Blues Drop Opener To Predators 4-2

Blues forward Patrik Berglund scored his first goal of the season
in the Blues 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators in the team's
seaons opener on Saturday night. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Expectations are high for the St. Louis Blues this season.  The team's roster full of young talent is one year older and the additions of veterans like Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner give the Blues leadership and depth at forward.

For most of Saturday night's season opener the Blues looked like the type of team fans have pined for.  The Blues were flying around, controlling the puck and dominating play.

Unfortunately, despite out-shooting the Nashville Predators 33-16, the Blues dropped their season opener 4-2.

The Blues got goals from Patrik Berglund and Arnott and assists from captain David Backes and fan-favorite T.J. Oshie in the loss.

But overall, the Blues could not solve Predators goalie Pekka Rinhe.

Meanwhile, Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak had a rough go of it, only stopping 12 of the 15 shots he faced on the evening.

Obviously Halak will need to be better if the Blues hope to return to the playoffs.  The Blues dominated all phases of the game with the exception of between the pipes and can not afford for their prized goalie to cost them games.

The score was not the only bad news for the Blues.  Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo left the game in the second period after slamming his head into the lower boards.  The team is calling it an upper-body injury.

The Blues will look to notch their first win with a Monday matinee at Scottrade Center against the Calgary Flames.

Sources:

• Box Score - Nashville Predators 4 St. Louis Blues 2