October 2009

Tonight’s tilt feature two teams in the second game of a back to back set. Both teams won their Wednesday match and both looked to continuing their winning ways. Unfortunately the Blues were unable to string together consecutive wins since the first two games in Sweden.

The deciding factor of tonight’s game was the Blues finishing ability, or lack their of. I am more than willing to give credit to Ilya Bryzgalov. He played a good game on the road behind a team who played the night before. However, the Blues had ample opportunity throughout the game to take a lead. Unlike last night in Carolina, the Blues couldn’t find the back of the net. Phoenix certainly played a better game than Carolina and played much tighter in their system. At times Phoenix really stifled the Blues in the neutral zone. Similar to how the Blues won in Carolina. The Blues improved transition didn’t help as much as needed to break the trap. Its not the fault of guys like Pietrangelo and Johnson. More so its the fault of the forwards who were greatly outworked along the offensive zone boards. I understand Coach Murray’s motivation for dressing seven defensemen. There was definitely room for a body like Winchester’s to be out there working the defenders over.

For how much the Blues were worked over on the offensive boards. I didn’t really get a feeling that Phoenix dominated our defensive boards. Generally the Blues seemed to hold their own in that regard. I continue to be impressed with Pietrangelo’s stick work to break up the play. Sydor was stable as was Johnson and Polak. I can’t complain too much, but I can complain some. Johnson is pinching more, which is something the Blues could really use. However, his spot isn’t always being covered by a forward. I guess its a risk vs reward venture and Johnson feels like its worth it. Maybe the team needs to start recognizing the pinch better and adjust their play to compensate. The Blues have given up multiple odd man rushes the last two games off ill advised, ill prepared for pinches.

Here are the numbers for forwards at even strength:
Perron -5
McDonald  – 2
Stastny – 2
Janssen – 2
Boyes – 2
Crombeen – 2
Berglund  – 2
Tkachuk – 2
Backes – 1

Again, these are positive impact plays that stood out to me. I was impressed with Perron’s effort again and Janssen’s effectiveness in a small amount of ice time. Berglund was there, but didn’t do much till a couple good plays in the third. He impressed me the most of the three players on his line.

How good is the McCPerBeen line? The Blues version of the Cooke-Staal-Kennedy line has been doing well. I like the flow they have going and hope Coach Murray keeps them together.

It is so nice to see long and medium range accurate passes from Johnson and Pietrangelo. Both just look to be so confident on the ice. Their heads up, making good clear passes. Both are rushing the puck well. Pietrangelo had a terrific read in the third period where he rushed it to the blue line, dumped it, stole it behind the net, and created a scoring opportunity. There will be an inevitable slip for Alex. While he is hot I just hope he is learning about what it takes at this level and can use this type of play as a springboard to come back out of his first rut. Don’t worry, he isn’t there yet.

How great was it to see Captain Eric Brewer back on Scottrade Ice? Love him or hate him, you have to respect a player who is injured and works his tail off to make it back. During the game the broadcast team mentioned that they asked Brewer if he ever thought his injury was career threatening. Brewer said no, but it was very frustrating. Frustrating for all involved indeed. At times he wasn’t able to pick up his children. As a father I can empathize, it would drive me crazy.

Brewer looked solid in his 09-10 debut. He took the body multiple times and only have a few gaffes with the puck. One was very nicely support by Pietrangelo. That pair looked pretty good in my opinion. I hope those two can stick together. Pietrangelo’s free wheeling ability should allow Eric to focus on the defensive end of his game, allowing for a smooth transition back in to regular play.  Eric did look a step slow compared to the rest of the players, but his big body just moves that way. I think all Eric needs is time to get back to game speed.

More good news on the injured defensemen front. During the game Darren Pang and John Kelly mentioned that Jackman has been skating. Sounds like he is on his way back. For once the Blues have pretty decent depth at the blue line. No need to rush Barret, he deserves some time with his new little one. Congrats to the Jackman family on the birth of their first child. They also mentioned that Oshie has been on the bike, still expect the 1-2 week time frame the team originally gave.

A few quick hits
I’m getting tired of the Kariya-Berglund-Boyes line. However, I like the make up of the other wo main lines. This line just needs to get going. Was not impressed with Kariya’s play. Paul has it in him to be better than he was last night.

Johnson is still knocking the rust off defensively, but he is improving still.

The Blues missed a big body presence in Winchester on the forecheck and cycle. I understand they were concerned about Brewer, but the Blues needed Winchester’s size.

Phoenix sat back and trapped the last 10 or so minutes of the third (if not more). I know that’s Tippett’s style, but that won’t work over 82 games. Bryzgalov can’t keep up his level of play over 82 games by playing overly defensive. There are too many talented teams out there that will break that shell down. The inability to break that trap was their lack of support after the first period. They were losing too many offensive zone battles and were getting one and done chances. The Blues puck management was also poor at times. Multiple turn overs at the offensive blue line when they had opportunity to get the puck deep.

I know I didn’t mention Conklin much. I’ll say this, I think he needs to get better after his last two games. The Winnik goal was likely tipped, but that shouldn’t get past him. He just didn’t look good at all on the Pyatt goal.

The Blues just missed on too many important opportunities to win the game. They finished Wednesday night, just forgot how Thursday night.