GameBlog 12-20-10: Blues vs Canucks
Over the weekend St. Louis Blues fans had good news and bad news. Roman Polak is coming back “early” but a lack luster performance up and down the lineup Saturday let the San Jose Sharks even up the season series with a 4-1 win. The Vancouver Canucks are coming in to start yet another back to back set. The urgency needs to pick up.
Thoughts on San Jose Loss
- David Backes was by far the most noticeable player on the ice. As his 8 hits in 18 minutes on the ice attests to. Certainly a problem that he created virtually all the Blues scoring chances. Not that he shouldn’t be, but that no one else really did. Who doesn’t love it when he starts putting the hurt on big name Canadian players.
- Have to credit the anti-Brewer club some. His play has been through the roof and they’ve kept their mouths shut. Sure he was a Minus-1, but his 4 shots on goal, 2 hits, and pair of takeaways in 22:30 TOI is pretty impressive. It’s amazing what good health does for a hockey player. Instead of playing a more cerebral defensive game he has finally found that physical element that a defender his size must have. Must stronger on the puck and when taking the body.
- Anyone taking notice of Barret Jackman’s growth out of a clutch and grab era defender and in to a more modern version? His mobility and passing abilities seem to be on a higher level this time around the block. Setting off a few stretch passes last one. The key one freeing Backes for his breakaway and leading to his penalty shot tally. He’s still getting the dirty work done too. Blocking a team high 4 shots. Everyone else had just one.
- Patrik Berglund had a solid game and seems to be trending back towards what Scott Mellanby wants from the big Swed. I’m sure that the weak stick infractions were not in his game plan though.
- Is the book out on Jaroslav Halak now? On clear looks just shoot high or don’t score because he is too good down low? Otherwise get traffic and his body is not big enough to cover the pucks he can’t see. San Jose penetrated the defensive box with far too much ease. An area Polak can make a big impact.
Prepping for Canuckleheads
- When the Blues won in Vancouver back on December 5th they successfully cut the game in to three zone segments. Really giving the Canuck transition game fits. A scheme that all teams attempt to employ on the road. Davis Payne needs his crew to bring that same approach to this home contest
They can’t get in to an open 200 foot game and keep up at this point. The horses may all be back on defense, but there isn’t a high enough skill level to finish the chances an improved breakout will create. At least in comparison to Vancouver.
- The Sedin brothers, Daniel and Henrik, have become much like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. They are players that cannot be totally shut down so they must be contained. Denying those two time and space to use that twin voodoo connection to carve up the defense will be important. Back pressure from forwards needs to be better to cut off lanes to the middle.
- If the top line can be restrained, then all that you have to worry about is Ryan Kesler. No biggie. Right? Hardly. The US Olympian has 15 goals and 25 points in 30 games. Not to mention he can shut down the Blues top line as well. He has a good shot from high in the circles, again, more back pressure to deny the play off the cycle to him for a shot.
- Can the Blues show a little creativity in the offensive zone? The other 14 teams in the conference know they love to cycle and lately that’s all they’ve tried to do. Perhaps the defenseman can jump in the play more to help create pressure that can draw lanes open in the Vancouver defensive box? No just the occasional pinch to hold the puck in, but moving more bodies from different angles to throw off the defense.
Suggested reading: Peter Tessier’s latest blog on Hockeybuzz.com.
Bluenotes, News & Links
- When reading between the lines, it appears Alex Pietrangelo will return to the lineup Monday with Polak. []
- To those struggling to cope with the “loss” of Ian Cole since he was returned to Peoria, chillax. The Blues didn’t need 8 healthy defenseman on an off day. Peoria was playing its third game in as many nights against the Grand Rapids Griffins. They needed the warm bodies. Especially with top defenseman Nathan Oystrik out. Don’t forget Tyson Strachan would need to clear waivers to be sent three hours north. Would someone claim him? Maybe, maybe not. Given the injury/depth issues so far this season, they cant afford to take that risk.
- Dave Scatchard was injured early in Saturday’s loss and is on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. Expected to be out 4-6 weeks. Adam Cracknell was recalled from Peoria.
- Should the Edmonton Oilers buy or sell? Would the Blues be interested in Gilbert Brule or Andrew Cogliano as a short term depth filler with some “change of scenery” upside potential? [Richard Cloutier, Hockeybuzz.com]
Lineup
Here is my educated guess. If Lou, JR, Norm, Dan, etc get confirmations from the Blues morning skate, I’ll get an update in.
Vladimir Sobotka – David Backes – Brad Boyes
Alex Steen- Jay McClement – Matt D’Agsotini/BJ Crombeen
Brad Winchester – Patrik Berglind – BJ Crombeen/Matt D’Agostini
Chris Porter – Adam Cracknell – Cam Janssen
Eric Brewer – Roman Polak
Barret Jackman – Alex Pietrangelo
Carlo Colaiacovo – Erik Johnson
Jaroslav Halak is the expected starter. Ty Conklin could start to allow Halak to start Tuesday night for the back half of the set in Atlanta.
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