Drew Bannister, head coach of the St. Louis Blues, expressed his frustration following his team’s recent 3-1 preseason loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This defeat marked the Blues’ record at a disappointing 1-4-0 as they approach the final stretch of their exhibition games. As October dawns, the urgency to improve is palpable, and Bannister’s disappointment was evident in his post-game comments.
“Even though the calendar says October, we have to get ourselves going,” Bannister stated firmly. He emphasized the importance of starting the regular season with momentum rather than relying on the notion that performance can be turned on at will. “This isn’t the way to have success starting the season,” he continued, signaling the need for a more aggressive and focused approach in the coming days.
Throughout the preseason, Bannister has noted a trend of lackluster effort from his team. After an initial 0-3 start, he believed the Blues were gradually easing into their game rather than competing at a necessary level. “We’re being outcompeted,” he said, highlighting a concern that has lingered over the team. The coach is keenly aware that habits formed during the preseason can carry over into the regular season, and the Blues must address these issues swiftly.
Bannister has repeatedly pointed out specific bad habits that have crept into the team’s play. Whether it’s failing to maintain puck possession, inadequate defensive coverage, or lack of offensive aggression, these problems have consistently undermined the Blues’ efforts on the ice. With only two preseason games left, time is running out for the team to rectify these issues and build the chemistry necessary for a successful start to the NHL season.
Despite the challenges, Bannister remains optimistic that the Blues can find their footing. He understands that the current lineup may not fully reflect the team that will take the ice when the regular season begins. However, he knows that the foundation laid during these final preseason games will be crucial. “We have to get ourselves up to speed here and quickly,” Bannister concluded, underlining the urgency for his players to elevate their game in preparation for the season ahead. As the Blues look to rebound, Bannister’s leadership will be essential in guiding the team toward improvement.
