Blues News: Strachan Recalled Again

Andy Strickland and Chris Kerber just updated on Twitter that the Blues have recalled Defenseman Tyson Strachan from Peoria for the Blues upcoming road trip. The next three games have the Blues in Phoenix, Anaheim, and Pittsburgh before their next home game on October 23rd versus Minnesota. Eric Brewer is expected to accompany the team, but will not be playing.

Still not much to read in to on the Brewer front. He is healthy enough to be with the team, so he is with the team. All indications point to a positive outlook in his recovery, but we’re still weeks or even months, not days away from seeing Brewer in a game.

Jeremy Rutherford also blogged on his Morning Skate blog that the Blues have been using new lines for the last few days at practice.

Andy McDonald-David Backes-Brad Boyes
Brad Winchester-Keith Tkachuk-Paul Kariya
David Perron-Patrik Berglund-T.J. Oshie
Alex Steen-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen

Nothing really out of the ordinary. Coach Murray is likely feeling that the chemistry isn’t there between the lines so a little shuffling is to be expected. I like the idea of putting Boyes with Backes and McDonald. Both Backes and McDonald are in constant motion, creating space to move around. Hopefully Boyes will start moving around better as well, find some gaps, and score some goals.

Not a fan of Winchester’s current level of play. Hopefully Tkachuk and Kariya’s level of play will rub off on him.  He really isn’t at a level of play that warrants second line time. Hopefully Brad picks it up. Otherwise a guy named Lars Eller down in Peoria could make a case for a call up.

Anytime you can get Perron, Oshie, and Berglund out together, it is a good thing. They had a great chemistry at times last year. With all three needing to get going and produce more, getting them together will hopefully get the hardworking, creative juices flowing. There will be a lot of attention on that line should they stick together for Thursday’s game in Phoenix. All three have lofty expectations to produce early, often and consistently this season. To date the three have combined for one goal, one assist, combined 13 shots on goal and a combined minus-6 in the first 4 games of the season. If the Blues are to make the playoffs again, they will need scoring from these three to be at last years level or higher. They are not off to a great start so far.

Nothing really needs to be said about the “McSteenbeen” Line.