Gameday 12-29-09: Blues vs Predators

Game Info

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO.
Game Time: 7 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 12th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 39 Points

Nashville Predators: 6th in Western Conference & 2nd in Central Division – 47 Points

Power Play:
Nashville (Road): 12.7% (27th)
St. Louis (Home): 12.5% (30st)

Penalty Kill
Nashville (Road): 75.4% (26st)
St. Louis (Home): 83.3% (13th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Nashville (Road): 3.05 GF/G (4th) | 3.16 GA/G (26th)
St. Louis (Home): 2.30 GF/G (29th) | 3.01 GA/G (27th)

Hot & Cold
Nashville (Road): Martin Erat (8 Goals and 13 Points in last 10 Games) | JP Dumont (1 Goal and 5 Points in last 10 Games)
St. Louis (Home): Alex Steen (3 Goals and 7 Points in last 10 Games) | Chris Mason (3 Goals or more allowed in 7 of last 10 starts)

Food For Thought

Do Blues fans know what to expect tonight?

What’s interesting is that some roster changes tonight’s line up a virtual carbon copy of last seasons. Just replace McKee with Sydor and Woywitka with Brewer. The rest is the same.

Why is that?

Paul Kariya and Erik Johnson are expected to miss tonight’s game (see Player Notes for details).

I personally find myself less interested in the game knowing our most talented defensemen will not participate. The Blues defense is slow and steady, Johnson was a welcome sign of what our future holds. Lately his game has been dialed back. He isn’t lugging the puck up ice or pinching unless the Blues are behind on the scoreboard. In my opinion that is a systematic change that has been made. Colaiacovo has also been doing less of both. With today’s NHL based on speed and transition, the Blues are a step behind the game when those two aren’t trying to create chances.

Do these line up alterations mean a return to last season’s form? I doubt it. Not to be a negative nancy, but the Blues have shown one trend all seasons. They cannot maintain a consistent effort (especially at home).

This team is extremely boring to watch. Fans don’t seem to have a feeling that this team is ever really in a game, so why watch the inevitable negative outcome? I will continue to support the Blues, but these are growing in to dark days.

Difference Maker:

The Defensemen.

Nashville has had one of the most underrated blueline corps in the NHL for the last few seasons. They are anchored by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, both are likely representing their native countries in the Olympics in February. They are supported by steady Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein. Youngster Cody Franson has 11 Points in 28 Games (.39 Points/Game) while getting less than 15 minutes of ice time per game.

The Blues are going with out the services of Erik Johnson tonight. They will rely on Carlo Colaiacovo to be the offensive push off the blueline. Eric Brewer will also help with that role. The Blues rely on a shut down pairing of Barret Jackman and Roman Polak to keep the top Nashville producers in check. Veterans DAryl Sydor and Mike Weaver will be relied upon to take care of their own end as well.

Where Nashville has balance with good offensive capabilities, the Blues are heavily tilted towards a defensive group in back. Can the Blues hold off the up tempo game Barry Trotz has the Preds playing? That question’s answer will determine the outcome of this game.

Player Notes:

JeremyRutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch has reported on Twitter that Erik Johnson will sit out tonight’s game. Daryl Sydor will replace him. Paul Kariya will also miss tonight’s game. There has been no call-up from Peoria. I would expect Cam Janssen to dress with Alex Steen to replace Kariya on the Backes line.

The Forward Lines and Defensive Pairings should look like this according to Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Andy McDonald-Keith Tkachuk-Brad Boyes
Alex Steen-David Backes-T.J. Oshie
David Perron-Patrik Berglund-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Jay McClement-Cam Janssen

Darryl Sydor-Eric Brewer
Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Mike Weaver

O’Neill says Chris Mason to start between the pipes tonight.

Andy Strickland reported on Twitter that David Perron will return to the power play with TJ Oshie moving to Kariya’s spot on the point.

Keys to the Game

1. Get Back to Work…part 2
-  This is the same #1 key to the game against Buffalo …No rest for the weary and no time to allow a bad loss simmer. The Blues have been B-A-D at home and its time to forget that and put out a 60 minute effort.

2. Special Teams…part 2
- This is the same #2 key to the game against Buffalo. A weak power play on the road cannot be allowed to score and the Blues need to step up theirs. Whomever gets the power play goals will likely win this game.

3. Big Effort From The Big Producers
- Yes, Brad Boyes has increased his point totals lately, as have Andy McDonald and David Backes. However, these three have all struggled to produce to expectations for lack of effort or lack of effort of line mates. These three set the example for the rest of the team and they need to find a way to carry this team till everyone is on the same page.

Who to Watch for?

Patric Hornqvist