It's hard to argue that a nice long break doesn't benefit a hockey team. The coaching staff gets some time to sit back, think, and make tweaks where needed. The players get time to heal up. They get a chance to rest after an eleven round shootout that somewhere in a multiple dimension is still going on.
They also get a chance to evaluate their next opponent. These Minnesota Wild are not the same ones that the Blues defeated 4-1 back on February 6th. Mike Yeo's gone, replaced by John Torchetti. Torchetti has kick-started the Wild to a 7-2 record in his first nine games. That team that allowed three power play goals back in February is probably gone. The Blues shouldn't try to exploit the Wild's weaknesses; they need to play to their own strengths, like getting Vladimir Tarasenko the puck. Tarasenko has five goals and an assist over his last six games against the Wild.
This is your morning open thread. Check back for some Road Music from CCR, and your GDT at 7:00 CST. Don't forget, tonight's broadcast is NBCSN's Sunday night game. Adjust your DVRs accordingly.