The Blues performance (save for some time in the second) was down right masterful. They looked like a top 5 team. The pressured Dallas at every opportunity, took away space, and most importantly made the neutral zone theirs. As Kelly and Pang alluded to during and after the game, the Blues did a great job of generating speed and pressure through the neutral zone. I know Jackman and Brewer aren’t ideal puck movers, but the team is getting it done with smart, decisive play (just like how Chicago does it).Dallas rarely, if ever, took time and space from the Blues entering the zone. That might have been the easiest time the Blues have had crossing the blue border line all season. Dallas just opened the door and said, “come on in, our goalie will not stop you”.

In a way I feel bad for Turco. He was a very fine goalie. HOwever, it seems he is going the route of JS Giguere. Time for Marty to have a change of scenery. I also feel bad for Eriksson, Neal, Richards, Riberio, Benn, and Robidas. In my opinion the only Stars who really showed anything and pressured the Blues.

As far as the Blues go, they were just too much. The spacing, passing, speed and decision making were some of the best we’ve seen all season. The Backes line has been strong and the top line for quite a while now. Does the team really have a second line? They haven’t till McDonald-Berlund-Perron started clicking. I would call last night that lines coming out party. Those three combined for a goal and two assists with good offensive zone pressure. The Steen-McClement-Boyes line was also very good as Steen and Boyes both scored very nice “goal scorers” goals.

The blueline was aggressive and physical. The EJ v Benn bout was fund to watch. EJ is going to use the Olympics to spring board on to his next stage of development and we saw that last night. Drop the gloves every once in a while to keep the forwards honest. Can anyone touch DJ King? Not Barch.

Mason was solid. I know that’s an odd comment on a 6-1 win, but he faced 30 shots. He came up with timely saves on Eriksson  and Skrastins to keep Dallas at bay.

3rd Star – Chris Mason
2nd Star – Berglund Line
1st Star – Backes Line

Next Up for the Blues are the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. Blues are now just one point out of the 8th spot with Calgary and Detroit to leapfrog.

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO
Game-time: 7:00 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 13th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 51 Points

Anaheim: 11th in Western Conference & 5th in Pacific Division – 53 Points

Power Play:
Anaheim (Road): 12.6%, (26th)
St. Louis (Home): 14.4%, (29th)

Penalty Kill
Anaheim (Road): 76.9%, (22nd)
St. Louis (Home): 87.5% (T-10th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Anaheim (Road): 2.20 GF/G (26th) | 3.20 GA/G (23rd)
St. Louis (Home): 2.46 GF/G (26th) | 3.08 GA/G (27th)

Hot & Cold
Anaheim : Matt Beleskey (5 Goals in Last 10 Games) | Jonas Hiller(3 Goals or more allowed in Last 5 Starts)
St. Louis: Alex Steen (4 Goals and 6 Points in Last 6 Games) | Erik Johnson (2 Assist in Last 19 Games)

Food For Thought

What might have been, eh?

The Blues departed on a week long, three game road trip out by less than 10 points. A sweep would have meant being three points back of the 8th spot (current held by the Deadthings). Instead lack luster play in Columbus and Ottawa has lead the Blues to being seven points back. Only gaining one point on the final spot in three games.

The Ducks come to town charging up the standings. They are 7-4-0 this month and have split their last four after winning 5 straight.

If you take a gander (bad Duck pun I know) down at the Player Notes you will see TJ Oshie listed as centering the “top line”. He will skate between Paul Kariya and Brad Boyes. It seems like Brad has served his time on the checking lines and is making a comeback to the scoring lines. I have to honestly say I am excited to see how TJ does at Center. In my opinion, Coach Payne is showing a lot of confidence in our young padawan learner (reference is linked below) to step up and take charge of an important mission. Will Payne use the “Oshie” line the same way Backes was used? To take on the other teams top line? With Boyes out there I somehow doubt that. I would expect to see the match up card played and the McSteenbeen line seeing the Getzlaf line quite often at even strength.

If you look down again you will see Patrik Berglund moved down to “line 4″ with Brad Winchester and Cam Janssen. I am interested to see how fans react to this move. Andy Murray had made similar moves multiple times earlier this season, much to the chagrin of the fans. I don’t see anything too wrong with that, but at the same time it should be a one game move, or so long as Backes is out. Relying on Keith Tkachuk to center the second line with Andy McDonald and David Perron is not ideal. Hopefully Berglund keeps his feet moving and plays hard, earning a mid game line promotion.

Anyone think that Barrett Jackman has forgotten the knee to knee “hit” form Ryan Getzlaf? I doubt he has. Watch out for a fired up Jackman tonight.

Previews and Links

Blues Official Website Preview

Jeremy Rutherford’s Morning Skate Blog is now up.

Norm Sanders Blog up on Steen and tonight’s game.

