Blues Gameday – Saturday October 31st, 2009 vs. Florida Panthers

Game Info

Location: Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO
Game-time: 7pm Central
TV: FS-MW(HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Previews:

ESPN Preview
Blues Official Website Preview
Panthers Official Website Preview
TSN Preview

Food for Thought

Coming in to tonight’s game the Florida Panthers find themselves towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Don’t let them fool you though, they are better team that where they currently sit in 13th. They have talent and a solid coach. The Blues have struggled with the Panthers since the lock out. Since the 05-06 season, the Blues are 1-3-0 in four contests. Scoring one goal or less twice. Last season’s series was split with the Blues winning 4-0 at home and losing 2-5 on the road. I know Blues fans are wanting an easy game to stock away two points at home. However, this won’t be game. Easy games are extremely few and far between in the NHL this season. Couple that with the Blues bland play on Scottrade ice, this could be a close one.

Reports from various sources are saying that Brad Winchester is back in and Tyson Strachan is sitting out tonight’s game. This will retun the Blues to a twelve to six mix of forwards and defensemen. In my opinion, this is a good move for Murray. Strachan didn’t see much ice time versus Phoenix and I think that took a toll on the forwards. The Blues were basically down two forwards since Strachan played for Winchester and Cam Janssen rarely sees more than 6 or so minutes. This forced Murray to double shift two forwards all night. Which reduced the team’s overall ability to forecheck and pressure with the forwards due to fatigue. I understand why Murray made this move, but Brewer was good enough for 15-18 minutes without a safety net tonight. I have not seen who will be in net. Ty Conklin has a pretty good career record versus Florida, but Chris Mason is still the #1 Goalie. I am hoping Mason will start, but I am not holding my breath.

Brad Boyes has 8 goals in 3 assists in 11 games played against Florida since 2005. Blues fans have been waiting for the streaky scorer to start lighting the lamp this season. Hopefully Brad will knock the monkey off his back tonight. Then again, I’ve been saying that for the last few games in which he has a good production history against the opposition.

I would expect the Brewer-Pietrangelo pairing on the ice again tonight. Brewer had a few misqueues versus Phoenix, but overall he looked good for not laying a game in nearly a year. Pairings should likely be: Sydor & Johnson – Brewer & Pietrangelo – Weaver & Polak.  Speaking of Roman Polak…how solid has he been? He has 1 goal, 2 assists, is a plus-2, and is averaging over 20 minutes a night. Polak has the size, speed, stick work, and hokey sense to be a top 4 shut down defenseman. He continues to grow while the lime light is on Johnson and Pietrangelo.

Who to watch for?

Steven Reinprecht

Steven Reinprecht shouldn’t bee too foreign of a name to Blues fans. He spent the last couple seasons in Phoenix. Florida acquired him in an off-season deal for his rights. He later agreed to a three year contract extension. since his acquisition he has been the top producer in Florida, surpassing David Booth, Nathan Horton, and Stephen Weiss. Seven of Reinprecht’s eight goals have been at even strength. He is also one of two forwards on the whole team with a plus/minus rating above even who has played in all 11 games. While it is possible that he is playing over his head right now, you MUST pay attention to the hot hand. Not only from a fan perspective, but the Blues need to as well. Reinprecht has five points in his last two games.

Heading out for early trick or treating with the family tonight before the game. Will be back with a recap later tonight.