These are self-examining, soul-searching times for the St. Louis Blues. A strong finish in 2008-09 and a grand beginning to the present campaign have given way to a 10-game stutter step.

Since going to Sweden and sweeping two games against a Stanley Cup finalist from last season — the Detroit Red Wings — a sour Note is 3-6-1 overall and 1-5 in its own building.

To make matters worse, the Blues have gone two games in succession without scoring, six straight periods without seeing a red light. With three more off days before the schedule resumes against Calgary at Scottrade Center on Thursday, there will be extensive appraisal of these figures, in the media and in the team's practices.

That said, there are developments that promise to pay dividends. The Blues have invested a big part of their future in defensemen Erik Johnson and Alex Pietrangelo, two No. 1 draft picks. The present situation notwithstanding, those players are demonstrating some exciting growth.

After missing all of last season following a freak golf cart injury — a period of idleness covering 18 months — Johnson has been the team's most dynamic defenseman. He isn't back to where he was at the tail end of his rookie 2007-08 season, when the critics were complimentary. He's further along.

"I think every game I've tried to improve," Johnson said. "I think last night (a 4-0 loss to Florida), even though we lost, it was my best night as a pro, I think. ...

"And that's just what I'm trying to accomplish ... just taking it easy, making things simple and not making things too difficult for myself and just try to get better every game. So far, it's going OK, but obviously we're losing, so I need to pick it up like everybody else."

The 21-year-old Johnson wasn't patting himself on the back. He responded to questions in a team context first and foremost. But when asked to evaluate his level of comfort on the ice after so many months away, he acknowledged important strides.

For the season, Johnson has seven assists and is a plus-3. He is more involved, and more noticeable, at both ends of the ice. During a 2-0 loss to Phoenix, he had three shots on goal — the only shots registered by a Blues defenseman. His minutes have continued to go up, in part because of injuries to other defensemen, in part because of his emerging impact.

Johnson played 27 minutes against the Panthers on Saturday, as opposed to less than 17 minutes in the season opener.

"From the first regular season game to now is just unbelievable, in terms of the difference," Johnson said. "I'm just more confident making plays and skating, just doing the things I know how to do. I'm just kind of playing my game and reacting and not thinking."

At 6 feet 4 and 238 pounds, Johnson has Clydesdale-like size on defense. Along with his other skills, what makes him special is the mobility he packs. Johnson can cover the ice surface from one end to the other with powerful strides, and he is gradually learning to take advantage at the NHL level.

He has played just 81 games, but Johnson's increasing minutes are installing a rhythm and nature to take over.

"Obviously, when we're not scoring, I'm going to try to create offense a little more," Johnson said. "But it's not always going to be like that. There are going to be times where I will just sit back and play defense.

"But I'm comfortable to play in the offensive zone, trying to make plays. That's part of my game, and I can help the team out that way."

The emergence of the 19-year-old Pietrangelo is, perhaps, even more unexpected. After making his first start of the season against Los Angeles on Oct. 10, and looking somewhat less than stable, the 6-3, 205-pound "Petro" spent the next two weeks in the press box. No doubt, he wondered among other things if a return to the Ontario Hockey League wasn't a foregone conclusion.

But injuries to Barret Jackman and Carlo Colaiacovo helped create playing time and allowed Pietrangelo to start the past four games. He has averaged between 18 and 19 minutes and worked his way to the top power-play unit.

The current circumstances being what they are, Blues coach Andy Murray was not eager to hand out compliments Sunday. He is cautious and conservative when discussing his youngest players. But Murray acknowledged bright moments for Johnson and progress for Pietrangelo.

In reference to Pietrangelo, Murray said, "Huge improvement; he and Cam Janssen are the two most improved players on our team."

Again, Pietrangelo brought up the importance of regular playing time in adapting to his environment.

"Whether it's me or any other guy in that dressing room, every game you're playing, you're feeling more confident, you're feeling a lot better," he said. "I think that's been the biggest thing for me so far, playing these games in a row, and just kind of moving forward and using what I learned when I wasn't playing."

Johnson, for one, slaps a qualifier on the benefits of watching. Yes, one may learn things from observing. Yes, that may help in terms of a strategic approach. But for Johnson, at least, suggesting a player can improve simply by watching is like suggesting someone can learn to play a real guitar by using "Guitar Hero" on a game console.

"I think watching might be a tad overrated," Johnson said, "just because it's so fast on the ice. Plays are there for a split second and, from up top, everything looks so simple. It's such a dramatic difference from watching, as opposed to playing and getting back out there."

Johnson, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2006 NHL draft, is still finding his own path. But he has walked in Pietrangelo's shoes and he has noticed his counterpart make big strides.

"I really didn't get to see him too much last year, but he's really good at slowing the game down for himself," Johnson said. "And he has really good poise with the puck. I think that's one of his greatest assets. He has great hockey sense and really moves the pucks well."

The Blues have some improvements to make before they next take the ice, especially on the offensive end. On the other hand, and on the other end, Erik Johnson and Alex Pietrangelo have shown that some improvements already are in place.