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Blues Face Blackhawks Tuesday in Bid to Break Inconsistency

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 17:13 GMT by TheHockey Writers
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Schedule Breakdown

The Blues kick off the week on Tuesday, February 10th with a divisional clash against the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center. This game presents an immediate opportunity to address recent struggles and build confidence against a familiar foe. A mid-week road trip to Raleigh sees them face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, February 12th. The Hurricanes consistently rank among the league's top teams, making this a significant test of the Blues' ability to compete against elite competition. The week concludes on Saturday, February 14th with a home game against the Winnipeg Jets, providing a final chance to secure positive momentum before the NHL pauses for the Olympic Games.

Consistency Crisis & Berube's Blueprint

The Blues have been plagued by inconsistency this season, showcasing moments of brilliance interspersed with frustrating losses. While offensive talent is present, turning potential into consistent results has been a persistent hurdle. Head Coach Craig Berube has repeatedly stressed the necessity of a return to fundamental hockey, prioritizing a robust defensive structure and meticulous puck management. Limiting turnovers, particularly in their own zone, is paramount. The Blues have been gifting opponents scoring opportunities with unforced errors, and rectifying this issue is crucial.

Beyond defense, capitalizing on scoring chances remains a key focus. While the Blues possess skilled forwards like Vladimir Tarasenko, Brayden Schenn, and the recently revitalized Jordan Kyrou, converting opportunities into goals has been a problem at times. Expect Berube to emphasize shooting lanes, net-front presence, and quick decision-making in the offensive zone. The power play unit, which has struggled at times, will be under particular scrutiny.

Key leadership will be demanded from veterans like Schenn and Tarasenko. Parayko, as a stalwart on the blue line, needs to continue to anchor the defense and provide stability. The Blues need their established players to step up and set the tone for the entire team.

Olympic Impact: A Double-Edged Sword

The selection of Blues players for the 2026 Winter Olympics, while a source of pride for the organization and its fans, presents a logistical and competitive challenge. Ryan O'Reilly (Canada), Brandon Saad (USA), and Torey Krug (USA) are confirmed participants, and more players may yet receive invitations. Their departure will inevitably create roster gaps and necessitate adjustments to line combinations and special teams strategies.

The team will need to integrate players from the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds to fill the void, giving those prospects valuable NHL experience. While this presents an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talent, it also disrupts the team's chemistry and requires the coaching staff to quickly adapt.

The Olympic break itself is a double-edged sword. The time off provides much-needed rest and recovery for players battling the physical demands of an NHL season. However, it also interrupts the team's momentum and can lead to a period of readjustment upon their return. Maintaining conditioning and staying sharp during the break will be critical. Berube will likely encourage players to engage in light practices and individual skill work to stay prepared.

Looking Ahead: Resilience and Determination

This week's games represent more than just six points in the standings; they're a litmus test for the St. Louis Blues' character and resolve. Can they overcome their inconsistency and find a rhythm heading into the Olympic break? Can they successfully integrate potential replacements for Olympic-bound players and maintain a competitive edge? The answers to these questions will shape the narrative of the Blues' season.

Success this week requires a collective effort, a commitment to defensive responsibility, and a renewed focus on capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The Blues need to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and prove that they are a team capable of competing with the league's best. The 2026 Winter Olympics are on the horizon, but the Blues' immediate focus must remain on the task at hand: securing a strong finish to the first half of the season and building a foundation for a successful second half.