonald, there should be increased production up front.

The defense also appears to be improved this season. Johnson has been impressive in camp and should finally show his enormous potential. Captain Eric Brewer is currently recovering from injury but is one of the most consistent players on any blue line in the league. Along with defensive stalwarts Barrett Jackman and Carlo Colaiacovo, there are pieces in place for a solid group once Brewer is back.

In net, Chris Mason rebounded from 3-14 start to play like an All-Star down the stretch. After entering the year as the expected backup, he’ll be counted on as the man this season. However, consistency problems have dogged Mason in his career and it will be interesting to see how much time the newly acquired Conklin gets in net.

2009 St. Louis Blues Goaltending:

Mason drove Manny Legace from his No. 1 job, posting spectacular 24-9-6 record during second half. Started last 33 games of regular season as Blues drove to playoffs. Modified his game to play deeper in net and adopted a more patient approach. Can be the victim of soft five-hole tallies and tends to give up some tasty rebounds.

2009 St. Louis Blues Player To Watch:

D Erik Johnson. First overall pick in 2007 missed all of last season after surgery to repair torn knee ligaments suffered in golf cart mishap. Will be interesting to see if he comes all the way back to pick up where he left off after solid rookie campaign. Big (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) defender is mobile and quick with huge shot and nasty mean streak.

St. Louis Blues 2009 Season Predictions

Hockey’s hottest team in the second half last season, many of the young Blues enjoyed breakout campaigns. Can they pick off where they left off? That’s the key question.

We predict that the St. Louis Blues will finish 4th in the NHL Central, 8th seed in West: 93 points.

St. Louis Blues Betting

St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
St. Louis Blues Western Conference Odds: +1400
St. Louis Blues Central Odds: +1000

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