Tuesday Morning Random Thoughts
- Did the warning shots fired by Team Owner Dave Checketts only go so far? Basically the big boss asked for consistency and living up to your ability to make an impact. Last night the Blues seemed to lose that touch that they had gained in the games versus Phoenix and New York. When the work ethic wasn’t as s strong as it should be from game to game you have to wonder about a players personal motivation level. TJ Oshie where did you go last night?
- After last night’s action the Blues are in the top 10 in terms of lowest GAA. They are currently ranked 6th best in the NHL, giving up an average of 2.48 goals against per game. This team has the ability to shut an opponent down. So why can it not turn that shut down play in to offensive opportunities? The Blues spend a fair share of their time in their own end preventing goals. Rather than using the neutral zone to cause turnovers and counter attack. Don’t get me wrong, they can do that, but that is not where the low GAA is coming from. This isn’t a possession team managing the puck well. This is a team absorbing attacks and the goalie ultimately repelling them.
- The least effective power play in the NHL belongs to the St. Louis Blues. Thought we had that stigma shook off. Lots of passing, not so much movement and we time warp back to 2007.
- David Backes, Paul Kariya, Brad Boyes, Patrik Berglund, and Andy McDonald accounted for four goals scored in the 6 game home stand. That is roughly $18million in cap hits producing four goals in 30 total games played. That’s a pace for 11 goals over 82 games played. How is this acceptable? I have a feeling at some point it won’t be. Then again, Brad Boyes has produced this poorly all season and there has been no consequences.
- If the Blues could get one “star player” that might be available, who should it be?
Eric Staal? Not likely available.
Vinny Lecavalier? Is he available and at what cost. That contract is a fair amount to swallow for a player who will stagnate or decline in production over the life of the contact.
Ilya Kovalchuk? What says he will sign here long term and not go back to Russia? What says Atlanta will really trade him?
It’s a nice thought, but there really isn’t anyone there. If the Blues are to get anyone it will be of second or third tier variety. Someone like a Joe Corvo or Eric Belanger. A lower level top 6 forward or lower level top 4 defenseman who doesn’t cost much from a team falling out of the playoff race. Then again, the Kariya signing and Stempniak trade were “out of the blue”, so we will see what Larry, Doug, and JD have in store.
- Can David Perron be the guy to break out and take over this team offensively? He certainly has the tools for it and he is starting to put together the game. Get Brad Boyes off his line and he could likely do more.
- Free Alex Pietrangelo. Make the decision and play the kid Wednesday versus Dallas. No offense to (or from) from Weaver, but I’d like to see Alex get in more games. Having that extra man who can carry the puck in deep and pinch in to keep the play moving is added offense the Blues could use more of.
- Kudos to coach Any Murray for putting the game in the skill. The Backes and McDonald lines lead in even strength time on ice last night versus Boston. Keep doing that and we will win more games than we lose.
