The St. Louis Blues are one of the best teams in the NHL. They have 58 points, fourth best in a league of 30 teams. At 18-3-3 on their home ice, the Blues have the best home record in the NHL approaching the All-Star break. They play in the tough Central Division, where four of five teams are within six points of each other for the lead.
Yet somehow, the Blues got left off of the All-Star roster in Ottawa, save for one. Goalkeeper Brian Elliott is the only member of the Blues on the roster for the annual NHL's midseason bonanza. He has the best goals against average in the league and deserves the nod.
But there are plenty of other deserving players who should at least be considered for the All-Star Game.
Team captain David Backes has 32 points with 14 goals and 18 assists. Although both numbers are far from the top 10 in the NHL, Backes leads a balanced St. Louis squad that has six players with 20 or more points. Backes is tops on the team in both goals and assists. The enforcer is 10th in the league in terms of hits.
T.J. Oshie, after having many off-ice problems last season, has come back with a vengeance. The youngster is second on the team with 29 points and 13 goals.
David Perron deserves a nod simply because of his comeback from a concussion. He has 14 points on the year. Although the sheer number of points is unremarkable, the fact that Perron is skating at all is a sign he should be skating with the NHL's best.
There are a few things to be considered. First is that I would rather have the Blues win as a team rather than have a few great players as All-Stars. It's good that St. Louis is finding ways to win as a unit rather than rely on one or two players.
Second is that All-Star rosters are limited, just like regular NHL clubs. There is only so many guys who can play, despite the game being a showcase of the NHL's best.
I would rather have the Blues be rested for week rather than have four or five guys suit up for a game. As February and March approaches, the schedule will get tougher as many more games are on the road instead of at the Scottrade Center. The nine days off will serve St. Louis well. The tough NHL season is only halfway done and the Blues need a break to continue their winning ways.
Having the former backup goalie as an All-Star is an honor and Elliott should play well. He will represent his team in Ottawa and the rest of the NHL will get to see why he is one of the best in the business this season.
William Browning was born in St. Louis and has been a lifelong Blues fan.
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