With their best record through the midway point of the season in franchise history at 25-7-5, the St. Louis Blues have started their season off on the right note.

The Blues have appeared as the number one spot in the National Hockey League (NHL) power rankings and are predicted by multiple professional hockey analysts to win the Stanley Cup this season.

Despite being behind the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks the majority of the season in the Western Conference, both teams have continued to play more games than the Blues, leaving them at a disadvantage.

Among the changes this season were the NHL’s changes in divisions, causing the former division rival Detroit Red Wings to be moved into the Atlantic division in the Eastern Conference. This means that the Blues will only face them twice this season.

Battling injuries to crucial players like David Backes, Ryan Reaves, Vladimir Sobotka, Alexander Steen, Jaroslav Halak and Roman Polak early in the year caused many players to rise up to their potential.

Forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, and TJ Oshie were among those who made a large impact dealing with those injuries. Goalie Brian Elliot also filled in for Halak while he missed games due to the flu, and even recorded a 5-0 shutout against the Los Angeles Kings.

Some other key players have made a noticeable difference. Blues forward Jaden Schwartz, a league leader in plus/minus and with 34 points so far this season has been one of them. Also, forward Alexander Steen, the team’s leader in goals (25) and points (41), even after missing 11 games due to a concussion, has made a difference this season.

As the hockey season comes to a midseason break, ten players will go on to represent six different countries in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Among those are Captain David Backes, Alex Pietrangelo, Patrik Berglund, and Jay Bouwmeester. Also, representing team Canada are head coach Ken Hitchcock and General Manager Doug Armstrong.

The Blues have gotten off to one of the best starts in franchise history,
Along with their successful start to the season, the experience at the Scottrade Center has been ranked 4th in the NHL, however, it has not seen many sellouts this season.

“Unfortunately ticket prices have gone up, so I haven’t been able to go to as many games,” senior Carly Neal said.

Senior Tyler Collier, and senior season ticket holder, Noah Riffee, are looking forward to the Blues’ continued pace and their chance in the 2013-2014 Stanley Cup playoffs.

“I’m looking forward to a consistency in play and their continued improvement on defense and power plays,” Riffee said.

Their outstanding start to the season has come with its share of critics to say the least.

Although they have had an impressive start to the season, Business teacher John Heeter believes that they could still do some improving.

“They are still unable to beat teams like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, so hopefully they can move on with the season and are able to compete against those teams,” Heeter said.