2025 - 2026 Season. Key Factors with the compressed schedule

[bud white]

With the Olympics and the compressed schedule, it can't be overstated that the best teams will have NHL depth and a strong tandem in net. So far, the Blues are demonstrating that they have both. I fully expect Binner and Hof to end up with close to a 50/50 split. Hof has earned it, and Binner - who will likely be one of the 3 goalies for Team Canada - will want just enough work to be sharp heading into the Games.

So far, the depth at forward appears sound. Too early to tell on D, but it's a long season and there will always be an issue or two.

Blues could end up with as many as 9 players heading to Cortina: Binner, Parayko, Thomas, Holloway(?) - Canada / Snuggerud ?- USA / Pius Suter - Switzerland / Broberg? Sudnqvist?- Sweden / Texier - France. Granted, Holloway, Sunny, Broberg and Snuggerud are on the bubble, but the rest should be "locks"

[seattleblue]

The schedule is 7 games against the West then a ton of East games with some West sprinkled in, then a home stretch in conference. Brutal division. They can't fall off pace this year like they were allowed to last year. Remember in most years they would have been dead and buried because the door would not have been open for the 8 spot like it was that late in the season

[TruBlueFan_1970]

The schedule is 7 games against the West then a ton of East games with some West sprinkled in, then a home stretch in conference. Brutal division. They can't fall off pace this year like they were allowed to last year. Remember in most years they would have been dead and buried because the door would not have been open for the 8 spot like it was that late in the season

Like I posted in another thread. Focus on winning 2 out of every 3 or 11-12 points every 9 games, similar to how Tony La Russa did with the Cardinals. So far, mission accomplished. The Central is going to be a dogfight, as even the Preds are off to a hot start. Keep that .667 win %, focus on no long losing streaks, and they will be a WC team at the end. LGB!!!!

[Blues Dave]

I love most of the Olympics. But in our sport of NHL hockey, it requires punishment to the body that will continue as soon as players are done and get back to their teams. But most players seem to want to play in the Olympics. It's just a tough haul.

[Cahokanut]

I'll pass on nhler at the olympic.

A middle of the season Stanley cup type tournament for some of nhls top players. Makes a big impact on the quality of the league and the game. Both before, and after that tournament. Hope it doesn't burn Binny Out.

[Kilokaai]

I'll pass on nhler at the olympic.

A middle of the season Stanley cup type tournament for some of nhls top players. Makes a big impact on the quality of the league and the game. Both before, and after that tournament. Hope it doesn't burn Binny Out.

Agree to disagree here, if the Blues were in a cup window then MAYBE I could concede a bit here. There is nothing better than watching the games absolute best putting on a show for country.

It is also one of the few times where hockey is the true marquee event for majority of the Olympics, it just doesn't make sense to not showcase the best the world has to offer in a setting that could make fans for life.

[BalotelliMassive]

I hope one player tops from the Hawks makes it. Having mid-season tournaments in a sport as tough as hockey is a terrible idea.