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Blues Vladimir Tarasenko Can Score 40 Goals-40 Assists

By Ryan Ritchie

Jan 30, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Central Division forward Vladimir Tarasenko (91) of the St. Louis Blues participates in the skills challenge relay during the 2016 NHL All Star Game Skills Competition at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Central Division forward Vladimir Tarasenko (91) of the St. Louis Blues participates in the skills challenge relay during the 2016 NHL All Star Game Skills Competition at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blues Vladimir Tarasenko Benefiting From Return of Jaden Schwartz

Blues Vladimir Tarasenko is emerging into one of the NHL’s most electrifying players. With his incredible hands, creativity, elusiveness, and ability to make space for himself, the “Tarasenk-show” is extremely dangerous in the offensive zone.

Emerging at the same time as Jaden Schwartz, Blues Vladimir Tarasenko produced 21 goals (43 points) in 2013-14. He followed that up with 37 goals (73 points) in 2014-15, which included a handful of highlight reel goals. So far in 2015-16 (heading into Tuesday’s action), Tarasenko has 27 goals (49 points) in 56 games.

The St.Louis Blues have 24 games remaining on the 2015-16 NHL schedule.

When Jaden Schwartz went down with a broken ankle back in late October, it was just the first of what would end up being a series of injuries to key players in 2015-16.

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The loss of Schwartz was particularly devastating after his emergence over the past seasons. He had 23 goals (56 points) in 2013-14, and 28 goals (63 points) in 2014-15. He’s played two games since returning from injury, and has six points in nine games this season.

Blues Vladimir Tarasenko has found chemistry with several different players over the last couple years. He’s spent significant periods of time mainly with Alex Steen, Jori Lehtera, and Jaden Schwartz – different combinations, including some players not listed. Based on what we’ve seen, the long-term answer is letting Tarasenko and Schwartz grow and develop together. Long-term answer up the middle is up for debate, but one of Jori Lehtera, Robby Fabbri, or Ivan Barbashev are likely candidates.

Blues Vladimir Tarasenko Can Produce 40-40 in 2015-16

Sitting at 27 goals and 22 assists for 49 points, Tarasenko is on pace for 37 goals and 31 assists in 2015-16. However the return of Jaden Schwartz may significantly boost those totals.

If we look at St.Louis’ remaining 24 games (including Tonight’s game), the Blues have a somewhat favorable schedule: They’ll face Dallas (x2), Los Angeles, San Jose (x2), NY Rangers, Chicago (x2), Anaheim, Vancouver (x2), Colorado (x2), Boston, Arizona (x2), Washington (x2), Nashville, Carolina, Ottawa, Minnesota, Calgary, and Edmonton. It features a good mix of basement dwellers, along with some of the NHL’s best. The remaining opponents boast a record of 490-357- 109, with a 51.25 win percentage.

*statistical information obtained from NHL.com and Hockeydb.com

Next: Patrik Berglund Gives Blues Boost Upon Return

So where does Vladimir Tarasenko rank among Russian players? Can he reach 40 goals in 2015-16? Is there any chance we ever see the “Tarasenk-show” exceed 50 goals and 50 assists in a single season? Emerging new players for the Blues include Colton Parayko and Robby Fabbri, among others. Based on Jake Allen‘s stellar performance prior to a recent injury, coupled with the new faces in St.Louis, is there any chance the Blues can make a deep playoff run this year? If they can’t, years of frustration from early exits may boil over and trigger significant roster changes – potentially even behind the bench or in the front-office.

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