Predicting the Blues November Record

Though it doesn’t happen often, the hockey gods can be merciful overlords when they want to be.

A great opportunity to bury the St. Louis Blues was presented to the deities. Since the Evil Empire generally has their ear with an endless supply of cheap, greasy pizza one would assume Detroit’s early success would mean the Blues’ difficult October schedule would make them look like the Blue Jackets, DOA. With two four game road trips out west, first to California and the second to western Canada, they could have chosen earthquakes, mudslides or an early winter in the frozen plains of Alberta to bring forth an early demise.

Thankfully they decided otherwise. Seeing fit to bestow Brian Elliott and Alex Steen with additional powers. Enabling them to lead their wayward brethren through to the more favorable lands of the November schedule.

With 8 of 13 games at the DrinkScotch Temple and three of five away from home against non-playoff clubs, the alter is ready for the sacrifice to bring forth a prosperous month. Pay the price to keep you know who happy and improve upon the 5-6-0 record.

The question is, will they? Only the hockey gods know, but here are my thoughts on how November turns out for the Blues.

There are five games that can be considered “winnable”: @Minnesota, Florida, @Minnesota, Calgary and @Columbus.

There are five games that can be considered “easily lose-able”: Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, @Pittsburgh and @Washington.

There are three remaining games that are “tossups”: Vancouver, Tampa Bay and Toronto.

Taking the first two groups literally the Blues would be 5-5-0 with three swing games. With how poorly Vancouver has played, a positive outcome is very possible. Tampa could go either way. For arguments sake, let’s say it ends up an OTL. Folks would do well not to sleep on Toronto, they’re just getting the job done. But do take in to account their 2-30 record on the road as of November 2nd. Give the Blues the edge there.

Is a 7-5-1 month acceptable?

Bouncing back with 58% of the points possible would put Blues at 12-10-1 with 25 of a possible 46 points. Overall 54% taken after 23 games. Most likely a good enough mark to stay floating with the pack that inhabits spots 5 through 12 in the Western Conference.

Yep. Take it and hope to build upon it.

You know… maybe Detroit is on to something with the pizza. Someone stop the deliveries of sushi. Leave that to the Kings and Ducks. The hockey gods want Imos, Toasted Ravs, pork steaks and gooey butter cake offerings from a St. Louis based team. Get that straight and maybe everything else starts working out, too…