Bluenotes 2-3-11: Tough Spot & Who Needs to Step Up
A daily does of news and views from around St. Louis Blues nation.
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Thanks to some crazy Midwestern winter weather, the St. Louis Blues have been out of action since January. Causing the game on Tuesday, February 1st against the Colorado Avalanche to be postponed. It will be played on February 22nd. Giving the Blues a stretch of four games in five dates between the 18th and 22nd. It also creates a fourth back to back set of games in February.
The annual Casino Night was also postponed this week. It was set for Wednesday, February 2nd. The event has not been rescheduled yet.
Injury Updates
Forward Andy McDonald has been activated from Injured Reserve. He missed 24 games with a concussion and post concussion symptoms. Ironic that his first game back in over a month will be against the Edmonton Oilers Friday night. On December 4th he sustained his concussion in Edmonton when he fell face first in to Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff’s leg/skate.
Defenseman Barrett Jackman is set to return to the lineup, if he has his way. Davis Payne hasn’t confirmed that Jacks will return Friday.
Fellow blueliner Carlo Colaiacovo is still out with an injury sustained around his eyes. Cola has been out since January 18th against the LA Kings when he deflected a Drew Doughtey shot straight in to his face. Word Thursday from the MSM is that Carlo has been skating for the last two days. Positive signs reported.
Erik Johnson nearly joined the walking wounded list earlier this week. While working on the power play a shot tipped by McDonald struck EJ in the mouth. The result is a face Big Walt would be proud of. Surgery is over and done for now and he will not miss anytime due to the injury.
With the return of McDonald Forward Phil McRae was returned to the Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. In 7 NHL games this season the son of former Blues Basil McRae has 1 goal and 1 assist.
Prospect Defenseman and 2009 2nd round pick Brett Ponich is to have surgery to repair a torn ACL.
Where They Stand
Entering Thursday’s action the Blues sit 13th in the Western Conference with a 22-20-7 record. Their 51 points is seven behind 8th place Chicago, nine behind 7th place Phoenix and ten behind 4th place Nashville.
First things first, they have to leapfrog the Calgary Flames who sit in 12th place with 56 points.
Sports Clubs Stats has the Blues at an 11.3% chance of making the playoffs today. At this point in 2008-09 they were given barely an 8% chance in early February. In 2009-10 they fluxed from 3% to 10%.
There is very little room for error with 33 games left. Anyone else noticing a sad trend?
Three Who Need To Stand Tall
If the Blues are to beat the statistical probabilities, they need three key players to step up their play.
1. Jaroslav Halak – Jaro cannot go it alone, but he must put January behind him much like he put November behind him. Without his ability to steal games, there is no chance in the final stretch.
2. Patrik Berglund – At times he’s been solid and others a flat shade of 09-10 gray. Finding some passion to make an impact, if not for the playoffs but his extension this summer, is imperative for the lanky Swed. An additional offensive punch is needed behind David Backes’ line. Time is now for Bergie to prove he can be that second wave of attack.
3. Erik Johnson – No longer a kid so its time to man up. His efforts over the course of the campaign has drawn mixed reviews. At times solid, but never far away from mental mistakes. Simplifying his game will open the door. Can he find his key to open it?
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