Predators At Blues Morning Open Thread: Happy Blues Year

All in all, 2016 was a good year for the Blues. Yes, it saw David Backes leave as a UFA. Sure, they got bounced in the playoffs. However, this year it took until game six of the Western Conference Finals for the Blues to go home. Colton Parayko established himself as the future of the Blues' blue line. Robby Fabbri has completely shrugged off the concept of a sophomore slump after a solid rookie season. Jake Allen is coming into his own in net.

The Blues have had outstanding special teams work during this calendar year, and a record most teams in the NHL would kill to have. Yes, there hasn't been a Stanley Cup yet, and yes, 2016 has been an absolute shitpile of a year, but for our Blues? Pretty damn good.

Heck, they even got awarded some fancy schmantzy outdoor game that no one can seem to shut up about.

So ring out the old and ring in the Blue tonight at Scottrade, because the next time we see the guys it'll be 2017, at Busch Stadium, and hopefully not in the pouring rain.

This is your morning open thread. Check back a little later on for a Lighting the Lamp from Rick, you preview, and your GDT, along with another edition of Life On the Road. While you're waiting for the puck to drop, swing by and say hi to the good folks at On the Forecheck.