Wednesday Bluenotes

It’s amazing the impact that goaltending has had on the playoffs already. It’s a tired and old cliche but it’s true. Goaltending wins games. The same way a Starting Pitcher or Quarterback can. I like Chris Mason. I’d like to see him return, have we already seen his best? Is there another gear he can reach? Given his age and contract status, can the Blues gamble and find out? For now I say no.

In a recent St. Louis Post Dispatch article Paul Kariya discussed his future. To save you the reading (however, if you’re so inclined, please do read the whole article) allow me to paraphrase for this blogs use. He will take the summer to see if he will continue his career. He isn’t ruling out a return to the Blues if it works out that way.

I really like Kariya. His arrival in St. Louis is the biggest reason I started putting more time and effort back in to hockey. It really is time to move on though. It’s time that players like Perron and Oshie prove they were worth all the hype. There is no way to tell till they are tested. They need to be tested.

Can the Blues learn from Phoenix? Phoenix tried to rush young players in to the NHL and the plan back fired. This season they added more experienced players and put their kids back in the minors. The Blues could benefit much the same by allowing Eller more development time and starting Pietrangelo off in Peoria. Who fills the roster spots? Players with winning experience. There are certainly some out there.

Why spend the money on “filler”? The Blues need scoring. Right?

While I agree the team needs scoring, don’t expect the Blues to make serious runs at someone like Marleau or Kovalchuk. After the recent comments by JD, the Blues don’t sound like a team that is willing to pay any free agent $8 million + per season. In reality, the money isn’t there right now to make that type of commitment to one player.

I urge caution to the Blues faithful. JD’s comments do not mean that they will not spend money to improve the team. Just expect the team to add manageable contracts that don’t hinder their ability to retain key players.

Jeremy Rutherford’s Weekly Chat Transcript from last Thursday has some good info in it.

According to Kevin Allen of USA Today David Backes will represent the US Mens Hockey Team at the White House as the US Olympic team meets with President Obama.

Random NHL Randomness

How good has Sidney Crosby been? For that matter, what about Malkin and Staal as well? Amazing how depth diwn the middle wins games.

Detroit found another gear and is taking it to Phoenix.

I watched the Sedin “no goal” multipule times. I still don’t see a distinct kicking motion. How bout that LA power play? Drew Doughty…wow.

Vezina Finalists: Broduer, Bryzgalov, and Miller.
My Vote – Miller
Likely Winner – Bryzgalov

Selke Finalists: Datsyuk, Kelser, and J. Staal.
My Vote – Staal
Likely Winner – Datsyuk

Are we heading for Detroit v Pittsburgh Part III? Certainly could end up that way. Both teams are elevating their play to a level that few teams can match. Health is their only concern now.