Should Berglund Play For Peoria?

Patrik Berglund has struggled this season mightly and has fallen into what seems to be Andy Murray’s dog house. This is not a good sign for the up and coming center.

Last season, Berglund averaged close to 17:00 minutes of ice time, this season, he’s averaging under 14 and has only six points in 23 games with St. Louis this season.  On pace for LESS than 25 points. Compared to the 47 points Berglund recorded last season in only 76 games. Quite a drop off if you ask me.

Patrik Berglund has struggled to score this season.

So, if you are asking me, I would tell you to send Berglund down for the next 5-10 games to try and get his confidence back up.

Berglund, you could say, fast tracked his way to the National Hockey League, not playing a single game for the Peoria Rivermen. He came straight from Sweden as a 20 year old and made a impact in the NHL. This season, he’s having some troubles finding his offensive grove, maybe putting him in Peoria, along side Blues prospect Lars Eller for a good amount of time could get the wheels moving and get his confidence back up. Something he needs to do to get his head back in the game, and to get the puck back in the net.

Playing in the minors for some time is normal along the lines of most prospects in the game.  Some of the leagues top offensive players in Corey Perry, Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Martin St. Louis have played in the American Hockey League. These players are synonomus with offense. So maybe spending some time in the AHL could do wonders for Berglund, and help him get back to his offensive side of the game.

Randall Ritchey

randallritchey@gmail.com