Brad Lee, from St. Louis Game Time, was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Blues for us. Here goes:

Q: Give us a quick scouting report on the Blues. What's been good? What's been bad?

A: The Blues continue to play like a young team. One night they come out and play strong in Anaheim, three nights later they get star struck and watch the Penguins skate by them. Goaltending, which was one of the questions pundits had about the Blues this summer, has been solid, but not dominant. The power play is hot and cold. In the games they've won, the Blues have turned up the pressure and finished strong, but they've had only one good start to a game so far this season.

Q: Keith Tkachuk has had a nice start to the season. What are Blues fans expecting from him this season?

A: So far he has seven points in seven games. But people forget last year that he scored eight goals in eight games to start season. At age 37, he shouldn't play center because of the extra mileage skating with defensive responsibilities, but he still sees time in the middle. He gets big ovations and is the leader in the dressing room. It will be interesting when he decides to hang his skates up or the team doesn't re-sign him after his one-year deal expires.

Q: How has Paul Kariya looked? Is he healthy and ready to go?

A: Kariya had the two hip surgeries, so we were skeptical. But Kariya has his speed, the most important part of his game. He doesn't look like Paul Kariya from 5-10 years ago, but he's a reasonable facsimile.

Q: I'm sure Stars fans are curious about BJ Crombeen and Darryl Sydor. How are they performing?

A: The Beej took some heat in the playoffs last spring. He was benched and at the end of a period with seven seconds left, he jumped over the boards thinking the Blues didn't have enough players and he promptly took a penalty. Oy. But his dad was a Blue, he's a tough guy with wonky teeth, so he's not totally a lost cause. Sydor wears Chris Pronger's old No. 44, so it's odd every time he takes a shift. In the home opener earlier this month he was alone in the slot in front of the net...and couldn't get a good scoring chance. Expectations are low.

Q: How are the Blues' special teams? They appear to be solid enough, ranking 12th on PP and 17th on PK going into Friday's game. What makes the units work? Who should Stars fans watch on the power play?

A: On the PP, Andy McDonald (in our opinion, the best player on the team) and Kariya skate like wild men, cutting and moving without the puck. Erik Johnson and his repaired knee bring a shot back to the point that was missing all last year. On the PK, watch TJ Oshie. You'll see.

Q: Which goalie will play on Saturday? Can you give us a quick scouting report on the netminders?

A: The Blues face the Stars in the second game in two nights. Chris Mason and his beard played Friday. That means Ty Conklin and his new beard (the power of facial hair compels them, apparently) will start. His first game against Detroit...in Sweden started off like a train wreck but ended well. A week ago he shut out the Ducks in Anaheim 5-0. So beware.

Q: Any injury updates?

A: Alex Steen is out with a broken wrist. He's not a household name, but he did play prime minutes shorthanded and on the third line. He's been replaced by tough guy Cam Janssen (St. Louis native). Other tough guy DJ King could come back Saturday night as well from a myriad of injuries.

Q: Is there anything else Stars fans should know about the Blues and tonigh'ts game?

A: Blues fans do not like it when people from Dallas come to games and yell "STARS" during the national anthem. They think it's dumb. Thought you should know.

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