GameBlog 4-3-10: Blues vs. Stars
Recap
Motivation is a funny thing. It’s just like confidence. It can be there on minute and gone the next just because something didn’t go as planned. After the debacle in Nashville the Blues could have packed it in and got ready fir golf season. Instead of calling it quits, key players stepped up and took down Dallas for the Blues fourth straight home won.
If you enjoy two teams playing not to lose, you would have enjoyed this perod. Neither team took charge and both played to feel each other out.
The game started moving after the Segal/Crombeen fight. Shortly thereafter the Blues opened the scoring with a bang in by TJ Oshie off a Roman Polak shot that Lehtonen couldn’t handle. Dallas ended the period with a Brendan Morrow goal. Another late period goal could spell doom.
This game turned out different. The team responded in the third the way that the team was expected to all season. They took the lead and played for the next goal. The way they took the lead was unexpected, a timely power play goal. Yes, the power play has been better at converting under Payne, the timely/momentum swinging goals haven’t come. The Blues squandered multiple power plays throughout the game. Poor entry in to the zone and a lack of effort lead to few chances. Thier last chance in the third was different. There was desperation where there hadn’t been before. A shot through, a mad scramble and there is Johnny on the spot, Carlo Colaiacovo. Carlo puts in another key goal, something he has done multiple times thus season.
With a 2-1 lead late I’m sure the Scottrade crowd was wondering if Dallas pushback would trump the Blues effort. The Blues did the opposite of their season long stereotype. They pushed the puck forward and kept attacking the Stars depleated blue line. Holding the Stars to two shots in the last half of the third. Increase in offensive zone time and few shots against equals a Blues win and capture if the 10th spot and four points back if the 8th position in the West.
McDonald started the game with Backes and Oshie. The line did ok, but it missed Paul Kariya. Big kudos to Paul in celebration of his 400th career goal. Oshie and Backes continue to work well together.
Steen started with the enigmatic Berglund and inconsistent Perron. That line just didn’t work. Steen eventually made his way back to the old McSteenbeen line.
All three defensive pairs were good enough to win minus Jackman.
Chris Mason backed up his strong words to the media with a solid performace, stopping 24 of 25 shots on goal.
I continue to wonder what the Blues reallybhave in David Perron and Patrik Berglund. Sometimes they are on fir 60 minutes and some games they drift in and out of showing a solid effort. At times Berglund looks lost, chasing the play (something Boyes is also struggling with). Perron appears lethargic and lacking motivation. He slows the speed of the play developing in front of him. Both players have great potential, but have to find that next level of play to be considered go to players. Last night and the Nashville game are prime examples.
Matt D’Agostini continued to sit in the box and watch games. It’s hard to judge trades so soon when it involves young players, but why make the deal saying we needed scoring help “now” and not get the player in to game situations? Four goals in their last two games will not cut it. I want to see this guy on the ice.
Next up for the Blues are the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night. A potential chance to move within two points of that last playoff spot.
PreGame
The Blues take on the Dallas Stars tonight in a tilt to determine the best bottom of the playoff bubble team in the West.
Fighting for 10th is not an ideal source of motivation, but this team apparently needs it. If you read in to the recent comments by David Backes and Chris Mason there appears to be a need for some players to find motivaton. I’m not a professional athlete, but I can say that when my back is to the wall on a deadline at work I have all the motivaton I need. For anyone to be successful at anything you have to have the will to succeed. If Blues players lack that will now perhaps another team can employ them.
Dallas has overtaken the Blues for 10th in the West with 84 points. With the Ducks OTL last night they have tied the Blues with 83 points and have taken the 11th spot. A regulation win moves the Blues back in to 10th and keeps the slim playoff hopes alive. Should be plenty of motivation.
I appteciate that the power play has improved with Steen on the point and under Payne, but the timely PPG hasn’t been there. The power play fIled twice in Nashville to push the lead back to two goals and once failed to tie. For playoff level teams the man advantage is a positive difference maker. It was on 09-10, but it’s not now.
Chris Mason is expected to star for the Blues.
Per Lou Korac, Paul Kariya and Carlo Colaiacovo are expected back in the line up following short injury abscence. Matt D’Agonstini will also return to the line up. I am not sure who will be sitting, but I find it odd that two forwards are coming back in to the line up that are most likely replacing enforcer/fighters. The Blues and Stats have a chippy recent history and there has been a fight in nearly every game. Can Winchester and/or Crombeen provide the needed toughness? Guess that depends on who Crawford dresses tonight.
Enjoy the game in HD as the Blues continue to see who is motivated enough to continue their stay on St. Louis.
