Monday Bluenotes: 5 Predictions

After a long weekend I’m back to the grind. At least it’s a little cooler today. Enough with the baseball weather already.

The business of Blues hockey has been pretty slow over the last few weeks. Nothing new ti report on the investor situation and no transactions.

Over the weekend a few table scraps were thrown our way. Sibir finally made an official announcement regarding Vladimir Tarasenko’s immediate future and David Backes was the rumored return for Tomas Kaberle.

Tarasenko – Fans get a little closure, but the details of the contract talks are still unknown.

Backes – An Aerosmith, Journey and Project 86 song come to mind. Don’t Stop Believe’n Leafs fans. Just Pipe Dream On.

Andy Strickland confirmed Blues still have interest in the speedy winger Bill Sweatt. Previously Andy indicated this was a two-way contract interest. Sweatt was part if the deal that sent Versteeg to the Maple Leafs from the Blackhawks.

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Throughout the week I’m going to toss out a few predictions for the 2010-11 season. Today I’m looking at goal scoring.

5. Brad Boyes will score more than 20 goals. However, it will become increasingly obvious that he is reliant upon others to score his goals.

4. Erik Johnson flirts with 15 goals. The former #1 selection takes off in his breakout season.

3. Alex Steen tops 20 goals. As he settles in to a top 6 role under Payne Steen will respond and have second solid consecutive offensive season.

2. Patrik Berglund and David Perron combine for 40 goals. Both players take a step toward consistency and post solid offensive seasons. Doors open on the power play payoff.

1. TJ Oshie scores 30+ goals and he is the only to hit 30 or more. Assuming he remains a winger.

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Blues Q&A #7 is up for the week.

Question: Who should start the season with Erik Johnson on the top pairing? Jackman, Brerwer or Colaiacovo?

You can vote on Facebook, Twitter or post a comment below. Here is where you can vote:
@MuSigma45 – my personal Twitter
@BlueNoteZone – BNZ on Twitter
Search for “Hockey Independent – Blues” and/or “Bluenote Zone” on Facebook.

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Brian Burke did the right thing in not trading Kaberle. Just my gut feeling, but depth on the blueline will be needed.

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How does Lee Stempniak not have a contract yet? He isn’t asking for big money, so what’s the hold up?

If his price is down far enough I’d live to see his speed and power play ability added to the Pens.

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The Paul Kariya buzz has died down. Another speedy forward he could do well in Pittsburgh.

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Neal, Price, Staal, Ryan… So many good players who aren’t signed that are RFAs. How they can’t get something beyond me.

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One last prediction…

PK Subban becomes an offensive monster on the Habs blueline. He reminds me a lot of EJ.