Our Central Division season preview series looks at the St. Louis Blues, one of the team's we'll open the season against this weekend, was a preview from Blues radio voice Chris Kerber.

Health and Halak are the two keys for the St. Louis Blues this season and both will factor heavily in determining their success and potential return to the Playoffs. The Blues have only made the playoffs once since the lockout of ’04-’05 and Blues fans are hungry for extra hockey this season. Prior to the lockout, the Blues had made the playoffs for 25 consecutive years.

Last season the Blues started the season with a 9-1-2 record but the season was quickly derailed by key injuries to their top players. Defensive injuries crept in and then the Blues lost Andy McDonald, David Perron, and TJ Oshie for extended periods of time. David Perron was lost the first week of November on a blatant head-shot from Joe Thornton (Only a two game suspension) and Perron did not return the rest of the season. David Perron has started skating again, but ahs yet to join his teammates on the ice for a full practice.

With depth being tested last season, Blues GM Doug Armstrong added depth this off season. Former Predator Jason Arnott was added at Center, and Jamie Langenbrunner was brought in for depth on the wing. With David Backes, Patrick Berglund, and Jason Arnott now down the middle, the Blues appear to be as big as any team at center. Scott Nichol was also brought in to help a team that struggled in the face-off department.

Defensively the Bleus will need t be carried by two second year defensemen, Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk. Both finished their rookie seasons last year with 43 points and are poised to be two of the best young puck moving defensemen in the NHL. Kent Huskins was added to bring experience to the core group along with Barrett Jackman, Roman Polak and Carlo Colaiacovo.

Buit again, the key comes down to the play of Jaroslav Halak. Last season was his first full season as a number one goalie in the NHL. He played a career high 57 games and at times was brilliant yet at times inconsistent. The Blues have added veteran goalie Brian Elliot as a back-up but they expect Halak to carry the load. GM Doug Armstrong believes that for his team to be successful, Halak does not need to be the best in every statistical category (although that would be nice), but he does believe Halak will need to be top 10 in the major ones.

If Halak takes a step forward, and the Blues remain healthy with their added depth and wining experience, chances are good Blues fans will once again experience the thrill of Stanley Cup Playoffs.