3 Takeaways From Blues’ Preseason Win vs. the Blackhawks

The St. Louis Blues picked up their first preseason win Thursday night, shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks, 1-0. Calle Rosen scored the game’s only goal, while Jordan Binnington made all 16 saves for the shutout.

Let’s jump into the takeaways from this close, physical game between two longtime rivals.

Takeaway #1: Sundqvist Will Not Go Away Quietly

Many may have been surprised when the Blues re-signed Oskar Sundqvist this summer. The 32-year-old had no place on the roster given the already-existing forward depth. However, the 2019 Stanley Cup champion loves the city of St. Louis and playing for the Blues, even if it means earning his spot on the roster.

Well, Sundqvist is certainly making a case for one of the last forward spots. He played well on Thursday. He played 11:58 with three shots on goal and a blocked shot. His notable moment came in the second period on the penalty kill. After breaking up a scoring chance in the defensive zone, the Swede took the puck and turned it into a 2-on-1 with Nathan Walker. The Blues failed to score, but it was an impressive sequence that led to a scoring chance.

With just one more preseason game to go, Head Coach Jim Montgomery will soon decide who takes the final roster spots. Sundqvist has just as good a chance as anyone to make the team.

Takeaway #2: Montgomery Giving Chances to Kaskimaki

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki played in five NHL games last season. He has been impressive so far this preseason. He scored in last Saturday’s game. On Thursday, he was all over the ice. He tied for the most shifts among the forwards with 22. He also led the Blues with six shots.

Montgomery continues to give Kaskimaki ice time. He spent time on the power play and did not hesitate to shoot the puck. He did not score, but he was a big part of the Blues’ ruthless offensive attack.

Bearing multiple injuries, Kaskimaki will likely start the season in the American Hockey League (AHL). However, he is likely among the first choices to call up if an injury occurs. It is hard to say who else will be in the running, and it will stay that way until the final roster is announced. However, Kaskimaki has done enough that no one should be surprised to see him back in the NHL at some point in 2026-27.

Takeaway #3: This Team Rallies Around Physicality

Physicality has been a trend this preseason. On Thursday, it took the trend to the next level. The Blues recorded 26 hits, led by Nathan Walker and Dylan Peterson with five hits each.

Peterson and Ross Johnston were the notable physical presences on the ice. During the second period, Colton Parayko took a hit against the boards. Both Peterson and Johnston immediately stood up on the bench to defend their teammate. Nothing happened in that moment, but it was clear the duo noticed.

The aftermath occurred in the third period. Johnston and Anthony Spellacy got into a skirmish, and Spellacy headbutted Johnston, earning a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Both players also got roughing minors, leading to four minutes of 4-on-4, during which Rosen scored the game’s only goal.

However, the Blues dominated the rest of the period. They kept peppering the Chicago goal with shots. Bodies were swarming to the front of the net. The team was not afraid to get physical, even after the whistle. Walker would even drop the gloves late in the period.

The Blues needed to get more physical, and it looks like the team is responding well. I can tell players are more comfortable engaging in some “extracurriculars,” knowing someone on the team has their back. Johnston is going to become an immediate fan favorite, and if Peterson gets called up at some point, he will be, too.

It is also worth mentioning how fun it was watching a Blues/Blackhawks game with so much physicality. Despite being a preseason game, it was fun to watch. The rivalry hasn’t had much steam since 2016, as both organizations have gone in different directions. However, this increased physicality could spark some animosity between the two teams, especially considering they play so early in the season.

Stick Taps

I am going to give a stick tap to Zach Dean. Dean moved the puck well and helped create some scoring opportunities. He looked good Thursday, and I hope that continues.

Dean is someone who everyone will want to get behind and root for. He missed time due to injury, but then entered the Player Assistance Program. The reasons were not revealed to protect Dean’s privacy. However, the program exists to support players with topics like mental health and other personal challenges. I will not guess why Dean entered the program (it is none of my business), but there was a reason, and he entered to get help. Stick taps to him for seeking help, and Stick taps for a strong game on Thursday.

Next Game

The Blues conclude the preseason Saturday night with another game against the Blackhawks. Both teams are expected to use their likely NHL lineups, so this will be a game worth watching.

The regular season is just days away. The Hockey Writers will continue to bring you coverage as we wrap up the preseason.