2005 Saint Louis Blues Preview
Welcome to the 2005 Saint Louis Blues Preview page. The NHL Hockey Season is around the corner and what better way to remind the public how exciting the NHL can be with a 2005 season preview from Maddux Sports. Remember if you are betting on NHL hockey look no further, as we are one of the few sports handicapping services that offers NHL picks against the hockey betting line and can help you be a winner this NHL betting season.
2005 Saint Louis Blues Hockey Season Preview
In 2002-03, his first full NHL season, Blues defenseman Barret Jackman skated in all 82 games notching 19 points and serving 190 minutes in the box. His tough, aggressive style earned him the Calder Cup for Rookie of the Year and a lot of respect on the ice. The 2003-04 season was a total disappointment for Jackman and the fans who admired his take-no-prisoners style of hockey. After playing fifteen games the young enforcer suffered a separated shoulder, separating him from the ice for the rest of the year.
It’s a new season and Jackman is back for what he hopes will be his second full season and another 82 hard fought games. He’s the verve of a young defense reinforced by a few well-tested vets. With veteran Chris Pronger now playing for the Oilers, Jackman will have to step up and become “the man” on defense.
In goal this year is former Ottawa keeper Patrick Lalime. During the 2003-04 season he posted a 25-23-7 record in 57 starts. His GAA was a respectable 2.29 but his save percentage of .905 knocked him out of the top ranked net minder list. Lalime will have to improve in this area to give the Blues a viable shot at going deep into the playoffs.
Two of 2003-04’s leading scorers and playmakers have returned to the team—Keith Tkachuk and Doug Weight. Tkachuk starts his 14th season after scoring 71 points in 75 games in his last stint two years ago, while Weight begins his 15th year in the NHL after scoring 51 points in 75 contests. With Weight at center and Tkachuk on the wing, the Blues possess a stunning one-two offensive punch.
This year the St. Louis Blues will be a fun team to watch and a team for other clubs to watch out for. They’re strong on both sides of the puck and if they stay healthy and their goaltending reaches a new level, they can finish in the money.
