Post by St. Louis Blues on Jul 5, 2022 12:51:48 GMT -6
After hiring a new GM half way this season, the expectations for the Blues were really low. The fans here in St-Louis knew from day 1 that the process would be a hard and long one. Something that the ''PFHL Experts'' weren't aware.. GM Poulin has been loud and clear about his intentions. Still the season was a good one for the organisation. With a few surprises, some good and some not so good, the 2021-2022 season was a interesting one to say the less.
So, the Blues missed the playoffs by 1 points. 1 single point. In the last 10 games, the St-Louis squad managed to win 2 games and loose 8. There is no way a PFHL team should be in the playoff with a awful streak like this one. The Minnesota Wild passed the Blues for the last spot in the west with 92 points. With a 43 wins, 33 loss and 7 OTL, the Blues were 10th in the West and 17th in the PFHL.
The Springfield Thunderbirds ended their awful season with 29 wins, 32 loss and 3 OTL. They were last in their conference and 28th overall. This has been disappointing to say the less.
So that being said and done, here's the GOOD and the BAD of the 2021-2022 St-Louis Blues season.
The Good !
- Prospects Pool: With the few moves that GM Poulin made, it was clear that he wanted to stack the prospect pool. Adding players like: Alex Turcotte, William Wallinder, Aatu Raty, Tyler Boucher, Jonatan Berggren, Jakob Pelletier and a few others, the future in St-Louis will be bright that's for sure. Those players are likely to join the AHL squad next season and challenge for a spot on the big squad. The Blues have Buffalo 1st round 2022 and SJ 2 round 2022 to add more talent to the already deep pool.
- Good Additions: Since joining the Blues, Kasperi Kapanen, the young winger got 20 goals, 28 assists in 48 games with a 25 +/-. Kasperi was having a rough time in Detroit. He is on the first line with Marner and Bergeron. Speaking of the Captain, it seems that Patrice Bergeron is on top of his game at 36 years young. With 13 goals, 21 assists and a 16+/- in 34 games, the veteran is ageing like fine wine. We hope that he won't retire soon. He will be a big part of the rebuild process. Colton Parayko and Connor Murphy both did really well on the first line. Sure on paper they are probably not a top 2 D but they did pretty good.
- No major UFA/RFA: The 2022-2023 pro squad is pretty much ready to go if the season started today. After signing of Campbell, Murphy and Buchnevich, GM Poulin should have a quiet summer. Maybe a few trades but who knows...
The BAD !
- Identity: Who are the Blues ? Where are they going ? Are they trying to lose ? What is the plan for the future ? Do they blow it up ?
GM Poulin will have to find an identity for this squad and quickly. So many questions with few answers.. Being a mid ranking team for a few seasons is probably the worst thing that can happen to any teams. Go hard of go home !
- No Top 2 D: Sure Colton and Connor did a okay job, but the Blues do not have a REAL top 2. The market price for this kind of player seems to be through the roof at the moment. What is the price to pay and can we afford it ? Don't think so.
- Campbell: His contract was great for this season but next season his salary will be less atractive. 0.879 PCT and 3,25 GAA is awful for a starting goaltender. Lehner was the best goalie this season: 0.915 PCT and 2,54 GAA. Jack will have to step up his game if he wants to be the starter next season. Let's not forget Samsonov who is crawling his way to the PFHL. At least 1 of those 3 should be decent atleast.
- AHL Springfield Thunderbirds: Let's not talk about it. It should be better next season. It can't be worst.. can it !?
- Identity: Who are the Blues ? Where are they going ? Are they trying to lose ? What is the plan for the future ? Do they blow it up ?
GM Poulin will have to find an identity for this squad and quickly. So many questions with few answers.. Being a mid ranking team for a few seasons is probably the worst thing that can happen to any teams. Go hard of go home !
- No Top 2 D: Sure Colton and Connor did a okay job, but the Blues do not have a REAL top 2. The market price for this kind of player seems to be through the roof at the moment. What is the price to pay and can we afford it ? Don't think so.
- Campbell: His contract was great for this season but next season his salary will be less atractive. 0.879 PCT and 3,25 GAA is awful for a starting goaltender. Lehner was the best goalie this season: 0.915 PCT and 2,54 GAA. Jack will have to step up his game if he wants to be the starter next season. Let's not forget Samsonov who is crawling his way to the PFHL. At least 1 of those 3 should be decent atleast.
- AHL Springfield Thunderbirds: Let's not talk about it. It should be better next season. It can't be worst.. can it !?
