To date, the
Blues have averaged 2.78 scoring goals per game, which is good for 15th
in the league. This is slightly above league average. Their goals allowed per game
is 3.26, which ranks dead last at 32nd out of 32 teams. This is an obvious
area of need for the group moving forward.
Special teams
haven’t necessarily been the main culprit of this trend. The penalty kill
percentage for the group is 86%, which sits at 19th in the league.
19th isn’t ideal, but it’s significantly better than 32nd.
Goalkeeper
ability is a factor. Devan Dubnyk had a lion’s share of the minutes for the team
this season, and he is an 82 OV. He was traded for futures at the Rental
Deadline, and local hero Jordan Bennington has assumed the starting role since
then. His OV is 73. In order to be competitive in this league, acquiring a more
developed keeper will be a must in the offseason.
The Blue Line
as a whole has been the primary area of opportunity for the group. The top 4 D-men
on the team have an OV of 77/ 75/ 75/ 73. The third and fourth line are sitting
at 73/ 73/ 72/ 72. This is far below what’s needed to see the type of results
needed to see on-ice success.
Evan Bouchard
and Dylan Demelo are currently the top line defensemen on the squad, and both
were extended during the In-Season extension period.
We expect to
be very active in workouts and the UFA market, explore the trade market, and keep
an eye on the RFA market as well. We need to cast a wide net to improve our
goal prevention next season.
9/30/2026 - 266 words
