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| Alex Steen and the St. Louis Blues power play have certainly had their struggles on the young season. But the penalty kill unit has been awful too, ranked 29th in the NHL. The Blues must get better on special teams. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
The St. Louis Blues struggled to a 1-2 record on their Western Canada, three game road trip last week and since returning, have had some time get some vital practice time in.
The Blues are not scheduled to play until Friday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks. With that extra practice time, the Blues have told the media how they are working on improving the last ranked power play in the NHL. Blues leading goal scorer Alex Steen addressed some of the issues on Tuesday.
"Right now, we're over-thinking it. We're hesitant. We're not quick enough. It's just a tad too slow with the reads, the reactions, the passes and support. I think the last couple of games we've been a little bit better and it feels like we're starting to gel. It's chemistry between the five guys on the ice, that's what makes it happen."While the Blues power play has certainly been terrible, converting on just three of their 36 power play opportunities, another important facet of the Blues game has been a huge problem.
The Blues penalty kill unit is ranked 29th in the league, or second to last among all NHL teams.
That is correct. Not only is the power play bad, but the penalty kill has been equally brutal.
When other teams get a power play opportunity against the Blues, the Blues defensive unit stops them just 72.2 percent of the time.
So with the Blues sitting on a 5-6 record on the season with just 10 points, it is easy to see why they are struggling.
The Blues may be one of the best even strength teams in the NHL, but their play on special teams has been so awful it just can not be overcome.
And if the Blues have any hope for playoff aspirations this season, they must get better on special teams quickly.
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