December 2016 has indeed been a dismal, dour, depressing month for the presumably playoff-bound St. Louis Blues, who performed like an elite NHL team in October and November. The Blues have been merely mediocre this holiday month, incapable of defending leads and bowing to inferior teams due to listlessness and apathetic play. It was embarrassing to watch home-ice losses to Winnipeg, Chicago and Edmonton. Losses away from home to the Islanders, Minnesota, Nashville and Tampa Bay were not offset by wins in New Jersey and Dallas.
So, what’s wrong with this supposedly elite, ostensibly Cup-contending hockey club?
Before that can be answered, let’s revisit the St.