BLUES SCOUTING REPORT
KEY PLAYERS
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
Can shoot from anywhere, the bona fide superstar tied for fourth in the NHL with 39 goals and ranked 10th with 75 points to become the first Blue since Brett Hull (1995-98) to record 70 points in three consecutive seasons. Since 2014-15, including the playoffs, Tarasenko is second in the NHL with 131 goals and first with 99 even-strength goals. In a playoff series loss to the Wild in six games in 2015, Tarasenko scored six times.
Alex Pietrangelo, D
Since Kevin Shattenkirk was traded Feb. 27, the Blues' captain ranked second among all NHL defensemen with 18 points. He ranked fourth in ice time per game (26 minutes, 35 seconds) in that span and had eight of his 19 power-play points since the trade.
Jake Allen, G
Under Ken Hitchcock, Allen was the worst No. 1 goalie in the NHL with an .895 save percentage and 2.87 goals-against average. Under Mike Yeo since Feb. 1, Allen had a league-best 1.85 goals-against average and .938 save percentage and won 11 of his final 15 games (26 goals allowed). He allowed two goals or fewer in 17 of his final 25 starts.
MUST STEP UP
Jaden Schwartz, LW
The man with Zach Parise-type effort and exceptional skill had 23 points in his final 28 games and scored twice against Minnesota in a Nov. 26 game.