I didn’t originally have the defending Stanley Cup champs as the top team in the division before the start of the season. However with everything that’s transpired over the first month-plus of the season, I have them at the top. They’re starting to click and methodically take care of business against quality opponents.
The Blues took care of an up-and-coming Canucks team last night in overtime. I love the depth the Blues have, and it’s down right scary for opponents. The Blues also have a stud young goaltender in Jordan Binnington who doesn’t appear to be running into a sophomore slump at all.
The things about the Blues is they can beat you a variety of ways. They have great veterans and role players up and down the roster. The season-ending injury to Vladimire Tarasenko hurts them big time, but luckily they have the depth to offset it and remain a top team in the division.
Until I see the Blues face off with the Predators, my second place team, I’m going to keep them at the top of the division power rankings. Even without Tarasenko, this roster is probably the most balanced in the division. They’re also undefeated against divisional opponents so far with wins over Dallas, Colorado and Minnesota.