The defending Stanley Cup champions have 15 points (7-1-1) in nine games since forward Vladimir Tarasenko injured his shoulder Oct. 24. Tarasenko is expected be out a minimum of five months, which could be the remainder of the regular season. So far, the Blues have survived his absence, but how?
Their power play has been a key to driving their success without Tarasenko, surprising because he led St. Louis with 12 power-play goals last season. Forward David Perron has elevated his play with a Blues-high seven power-play points (two goals, five assists) since Oct. 25, tied with Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi for first in the NHL over the span, and he's been the triggerman on the top unit with 12 power-play shots. Not far behind in special-teams production is forward Ryan O'Reilly with six power-play points (two goals, four assists) in that span. Brayden Schenn, O'Reilly and Perron have each scored two power-play goals in those nine games.
The Blues have also gotten stellar goaltending at even strength from Jordan Binnington, who is tied with Darcy Kuemper of the Arizona Coyotes for the sixth-best even-strength save percentage (.936) over the span (minimum five games). For the Blues to maintain their success without Tarasenko, they need consistency on the man-advantage from Perron and improve their 5-on-5 shot attempts differential (minus-28), which indicates opponents have attempted nearly 30 more shots (on goal, missed, blocked) than the Blues at 5-on-5. Since Binnington is a crucial part of the Blues' success, they can help him maintain his strong season by increasing their puck possession metrics at even strength.