Blues At Blackhawks Morning Open Thread: Game On

Tonight’s the start of the 2016-2017 season. The Blues enter this year with a lot of questions: can they make it back to the Western Conference Finals? Will Alex Pietrangelo step right into the role of captain? Will Kevin Shattenkirk make it to the end of the season in a Blue Note? How much, if any, will the Blues regret trading away Brian Elliott? How many members of the top nine will get injured this season?

One question that doesn’t need an answer this this one: do the Blues and the Blackhawks still have a huge rivalry?

Duh.

After eliminating the Hawks in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Blues have some hatred to build on - namely Chicago’s. It’s a different team for both squads, but the dangerous weapons are still there on either side.

Welcome to Rivalry Night, and welcome to the new NHL season. Enjoy.

This is your morning open thread. Check back for some new road preview jazz from JMill, your GDT, and all other sorts of opening day goodies. Welcome back everyone!