GameBlog 12-31-10: Blues vs. Coyotes
Happy New Year’s Eve Blues fans! It’s not been the greatest year in the Note’s history, but 2011 looks to be very promising. To end the year the Phoenix Coyotes come in to an unseasonably warm St. Louis. Will the winning streak push to five games or will the Yotes cap off 2010 on a sour note?
* REMINDER * – This game is on Versus (ode to joy, at least Billy Jaffe is part of the TV team) and is a 7:30 pm Central start.
When Last They Met
Last time these two tangled was in the middle of the Blues first 5 game losing streak. Davis Payne elected to go with Ty Conklin instead of Jaroslav Halak in net. A move that proved costly when Conks couldn’t hold down the fort. Allowing 4 goals on 26 shots (.836 save percentage) which extended the skid to three games. The loss of momentum after a respectable shootout loss to the Predators the game before carried over in to a pair subsequent of shellackings. One at the hands of the Avalanche and the other to the Red Wings.
The lowlight of the affair was the 50% penalty kill performance of Brad Shaw’s PK unit. Allowing a dizzying amount of traffic and shots through leading to three Phoenix PPGs on six chances.
Andy McDonald, Brad Boyes and David Backes combined for three goals and a two assists as the game proved to be that lines coming out party. As short lived as it was.
Penalty Kill Is Key For Both Teams
One area of improvement is the penalty kill. After three consecutive seasons in the top 10 (and tops overall in 2009-10) the Blues have slid to an inconsistent mark of 81.9%. Just 14th in the league. Looking at the splits, the kill is also essential for Phoenix.
In Wins
Blues – 88.9% (12th)
Coyotes – 89.8% (11th)
In Losses
Blues – 79.8% (18th)
Coyotes – 77.2% (20th)
TJ Oshie Progress
As reported by BJ Rains and Lou Korac, TJ Oshie skated in drills with the team at the morning skate. While he is not playing this evening, his return seems to be more eminent than the projected All Star Break mark. It’s great to see Oshie excited and back on the ice with the team. He may not have a direct effect on the game, but his energy will permeate his teammates from practice in to the game.
Investor News
Dave Checketts told the MSM Thursday that the investor group is 95% complete. His previous estimation of an early 2011 (any where from January till end of Q1) is still on target. No one is counting their chickens, but all indications point to positive signs.
TowerBrook Capital Partners is staying on board with a significantly reduced share of the franchise. Anyone else find it interesting hat they are staying in? Doesn’t sound like deep pockets are coming. However, stability and a team playing at Scottrade 401+ times a year is all that’s important.
Bam Bam Cam v BizNasty2.0
Cam Janssen and Paul Bissonnette did battle in the last match up. Will they go again? Check out Tyler’s Throwdown Lowdown. Maybe it will lead to some sparing on Twitter!
Lineup
No changes are expected given the winning streak.
Vladimir Sobotka – David Backes – Matt D’Agostini
Alex Steen – Patrik Berglund – B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester – Jay McClement – Brad Boyes
Chris Porter – Adam Cracknell -Cam Janssen
Eric Brewer – Roman Polak
Barret Jackman – Alex Pietrangelo
Carlo Colaiacovo – Erik Johnson
Halak is the starter per a report by Korac on Thursday.
Links
JR’s Morning Skate & Chat Transcript
Yotes Coach Dave Tippet Has Decisions to Make [AZCentral.com]
Leafs and Yotes Talking Deal? [4th Period]
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