OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 27: Louie, the mascot for the St. Louis Blues makes an appearance at the Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair at the Ottawa Convention Center on January 27, 2012 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Last Season: 51-24-7, 109 points. First in the Central Division.

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Did They Get Better, Worse Or Are They About The Same?

About the same, depending on how you feel about T.J. Oshie and Barret Jackman. The Blues cut ties with Jackman, 34, who spent 13 seasons with St. Louis and signed with the rival Nashville Predators for two seasons. Oshie spent seven years with the Blues and had undeniable chemistry with team captain David Backes. He also showed up in the playoffs about as often as the Florida Panthers do.

Troy Brouwer arrived from the Capitals for Oshie, and his net-front presence and physicality should help in that cattle drive known as the Western Conference.

Other than that, this Blues team is pretty much the same group that participated in the franchise’s annual rite: Great regular season followed by playoff disappointment.

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Five Most Fascinating Players

1. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW

The NHL’s latest human highlight reel, the Russian had a star-making season with 37 goals in 77 games, leading the Blues with 73 points. Running mate Jori Lehtera is coming off ankle surgery, so hopefully there’s no hiccup for the duo that powered the Blues offense last season. Especially after signing that franchise deal.

2. Kevin Shattenkirk, D

Speaking of injuries, Shats was limited to 56 games last season but posted 44 points. His pending raise within the Blues’ salary structure and the team’s need to shake up the mix generated trade rumors, but he’s back again this season to help light the lamp.

3. David Backes, C

Backes loses Oshie from his wing and goes UFA next summer. It was a summer of uncertainty for the 31-year-old team captain, coming off 58 points in 80 games last season, especially because the team will face a shakeup if it disappoints again.

4. Jake Allen, G

The 24-year-old goalie played 37 games to Brian Elliott’s 46 games last season, posting somewhat similar numbers. But he struggled in the postseason (.904) during the Blues’ six-game loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Blues hope that was a learning experience, and that Allen can make a significant leap forward this season.

5. Paul Stastny, C

Stansty said he felt more comfortable as the season went on, which hopefully means he’ll be better than 16 goals this season. He’ll never produce numbers to justify his cap hit; he just needs to produce them at the right time. And one goal in six playoff games wasn’t getting it done.

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