St. Louis Struggling at Both Ends as Carolina Dominate Early in the Season
St. Louis Blues Struggling on Both Ends as Carolina Hurricanes Dominate Early in 2024 NHL Season
As the 2024 NHL season progresses, the St. Louis Blues (8-9-1) and the Carolina Hurricanes (12-4-1) are heading in dramatically different directions. The Blues, with just three wins in their last 10 games, are mired in a tough stretch and currently sit with the third-worst record in the Central Division. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have been firing on all cylinders, winning eight of their last 10 games, and are in prime position with the third-best record in the Metropolitan Division.
St. Louis Blues: Struggles on Offense and Defense
The Blues’ season has quickly turned into one to forget, with their performance both offensively and defensively leaving much to be desired. St. Louis has been consistently failing to find the back of the net, averaging just 2.53 goals per game—among the lowest in the league. Over their last five games, the Blues have scored a mere 11 goals, a stark reminder of their inability to generate sustained offensive pressure. Top forwards Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich have been the only consistent contributors, with a combined 10 goals and 16 assists. However, beyond these two, scoring has been sparse, with only two other players having recorded five or more goals.
While the offense struggles, the defense has been equally underwhelming. The Blues are allowing 3.47 goals per game—ranked among the highest in the league—while surrendering 21 goals in their last five games. A few bright spots have emerged in defensemen Ryan Suter and Colton Parayko, who have combined for 4.9 defensive point shares. However, the rest of the defense unit has been porous, with opponents easily finding open shots on net. This defensive breakdown has placed even more pressure on goaltender Joel Hofer, who has been unable to stabilize the crease, posting a subpar .903 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average on 154 shots faced.
Carolina Hurricanes: Excellence Across the Board
In contrast, the Carolina Hurricanes have been exceptional in nearly every area of the ice. Their offense has been one of the most prolific in the league, averaging a robust 4.00 goals per game. Key contributors such as Martin Necas, Sebastian Aho, and Andrei Svechnikov have combined for 17 goals and 36 assists, leading the charge on the top two lines. However, the offensive depth doesn’t end there. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jordan Martinook, and Jack Roslovic have added another 16 goals and 13 assists, showing that the Hurricanes are not reliant on just a few stars but have a deep and balanced attack. Even defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Dmitry Orlov have chipped in offensively, combining for seven goals and 11 assists, further expanding the team’s offensive arsenal.
While Carolina’s offense has been the focal point, their defensive play has been just as impressive. The Hurricanes allow only 2.67 goals per game, a strong mark in a league where offensive production is at an all-time high. The defensive pairing of Dmitry Orlov and Jalen Chatfield has combined for 4.3 defensive point shares, while the trio of Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, and Shayne Gostisbehere adds depth and stability. This defensive cohesion has provided the team with the necessary support to keep games manageable for their goaltender. However, despite the team’s success, goaltender Pyotr Kotchetkov has faced challenges, with a .897 save percentage and a 2.56 goals-against average on 242 shots. Carolina’s hope is that Kotchetkov will find his form as the season progresses.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NHL season unfolds, the contrast between the St. Louis Blues and the Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t be starker. The Blues are stuck in a downward spiral, struggling to score and defend, while the Hurricanes have found success on both ends of the ice. With their balanced attack and strong defensive play, Carolina will look to further distance themselves from their struggling counterparts, extending St. Louis’ woes with another dominant performance.
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