Gameday Thread @ STLTODAY.com Blues Forums

HF Boards Gameday Thread

STL Game Time has their preview up as well…gotta say…not so impressed with the Star Wars spin on the Might Ducks.

The OC Register has a take on the game as well. I will say, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Lou Korac has just put up his Gameday as well. Take a look here.

Barkin’ For the Blues is happening down at the Scottrade tonight. Proceeds form this event will go to benefit Stray Rescue of St. Louis (Barrett’s Buddies) and the St. Charles Humane Society (David’s Dogs).

The Blues are also having a 50/50 Raffle at the game to raise money to help earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Difference Makers:

Special Teams

The Blues were totally shut down by the Senators Thursday night. They were held scoreless on the power play and killed only ONE of FOUR Senator power plays. The Ducks come in to tonight’s game with one of the leagues worst Road Special Teams Units. If the Blues want to win and start crawling back in to the race for the 8th spot

Player Notes:

I would expect to see Chris Mason back between the pipes tonight. According to Lou Korac (via Ducks radio color commentator Dan Wood), Jones Hiller will start tonight for the Ducks.

Most reports coming in to today mentioned David Backes returning tonight/ According to Lou and Belleville News Democrat scribe Norm Sanders, that will not be the case. Both Backes and Carlo Colaiacovo are expected to be out for tonight’s game. Assuming the pairs stay in tact, look to see a lot of Jackman-Polak and Brewer-Johnson at even strength with Weaver and Sydor working the kill. Here is a link to Norm’s most recent blog.

Lou also has the lowdown on the lineup:

Paul Kariya-T.J. Oshie-Brad Boyes
Andy McDonald-Keith Tkachuk-David Perron
Alex Steen-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Patrik Berglund-Cam Janssen

Eric Brewer-Erik Johnson
Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Darryl Sydor-Mike Weaver

Chris Mason in net.

Keys to the Game

1. Special Teams need to be special again
-  As much improvement the Blues have seen from their power play, the timely goals are still not there often enough to steal them needed points. The power play must click at home to drop the Ducks.

2. It’s Over and Done
- Forgot the road trip and opportunity lost. Start a new at home and get back in the race.

3. Clean Up  the Game
- Keep it simple. Play hard, fast, and always keep moving. Don’t take bad penalties where the Ducks skill players can work you over.

Who to Watch for?

TJ Oshie

Tonight TJ Oshie fills in for David Backes as the center on the Blues "top line". TJ has had solid game after solid game this season. Look for TJ to have a good one thrust in to an important role.

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO
Game-time: 7:00 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 13th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 45 Points

Minnesota: 10th in Western Conference & 4th in Northwest Division – 51 Points

Power Play:
Minnesota: (Road): 15.1%, (21st)
St. Louis (Home): 14.1%, (28th)

Penalty Kill
Minnesota: (Road): 82.8%, (13th)
St. Louis (Home): 83.7% (13th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Minnesota: (Road): 2.17 GF/G(29th) | 2.88 GA/G (T-13th)
St. Louis (Home): 2.46 GF/G (26th) | 3.21 GA/G (28th)

Hot & Cold
Minnesota: Guillaume Latendresse (4 Goals and 9 Points in Last 5 Games) | Andrew Brunette (1 Point in Last 5 Games)
St. Louis: Jay McClement (1 Goal, 6 Points, & a Plus-5 Rating in Last 4 Games) | Erik Johnson (1 Assist in Last 10 Games)

Food For Thought

In the third of four season meetings both teams face each other trending up.

Minnesota is a hot team. They are the winners of Four straight agiains the likes of Calgary, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Vancouver. In those games they have scored 18 Goals and allowed 11 Goals. That is 4.50 Goals For per game and 2.75 Goals Against per game. Minnesota played last night against Vancouver. Now they are flying to St. Louis for a game about an hour and a half earlier than what they are used to. Minnesota needs this game, its a kick off of a 3 game road trip where they could end up right at #8 in the West. The Blues must take advantage of their fatigue from playing last night and flying in today. The fisrt period must have the same Davis Payne jump we’ve seen in four of the last five games. Jump on Minnesota early and bury them. Just cannot allow a hot team to come in tired and hang around till the third.

Minnesota’s power play has been converting. In the four game win streak they are 3-for-15 for a 20% conversion rate. Their road power play this year sits at 15.1%. Can Minnesota carry a clicking power play at home on the road when on the road they have been generally poor? We shall see, but the Blues PK will need to be on point to keep the Blues in this game. Their penalty kill is 12-for-14 in their last 4 games, an 85.7% kill rate. Their penalty kill on the raod has not been that good, only siting at 82.8%. The Blues power play must find ways to score since both teams are fairly match 5-on-5.

