The State of the St. Louis Blues: Who are They?
![Oct 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Troy Brouwer (36) pressures Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner (3) during the third period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Oct 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Troy Brouwer (36) pressures Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner (3) during the third period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a8580e6937a0ae9857062d56a606c1010f3ec195283cec233b6e723184d89a4a.jpg)
Defense
It’s not great, it’s not horrible, but it’s definitely not promising. Consider this: Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk, arguably the Blues’ top two defensemen, are a combined minus-16 on the season. That isn’t good. On top of that, the Blues currently only have two defensemen, Carl Gunnarsson and Colton Parayko, who are on the plus side of their +/-. Parayko, who has been a pleasant and much-needed surprise, currently ranks fifth in the league in this category, but much like Tarasenko and the offense, this cannot fall on one player to carry the load. The Blues’ defense will need to step it up in their defensive end if they plan to make any kind of substantial run this spring.
Next: Goaltending