Meet the St. Louis Blues–St. Louis Primed for Perennial Cup Runs

Mar 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) shoots and scores on his own rebound against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve been paying attention to Gone Puck Wild lately, and shame on you if you haven’t, then you know school has begun as Wild fans brush up on their knowledge of the new teams within Minnesota’s division. This week, that new team just so happens to be the St. Louis Blues. Going through Sunday, we’ll break down the Blues’ major additions and subtractions, strengths and weaknesses, prospect pool, 2013 draft class and team outlook.

Well there you have it–St. Louis Blues Week has come to an end. We covered the team’s major additions and subtractions, strengths and weaknesses, prospect pool and 2013 draft class (a small, but intriguing one at that). Today, we come to the conclusion that St. Louis is ready to win now.

With the new playoff system, the top three teams in each division automatically make the playoffs while two more wild cards are decided. Taking a look at the Central Division, it’s easy to see how Chicago’s set up to clinch multiple division titles. Dallas, Colorado and Nashville are in mini rebuild mode, Winnipeg and Minnesota are both a piece or two away from fighting for No. 3, leaving St. Louis as the clear No. 2 team in the division.

With great goaltending, a solid group of two-way forwards, the best defensive corps in the league and a well-rounded prospect pool, St. Louis is primed for many, many Cup runs in the future. The fact that Ken Hitchcock is the man leading the charge only makes the thought of it that much more frightening, if you aren’t a Blues fan, that is.

Winnipeg Jets Week begins tomorrow, stay tuned.