By: Jonathan Goad

The St. Louis Blues have gotten off to a rough start. They currently have seven points with a record of two wins, four losses, and three losses in overtime (2-4-3). That is last in the Central Division, a division which many hockey fans would agree is the toughest division in the league. For those unfamiliar with the NHL point system, a win is worth two points, losses in regulation are worth zero, and an OT loss is worth one point.

After a very active offseason acquiring skilled players, the Blues looked to rebound from missing the playoffs by one point last season. St. Louis traded Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick for two-way center Ryan O’Reilly. The Blues also signed Pat Maroon and Tyler Bozak. They also brought back David Perron. After these moves and with a few of the prospects, there was hope for the Note.

Photo credit to Winnipeg Free Press

There still is hope. With as many new faces that the Blues have, there are sure to be some growing pains. Adding six new players who all have played significant minutes can cause some chemistry issues. The points that the Blues are missing out on early in the season are important. However, this team is still learning to play together.

The most frustrating thing is that the Blues have gotten out to early leads in several of their games, but can’t keep the lead. They’re having trouble finishing games and playing a full 60 minutes of hockey. Whether they are getting too comfortable with the lead or the effort disappears in the third period, I’m not exactly sure. However, it needs to be corrected quickly.

Many Blues fans are calling for head coach, Mike Yeo to be fired. I think it’s a little too early for that. If this struggle continues through November and into December, then yeah, maybe it’s time to make a change. In my opinion, this bad start is on the players. They’ve got to play better. Every single one of them can do more. It starts at the top with the leaders of the team. Captain Alex Pietrangelo and the two Alternates, Alex Steen and Vladimir Tarasenko have to step up and lead.

Photo credit to The Sports Daily

The defense has to play better as well. They have to give Jake Allen a chance. Although, Allen could be a lot better as well. This team has committed to him time and time again. Brian Elliot and Carter Hutton were traded and not re-signed, respectively, to let Allen be the man. For what it’s worth, I’ve never been a huge believer in Jake Allen. He’s had nice runs here and there, but he’s never seemed like a number one goalie in this league. I will defend him by saying the defense in front of him as been poor at best.

Blues fans, don’t panic, yet. I still think this is a playoff team. There’s still time to figure this out and once they do, the St. Louis Blues will be a force to be reckoned with.