Q’s Cuties: Blues @ Canucks 12-5

Welcome to tonight’s cutie watch!  I didn’t get a chance to actually sit and watch the game last night, but I caught the highlights and checked out the boxscore- looks like the Featured Cuties from last night had an eventful night- Della Rovere got his physical game going with a fight and Taylor Hall scored the game winning goal (assisted by the Oilers point leader Ryan Whitney).  Congrats to these two guys on a good game.

The Blues are up to 5 losses in a row.  The positive note: they got a point in last night’s overtime loss.  I guess 1 point is better than nothing, but a win would be so much better.  Jaroslav Halak started between the pipes last night and let in only 1 goal in regulation time.  This performance is better than we have seen, but again a goalie letting in a total of 2 goals shouldn’t be the standard the Blues forwards are relying on.  The only goal scored last night was by Eric Brewer and was assisted by Erik Johnson and BJ Crombeen.  Why is it that the Blues seem to be seeing more points from defensemen than forwards lately?  The Blues offense once again needs to step up their game tonight in Vancouver.  With Andy McDonald possibly injured, or out for an extended time- update from Armstrong expected soon, the Blues may be down another “big” forward.  When facing a team with the Sedin twins, who I can’t stand but are really good, the Blues will need more than just defense to come out on top.

This Cutie Captain has been solid so far this season

Here’s who I’ll be keeping my eye on tonight:

Eric Brewer #4:  This cutie and captain may not be the favorite with all Blues fans, but fans must admit that he is being a solid player for the team this season.  In his first 25 games this season, Brewer has 4 points- all goals.  This is just 2 points shy of what he had in the 28 games in the 2008-2009 season before he left the season with an injury.  Brewer has 10 shots on goal in his last 5 games, and has been working to make plays and stand up for his team.  While some people may have doubts about this captain’s ability to lead, the players seem happy with his leadership and Davis Payne didn’t make a captain change when he started his first full season with the Blues.  Brewer must be doing something right, and his time on the ice has been showing that a healthy Brewer can be just as, if not more, productive than the other Blues defensemen.  Watch for this cutie to continue to make offensive plays for the Blues- he has been able to pull through at times others can’t.

Canucks Cutie to Watch:  The Canucks are 14-7-3 on the season thus far.  They are currently on a 4 game winning streak and have won 4 of their last 6 games at home.  The Canucks are a formidable team.  Goalie Roberto Luongo has 2 shut outs this season and an impressive .915 save percentage.  He has won 11 of the 20 games he has started this year.  Combine a great goalie with the 30 point a piece Sedin twins and you have a team that can be awesome when it’s working together.

This Cutie has been solid on home ice this season

Here’s who my eye will be on tonight:

Ryan Kesler #17, Center:  This cutie is currently tied for third for points on this team.  He has 10 goals and 7 assists so far this year, and 4 of thse points come on the power play.  Kesler looked good for Team USA in the Olympics this year- he score 2 goals for his team.  He averages about 20 minutes on the ice, and can be expected to take 3-4 shots each game.  Watch for this cutie to be a solid point maker tonight on home ice- 9 of his 17 points have come at home.