When: Thursday, Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m. CT
Where: SAP Center in San Jose
Watch: ESPN+, Hulu
Listen: 101 ESPN, Blues App
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BLUES The St. Louis Blues kicked off their season Tuesday with a 3-2 comeback win at Seattle.
After a scoreless first period, the Blues began the second period on a rough note, allowing two Kraken goals within the first three minutes.
“For the first half of the game we seemed hesitant, we weren’t playing on our toes, wasn’t a lot of communication on the ice between linemates, between D-partners,” Blues Head Coach Drew Bannister said. “We seemed to be chasing the game a little bit too much. But to be honest with you, the life on the bench continued to be there and guys pushing each other to get things going.”
Blues forwards Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko took it upon themselves to stir the pot, leading to a Blues power play and change in momentum. Jordan Kyrou took advantage of the opportunity and scored the first goal of the season. This was quickly followed by a goal from newcomer Philip Broberg and then another one from Kyrou.
Three goals, 115 seconds.
“(Kyrou) took advantage of his opportunities,” Bannister said. “There were a couple more opportunities where I’d like to see him really bear down, but he’s finding areas, guys are finding him. Again, he’s using his speed, he’s competing and good things happen when he’s doing that.”
The Blues’ success was also in large part due to goaltender Jordan Binnington, who made 30 saves on the night and posted a .938 save percentage.
The Blues look to continue their momentum on the road as they face the Sharks on Thursday and the Golden Knights on Friday before returning to St. Louis for their home opener next week.
SHARKS After finishing last season with a league-worst 19-54-9 record, the San Jose Sharks are looking to make a splash this season with top draft pick Macklin Celebrini and new Head Coach Ryan Warofsky. Thursday’s contest will be their first game of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 36-year-old Warofsky spent the last two years as the Sharks assistant coach, specializing on defense and the penalty kill. During his first season with San Jose, Warofsky coached Erik Karlsson to a second Norris Trophy when he set a franchise record for points by a defenseman with 101.
Last season the Sharks struggled both offensively and defensively, finishing last in the League with 326 goals allowed. Additionally, the Sharks ranked second-to-last in goals scored with 180.
The Sharks received the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and selected Celebrini. The rookie made a name for himself as a freshman at Boston University with 32 goals and 64 points. Additionally, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, Will Smith, has officially made the roster. Smith finished his freshman season at Boston College leading the NCAA in points with 71 in 41 games and led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
Other notable off-season pickups include two-time Stanley Cup champion Barclay Goodrow, as well as Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg to help bolster their offense.
