St. Louis Blues’ strong start to the season fuelled by good chemistry
Ask anyone what they think the biggest surprise has been in the National Hockey League this season, and many of them will say that it is the resurgence of the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues are off to the best start in the team’s history, posting a 9-1-2 record in their first 12 games and earning 20 out of 24 possible points. The team boasts an undefeated 6-0 record
on home ice, and is currently riding on a seven-game winning streak. Four of those wins have been shutouts, coming courtesy of goaltenders Jaroslav Halak and Ty Conklin. Conklin was manning the net in the Blues’ most recent game, a 2-0 whitewashing of the
New York Rangers.
“I think it’s fair to say that nobody dreamed of this, but it’s gratifying to see our players and coaching staff -- who have worked their tails off -- get some results,” Blue team president
John Davidson told BND.com. “It sets up a good chance to do well in this marathon that we have ahead of us.”
Davidson attributes the Blues’ success to the fact that the team has found great chemistry both on and off the ice.
“It’s team chemistry and buy-in. It’s a team that really plays for each other and cares about each other. They’re buying into the system and they’re seeing results from it.”
The fact that the team has recently lost three of their regular defencemen to injuries has not derailed the Blues’ train. The Blues have continued their winning ways, and have not missed
a beat.
Davidson has also been impressed by the play of Halak, whom the Blues acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade during the off-season.
"I think Jaro has studied this game and has a great understanding of the position,” said Davidson, himself a former NHL goaltender. “He knows how to play the game from a very efficient
standpoint and doesn't waste energy.”
“He has a great, great knowledge of the position and knowledge of where to be and where plays are going.”
The Blues return to action on Wednesday, 10 November, when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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