Blues Gameday: 11-19-09 Blues vs. Coyotes
So we meet again…
The Blues faceoff against the Phoenix Coyotes for the third of their four match ups this season tonight. The Blues are at spot very familiar to them the last few seasons, the bottom of the Western Conference Standings. The Blues are currently in 13th place with 6 wins and 16 points. Phoenix is in 8th with 12 wins and 24 points. Yes, it is early in the season. However, the gap between the Blues and the magical 8th spot continues to grow. The gap is now eight points and could be up to ten by the end of tonight’s game. The Blues desperately need a regulation home victory to get going again.
Food For Thought
In the two previous games Phoenix has outscored the Blues by a combined total of 4-to-2. Nothing dramatic, but cause for concern that the Blues have averaged one goal a game against the Coyotes this season.
The power play is extremely important tonight, as it always is. In the two previous games the Blues are combined 0-for-5 on the power play. There must be conversion on the power play tonight. In wins the Blues have a 28.6% power play (8th best) and in losses a 6.9% power play (4th worst). Sounds pretty simple, right? Score a “PPG” or two and win.
Beyond the stats, there is something else to talk about for this game. Something that I fear the Blues may be taking too lightly. Defending your house. The Blues have been horrible at home (how many times have I said a variation of that?). To the tune of a 3 wins and 7 points in 11 games.
3-7-1
Only the Toronto Maple Leafs are worse and they have just one (yes only one) home win.
Where is the pride and enthusiasm for playing on home ice. The team thanks the fans for it every night, but has the team reciprocated? One knock on this years squad compared to the second half 08-09 team is the work ethic and gutsy play. It has been few and far between at home, at least till the third period. Where is the swagger and confidence of being at home? Too much can be a bad thing, but you need some of that bravado to take charge at home. I have a theory on that, but I’ll let that go.
My point is that the Blues are just lame at home. There have been flashes, but nothing close to the 60-minute efforts put out last season. Maybe this is where the fire needs to come from? The team has struggled to find it for a quarter of the season; maybe it was there all along. This is our house, our fans, and our game to win. If you can’t get fired up for coach, your pay check, or your teammates… get fired up for the people paying their hard earned money to come see you win. We aren’t that far removed from that wonderful made house last April when we clinched the playoffs. Play like you mean it and it the rest will fall in to place.
Something has to give:
Ilya Bryzgalov has allowed just two goals on 56 shots against the Blues this season. That is a 0.97 GAA and a .964 Save%. Needless to say, he has basically stood on his head twice versus the Blues. What has to give?
Bryzgalov’s road performances.
While he did have a good road outing versus Minnesota last night, his road performances have been where his bad games are coming from. He allowed 4 goals on 11 shots versus the Rangers, 3 goals on 28 shots versus the Avalanche, and 4 goals on 26 shots versus the Ducks. Bryzgalov has also yet to play in the second game of a back-to-back night on the road. Fatigue could be an issue.
In the six games Bryzgalov has given up thee or more goals, he has only won one. When the Blues have scored three or more, they have won every game. Can they slip three past him?
Difference Makers:
The Forwards:
David Perron-Andy McDonald-Brad Boyes
Paul Kariya-T.J. Oshie-David Backes
Patrik Berglund-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Keith Tkachuk-Cam Janssen
Tonight’s lines are expected to look this way per Jeremy Rutherford at the Post (he also had the defensive pairings as well). If the Blues are going to win, two or three of these guys needs to finish in the offensive zone. Pressure is one thing, but scoring is something else. Phoenix has really collapsed the slot hard on the Blues in both games. The Blues MUST find a way to stretch the slot out for passing and shooting lanes. If its going to happen, these guys will do it. I have to say that I really like the idea of Oshie at center w/ Backes and Kariya.
Player Notes:
Alex Pietrangelo is expected to play tonight. Mike Weaver and Daryl Sydor are the expected scratches. It’s really a shame that Sydor is sitting, he was playing very well with Erik Johnson. I would love for the Blues to find a way to move Colaiacovo if Pietrangelo is playing well and open up a more consistent spot for Sydor. As leery as I was about bringing him in, I want to see him play that much. He has just been solid.
The Defensive pairings should look like:
Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Erik Johnson
Eric Brewer-Alex Pietrangelo
Patrik Berglund has been practicing at left wing on the “jump start line” with Jay McClement and BJ Crombeen. Hopefully this line kick-start his game like did for David Perron and Paul Kariya.
Who to Watch for?
Patrik Berglund
No fancy stats against the Coyotes really. No great play as of late. However, I am hoping to see a big night out of Berglund. He will line up with McClement and Crombeen. This will force Patrik to skate and we know Jay and BJ can work the boards. Berglund will get a chance at some goals tonight.
