Seven games in a row against the Coyotes and the Blues win three. It wasn’t supposed to be seven straight but due to covid protocols that’s what we got. Postponed games against the Wild and Avalanche will happen later this season. The last time the blues played a seven game series they won the Stanley Cup.
Injuries have hit the blues hard. Jaden Schwartz is considered day to day with a lower body injury. Marco Scandella is close to returning but Robert Thomas and Tyler Bozak are both on IR. Sammy Blais is out with an upper body injury. Remember that late hit behind from Mark Stone on Tyler Bozak? Bozak is still out and I can’t wait for the next game against Vegas. Torey Krug did not return after the second period in Arizona and is considered day to day with an upper body injury.
Despite all the injuries Justin Faulk has accepted the bigger role on the defensive end and stepped up offensively as well. Because of the injuries guys like Austin Poganski get some NHL time and now has played three NHL games. Poganski has the speed and that grinding mentality that really fits the Blues style of play. His time may be limited this season but I like what I see from this kid. Big hitter who could have a major role with the Blues over the next couple years.
Phil Kessell and Derrick Brassard were quiet throughout the series. The Coyotes top line of Keller, Schmaltz, and Garland has been red hot. Clayton Keller scored the only goal of the game and finishes with three goals during this seven game series. The Blues had plenty of chances but Darcy Kuemper gets his nineteenth career shutout. (First against the St. Louis Blues)
With this condensed schedule the Blues will only face seven teams in the regular season. It’s no secret the players, management, and announcers are all ready to play a different opponent. The covid season continues to create new obstacles and everybody has to make adjustments. San Jose Sharks are next on Thursday.
The Morning Skate 
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