Ever the soft touch.
You make some good points, though.
I'll add that it's tough to craft constructive feedback without knowing exactly what the end goal happens to be, and what sort of variables are involved. Who is the target audience? Is the goal to inform and let readers draw their own conclusions, or to provide an informed opinion for the readers to digest? Is it to provide deep, insightful analysis on a selection of topics (learning more about the technical game, strategies, or other things not easily understood), or to lightly touch on and draw attention to a broad scope of topics (to keep informed about what's generally going on around the league)? What sort of article volume is one expected to produce, and what sort of time constraints does one have while writing them?
Even the most basic Blues articles would be "informative" to a whole lot of non-hockey fans, to most non-Blues fans, and even to a large number of casual Blues fans. That same group is also probably more interested in what's generally going on than in more deeply understanding the game. I'd wager presenting informed opinions on topical issues with some basic underlying reasoning/facts laid out in support would generally work well with that group. The ones who know nothing will be looking for an opinion, not to make up their own mind, and those who know something will find themselves engaged by either agreeing or disagreeing. As long as you're presenting well-reasoned arguments in a generally entertaining manner, you should be fine.
The more hardcore and informed Blues fans here, though, are generally looking for a higher level of discourse and are more interested in learning something they don't already know. An article that would appeal to that subset of fans is probably too overwhelming and detailed to engage non-fans, and even many casual fans.
Both types of articles have their place in the world.
My general advice to the author would be to do what you can to continue to grow your knowledge about the game. That knowledge will come through in your writing, regardless of intent or audience, and it will lend you credibility and authenticity. If your goal is to inform, try to find something to unique to share (or give it your own unique touch). You're more likely to build a following if people know that they'll get something new by reading what you have to say. If your goal is to engage, then don't be afraid to present an informed opinion. People respond to those.