Carolina Hurricanes (42-15-7) at St. Louis Blues (35-19-9)
One of the biggest question marks for the St. Louis Blues this season was Vladimir Tarasenko, who had made a trade request over the off-season. The star forward was unhappy with the way his injuries had been handled. The Blues went so far as to leave him unprotected in the expansion draft — and imagine that alternate universe where Seattle actually selected Tarasenko.
No trade ever materialized, however, and speculation that Tarasenko would sit out and force the Blues’ hand never amounted to anything. Instead, Tarasenko came to training camp ready to work and is putting together an outstanding season.