The schedule gives the Blues a bit of a reprieve this week

After splitting their opening two games against Dallas and Colorado, the St. Louis Blues face a more manageable three-game slate this week. Writer Joe DeMarini previews the matchups, which begin on the road against the struggling Chicago Blackhawks before the Blues return home. The week also features their home opener against the San Jose Sharks and a matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

DeMarini notes that the Blackhawks enter without Connor Bedard, while Blues defenseman Colton Parayko is set to tie Barret Jackman for second-most games in franchise history with 803. The writer warns that despite past struggles, rebuilding opponents like Macklin Celebrini's Sharks and a re-tooled Blue Jackets squad will still present competitive challenges for St. Louis.