Reviewing Jimmy Snuggerud’s Performance Since Debuting With the Blues

The St. Louis Blues concluded the season by clinching a playoff spot, but they also called up a few prospects they thought were ready for the NHL: Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud. Snuggerud has played the most games since signing his entry-level contract out of the NCAA and hasn’t been too bad. However, expectations will be higher when the team enters the postseason.

Snuggerud Getting Top Line Appearances

When the Blues first put him in the lineup, Snuggerud played on the third line, like Dvorsky in his debut. This was a good idea because it gave him some experience to adapt to the NHL playing style and get familiar with the team’s system, but in sheltered minutes. However, he adjusted quickly and could be part of a turnaround season for the Blues. In his first seven NHL games, Snuggerud put up four points, including his first NHL goal, and is ready to show what he can do in the playoffs.

Sunggerud’s determination to find a role on the Blues forced head coach Jim Montgomery to put him on the second line and first power-play unit. When asked about Snuggerud’s best qualities after the team’s 5-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on April 5, Montgomery said, “his hockey sense, his awareness on the ice, his compete level, his hockey sense and his compete level, they’re high end.”

Snuggerud was highly engaged in the play and knew how to finish on his first two assists. On his first, he made a great tic-tac-toe pass to support Jake Neighbours on his goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 3, showing his vision and high hockey IQ. On his second assist, against the Avalanche, he was knocked down while making the pass, but fought through it to finish the play.

Goal-Scoring No Issue for Snuggerud

On April 15, Snuggerud notched his first NHL goal on a gritty play on the power play, showing he can be an offensive threat. In the playoffs, his physical play in the offensive zone will be a boost to the team. Using his extraordinary vision, the Blues will have a few more options to make more effective plays with the man advantage. The team ranks 17th in the league with a 22.1 percent success rate on the power play, and Snuggerud is an excellent fit to help improve that number.