GameBlog: 1-10-11: Blues vs. Coyotes
*Reminder: Game starts at 8:00pm. FSMW & KMOX 1120 AM will still carry the game.
The Phoenix Coyotes (19-13-9, 47 points) were just in town for a New Year’s Eve party, but make their second and final appearance at Scottrade Center. Did the players only closed door meeting make a sufficient impact on the St. Louis Blues (20-14-6, 46 points)? The proof will be left on the ice as two teams fighting for the same position do battle.
When Last They Met
Friday, December 31st, 2010 – Blues Win 4-3.
The Blues jumped out to an early lead and pushed it to 4-0 at one point in the third period. Then Phoenix came back with three goals to make the game a little more interesting. The Killer B’s lead the way for the Blues. Eric Brewer, David Backes, Patrik Berglund and Brad Boyes all performed well. Combining for for 1 goal, 2 assists, 6 shots, 7 hits and 4 blocked shots. Jaroslav Halak stopped 30 of 33 Yotes shots. His adversary at the other end of the rink, Ilya Bryzgalov, did not have a good night. Stopping just 18 of 22 Blues shots. Phoenix captain Shane Doan was his club’s leader. Netting two goals on six shots in more than 19 minutes played.
Under Davis Payne the Blues are 2-1-0 against Phoenix. Against the Pacific Division the Blues are 4-5-1 this season. Phoenix is 5-2-2 against the Central Division.
Getting Back On Track
After Saturday’s post game “Kumbayah” session, the Blues hope to be better in sync on the ice. More of a cohesive five man unit than a quintet of individuals that are mired in a 3 game skid.
Participation in the “system” is important for any team, but in Payne’s version it’s paramount. Much like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the method of attack is support in all zones, quick transition and playing in the offensive zone. The accelerator must stay down at a consistent pace. Ready to ramp up at the slightest glimpse of weakness. The slightest bit of coasting and suddenly the flow is in reverse.
A demanding philosophy, but one that produces results when implemented correctly.
With little roster alterations from the last season the guys wearing the note know what it takes. For whatever reason they go on forgetful streaks of regrettable performances.
Is there a better time for the veteran leadership to step up and reinforce the standards set? For such a young team at a crucial juncture in their campaign, there can’t be. The clogged Western Conference is as clogged as ever. Another chance to prevent an extended losing streak can’t be missed.
Minus Andy McDonald that burden falls squarely on Barret Jackman and Eric Brewer. Not to chastise for failures, but promote confidence through experience. Judging by the comments coming from the players only meeting, that was the message.
One point separates Phoenix and the Blues. This tilt may “just” be at the mid point of the season, but the importance is high. A loss digs a deeper hole and a win puts the ladder out back in place. Will resolve be on display?
Scouting Report
4th in Pacific Division | 9th in Western Conference
Goals For/Game: 16th, 2.71
Goals Against/Game: 16th, 2.78
Power Play: 23rd, 16.0%
Penalty Kill: 25th, 77.8%
Top Scorer: Defenseman Keith Yandle – 6 goals, 30 points, 24:35 ATOI
The smooth defenseman has come to prominence over the last two seasons as an effective puck mover, offensive contributor and power play threat. In the Dec 31st loss, the Boston native notched an assist with a Plus-2 rating in over 27 minutes played.
Who To Watch For: Forward Lee Stempniak – 9 goals, 17 points, Plus-7 rating
While the “General” isn’t having a spectacular year, but how can you not love to see the former fan favorite back in St. Louis? Mainly because he rarely hurts his former teammates. He is a Minus-3 with no points in 3 career games against the Blues.
Between the Pipes: Jason LaBarbara | 5-5-3, 3.03 GAA, .914 save percentage, 2 shutouts.
Career vs. Blues: 5 games, 2-2-0, 2.80 GAA, .907 save percentage, 1 PPG allowed
Injury Report
Bryzgalov was out with the flu, but is expected to be available for Monday’s game. The Blues will once again be without forwards Andy McDonald (concussion), T.J. Oshie (broken ankle), David Perron (post-concussion syndrome) and Dave Scatchard (knee).
Bluenotes
TJ Oshie is still “weeks away” from being game ready. It’s great to have him back earlier than expected, but thinking he would see action on the upcoming California road trip was greedy. The All Start Game / break is still a fair target.
The “Other TJ”, TJ Hensick, did not look good in his first performance as “a scorer” with the Blues. He was more out of sync with the game play than any of the other skilled forwards. He can drift and move through traffic in the AHL, but the grinding and effort level to create scoring chances in the NHL seems to be a little above his abilities.
Brad Winchester just keeps on doing his thing.
Ryan Reaves may not be a left winger, but would anyone like to see a line with Reaves and Janssen on the wing. Not very reliable in their own end, but think of the havoc they could wreak on squishy defensemen. Reaves would likely have more of an impact on the game than Hensick would. He was serviceable in his brief call up while Cam was out.
Lineup
Halak did nothing wrong to earn himself a night off. Per Norm Sanders, he is back in net. This season in 32 games Jaro is 15-12-4 with a 2.49 GAA and .911 save percentage. In his career against Phoenix, Halak has just the New Years Eve game.
Norm also says a minor line tweak is in place involving Hensick and BJ Crombeen.
Vladimir Sobotka – David Backes – Matt D’Agostini
Alex Steen – Patrik Berglund – BJ Crombeen
Brad Winchester – Jay McClement – Brad Boyes
Chris Porter – TJ Hensick – Cam Janssen
Eric Brewer – Roman Polak
Barret Jackman – Alex Pietrangelo
Carlo Colaiacovo – Erik Johnson
Jarsolav Halak
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