SAN JOSE, Calif. — There are only four teams in the NHL still playing hockey, and the Blues are among the fortunate few to claim a spot on that list.
Although the Blues' biggest star hasn't shined quite as bright so far in the postseason as he did during the regular season campaign.
Through game one in the Western Conference Finals, Vladimir Tarasenko has just six points in the playoffs and currently has a +/- of -8.
During the regular season, Tarasenko led the Blues in goals and power play goals, and was second on the team in overall points.
When watching the team play this postseason, it's never really seemed like Tarasenko was the most talented guy on the ice wearing a blue note, which he certainly is.
Head coach Craig Berube knows the team needs more out of the superstar if they want to keep playing.
"Vladi's got to work without the puck a lot harder, and he will," Berube said on the Blues' off day on Sunday. "And he's gotta get more involved. You can't just wait for things to happen especially in the playoffs, and you've gotta go get it and make it happen yourself."
Berube made sure not to single out Tarasenko though, and said all the guys on the top line need to create more scoring chances.
"We definitely need him to do more offensively for sure and create more opportunities for scoring. But not just him, we need our top lines, our top guys to get chances and create chances and produce," Berube said. "He definitely has to do more along with other guys."
Tarasenko has been criticized before for his perceived lack of a killer instinct, especially in the playoffs.
During the last Blues playoff run in 2017, Tarasenko had just six points in 11 games.
In 2016 (which was the Blues last trip to the Western Conference Finals), Tarasenko certainly had a higher scoring output in his 20 games (15 points), but his line suffered overall and he ended the postseason with a -5 +/-.
Tarasenko's teammates aren't worried about his performance so far in these playoffs, though.
"He's an elite player for a reason, and we're not too worried about it, and he's going to continue to play and lead this team by example," Pat Maroon said.
The Blues will take on the Sharks Monday night in San Jose hoping to earn a split on the road before coming back to St. Louis for game three.