Ten Questions About the 2010-11 St. Louis Blues, Part 5

Earlier this summer the BlueNoteZone Staff was asked to answer 10 questions regarding the 2010-11 St. Louis Blues. Here are their answers.

Question 2. Biggest Surprise player will be?

Jeff Quirin: Roman Polak. There is no disputing his defensive abilities. His has the growth potential in his offensive game. He is the strongest skater in the line up in terms of acceleration and top speed. Giving him a great ability to join the rush and help push defenders back, opening space for skill players to work. He has a cannon on the point if he is able to get it off and could be a secondary power play threat from the point in the future. He won’t see power play time, but with Payne’s freeing of the defensemen, look for Polak to post 30 points, almost primarily from even strength. TJ Oshie is a very close second.

Randall Ritchey: Nikita Nikitin. Most people don’t even have Nikitin on the starting roster but I see him as a fixture on the Blues blueline as the season comes to close.

Tyler Atwood: Roman Polak.  With his defensive skills already honed, this will be the year he becomes a force on the second power play unit with an impressive slap shot and solid hockey sense.  I truly believe he has the potential to be a 40-point NHL defenseman.  He may not reach it this year, but he will not be a liability on the other blue line.

Stephanie Phillips: Brad Boyes. Everyone was so disappointed in him last year, I think he’ll have a much better year.

Kelly Quirin: Alex Steen. I think he will prove to be more than just a fluke and will have another great season.

Question 1. Blues player to watch is?

Jeff Quirin: Alex Steen. One of the better conditioned players Alex is able to sustain his level of play deeper in to shifts. He has deceptive speed

Randall Ritchey: Brad Boyes. A return to a 30-40 goal scorer is needed for the Blues to return to the post season. With a good camp, he needs to transition that success in to the regular season.

Tyler Atwood: David Perron.  This may be the year he pots 30 goals and 70 points to help to justify his first-round selection.  With Andy Murray gone, there is no doghouse with Perron’s name on it anymore, and he’ll be allowed to do what he’s paid to do . . . score goals and set up others.

Stephanie Phillips: I think T.J. Oshie will finally have his breakout year. He may not be the highest goal scorer, but he’s a solid player, he fights for the puck and makes the plays.

Kelly Quirin; David Perron. He is turning into a better player with each game he plays, and is shaping up to be one of the best forwards on the ice.