The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/> The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/>
Mile High Sticking
Fansided

Colorado Avalanche Facing a Tough Central Division

By Michael Vasilie

Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores the game winning goal during the overtime period against the St. Louis Blues at Pepsi Center. The Avs won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores the game winning goal during the overtime period against the St. Louis Blues at Pepsi Center. The Avs won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Blues

Key Losses-Troy Brauer, David Backes, Steve Ott, Brian Elliot

Key Additions-David Perron

Analysis: Heading into Ken Hitchcock’s “lame duck” season, the Blues look a lot less like the team that made it to the Western Conference Final last year and a lot more like a repeat of last year’s Minnesota Wild (complete with Mike Yeo action figure!…err…I mean assistant coach). St. Louis lost considerable toughness and grit in Brauer, Backes, and Ott. Perhaps this suggests that they are going to be moving toward a faster, up-tempo style of play, rather than the “beat the opposition to a pulp” style of play that has been their calling card.

Backes’ departure is of significance, as he was the team’s captain. NHL captaincies don’t just grow on trees and it is rare that NHL teams let their captains become FA’s, much less let them walk away for nothing. This suggests that the Blues may have been up against the salary cap. It also seems to validate the idea that the Blues are getting ready to clean house. With “Hitch” on his way out the door (following what would seem like a situation where he was left to flutter in the wind by the St. Louis front office), everyone is playing for their jobs and/or the right to stay. A lot depends on the health of Jake Allen. Brian Elliot’s departure to Calgary means no safety net in the net (pun intended). If Allen winds up hurt again, St. Louis could be singin’ the blues. If he’s healthy, this team competes for a WC spot, maybe even 3rd place in the division.

Season Series: 11/6-A, 3/5-H, 3/21-H, 3/31-H, 4/9 A

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