ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn is riding a five-game goal streak after scoring his fifth goal of the season against the New York Islanders on Monday. That’s five goals in six games.
These goals came in rapid-fire fashion after Schenn signed an 8-year contract extension worth $52 million dollars on Oct. 4.
Schenn posted 70 points, a career high, in his first year with the Blues in 2017-2018. He then posted 54 points in regular-season play last season before hoisting the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
The biggest difference between the two seasons was Schenn’s drop-off in goals from scoring 28 in year one to only 17 in year two. There are different reasons behind this dip, but based on the numbers this season, Schenn is well on his way already to potentially reaching new career-high numbers.
For years before Schenn’s arrival, Blues fans far-and-wide questioned when the club would look to acquire a forward that could play as a true-centerman to support the team’s offense in a top-six position.
While Schenn plays as a true centerman, his left-handed shot, finesse, and physical capability makes him a utility player on the wing as well if needed.
He came over from Philadelphia at a pivotal time for the franchise in 2017, and has been a special asset to the hockey club at the right time, and a big part of its success.
But he hasn’t done it single-handedly. His presence merely played a part in building the structure of the organization’s top line that has since been solidified over the course of two seasons.
The “Schwar-Schenn-Ko” line, consisting of Jaden Schwartz, Schenn, and Vladimir Tarasenko, has been the top line for the third season now. Granted, it hasn’t been glued together for three seasons straight, but it always find a way back together.
In November of 2017, NHL analysts were declaring the trio the best line in hockey for a period of time after they acquired a combined 58 points in less than two months. The chemistry was unmatched, and with different skill sets, it was at times, unstoppable.
Schenn’s streak of goal scoring to begin the season isn’t happening by accident. It’s the cohesion of his ability combined with his line mates’ skill.
Let’s start from the left. It’s no secret that Schwartz had a scoring drought last season. In fact, he’s struggled for a period multiple seasons that he’s experienced an injury that he’s had to recover and return from.
But, it’s also no secret that Schwartz possesses a specific skill set surrounding his speed that is unmatched by the majority of NHL defensemen. This speed can be used for a better offensive advantage when paired with a centerman whose passes and understanding of the game in high-pressure situations on the ice creates a mobile cohesion.
On the other side of the ice is Tarasenko, who’s known for finding ways to put the puck in the net. It’s Tarasenko. But one thing he has openly expressed over the past two seasons is the focus he’s had on improving his ability to shoot one-timers under pressure, instead of taking his time to dust off the puck before firing it at the net.
Schenn’s ability to help set up Tarasenko for these opportunities, read the puck, and find ways to be goal side on his shots has been crucial in the line’s success.
In the same sense, Tarasenko has become more engaged in the play on every shift. Whether it’s controlling the play from playing point on the first power play unit, or using a physical presence to create space and find Schenn closer to the net, it’s working.
There is no selfish player on this line, and there’s no lack of speed, skill, or physicality.
The Blues play their best games when they’re hard on the forecheck, strong on the boards, and gritty in the crease. Schenn has excelled in these areas, and is often first to set the tone of the game by throwing his weight on the puck and utilizing his physical presence.
He in turns uses this style of play to score as well. It would be no surprise to see him score 30 or more goals this season. We’ve not yet seen his ceiling.
But the chemistry and behind-the-scenes work by the trio that goes into these goals are a big part of the success story that’s not always noticeable to the naked eye.