The Blues are a stabilizing team winning two of their last three and taking points with solid efforts in three of the last four. The system Davis Payne has put in to place seems to be taking root with the Blues players and they are working the hardest they have all season. The biggest difference comes in peculiar places. I think fans expected players like Patrik Berglund, TJ Oshie, David Perron to respond to Payne. However, the biggest change has come from Brad Winchester and Brad Boyes. Winchester is skating with purpose and is back to playing hickey, instead of just skating around. The stats aren’t there but what he does often doesn’t total up on the score sheet. Working the boards, getting to the net, creating traffic/screens. Brad Boyes compete level is much higher, maybe the highest its been since last spring. He actually took a hit to make a play and is fighting for pucks and winning battles. That’s not what we saw from him for the first 40 or so games. Boyes seems to be doing well and is getting the little things right. Hopefully that will continue on to his scoring game.

Who else looks like a new man? Chris Mason. Since Payne’s takeover he has allowed only 9 Goals in 4 Games a 2.25 GAA. He also has saved 114 of the last 123 shots against, a .926 Save%. He looks more like the Chris Mason of 08-09 and early 09-10 than what he was in December 09.

Keith Tkachuk is 3 Penalty Minutes short of 2,200 for his career.
T.J. Oshie is appearing in his 99th NHL game tonight.
Eric Brewer is 5 shots on goal away from 1,000 for his career.
Brad Winchester is 5 Penalty Minutes shy of 300 for his career.
Cam Janssen is sitting on 293 career NHL games played, 7 short of 300.

Difference Makers:

The Grinders

Players like Brad Winchester, BJ Crombeen, Keith Tkachuk, Cam Janssen (if he plays), & Derek Armstrong (if he plays) are going to have a large impact on this game. Minnesota played last night and is traveling a timezone backwards to play today. The forecheck is going to be what keeps Minnesota from transitioning up ice and working the Blues over. Minnesota showed in the last few games that they can skate with the best of teams, the Blues need the physical presence up front to balance out that team speed. The Blues are rested and at home, there is no reason they shouldn’t come out flying and pound the Wild.

Player Notes:

Per multiple reports from the Blues media community, it sounds like Andy McDonald will skate tonight. It’s hard to imagine who is given the night off. I would imagine it would be Janssen. Minnesota’s most prevalent fighter is John Scott who has a whopping five fighting majors this season. I don’t think Minnesota wants to get in to a slugfest with Janssen, Crombeen, Winchester, or Backes. Tyler is likely to have some fighting goodies once his Thorwdown Lowdown is posted.

Since Niklas Backstrom played in Minnesota last night its possible the Blues see Josh Harding. Harding owns a 3-1-1 career record against the Blues witha 1.88 GAA.

I will be back with updates later as far as the line up goes.

Update 10:15am: Lou Korac says McDonald is on the ice for the morning practice and is still expected to play, but he will confirm later.

Keys to the Game

1. Take the Body
-  No more power play as the #1 key. Tonight is all about being physical and initiating the play. Must be careful not to cross the fine line between aggressive and over aggressive and end up with bad penalties or odd man rushes.

2. Keep the Special Teams Play High
- The Blues have a power play goal in five of their last seven and have killed off 34 of their last 40 penalties (85%) in the same time span.

3. Shoot the Puck
- Keep getting pucks to the net, there is no simpler idea to boost your chances of winning. The Blues have topped 30 Shots on Goal only once since Davis Payne took over.

Who to Watch for?

Alex Steen

Steen dropped in two goals vs. Columbus and looks too keep his sold power play production moving along.

Credit the Blues for coming out with a lot of energy and jump to their game. Columbus knew it was coming and planned for it, but still couldn’t withstand the pressure. Once again the Blues were moving quickly in all three zones allowing them to get behind the defense. They won the board battles and controlled the period.

The turning point in the game came in the first period. I know, turning point that early? Really?

I say yes and it was the goal by Alex Steen. The Blues were buzzing all period but had failed to add another goal on Mathieu Garon. The Blues had power play chances (largely squandered, especially the first power play) earlier in the period but failed to score. Columbus was sticking around like a road team tries to. The Blues found a way to get get the next goal. That goal would later prove to be the game winner. That goal allowed the Blues to continue to ramp up the early pressure and finish the first off. BJ Crombeen opened up the scoring in the first with a nice rebound goal. While Jay McClement capped off the scoring with a nice rebound tally. Its nice to see the Blues establishing themselves well in the first period in three of their last four games.

Columbus came back in the second, which was expected. Teams who get run all over in the opening period usually come out flying. You can bet Hitchcock had some choice words for his Blue Jackets and they came out hard. A bad slash by Roman Polak (who also had a bad interference to end the first) and a poor “hook” on TJ Oshie lead to an extended power play chances. Sadly Columbus scored during Polak’s slashing call. Haven’t we seen enough of Fedor Tyutin (and Columbus in general) scoring up high on Mason from his right side. Its like a nightly traditional for Columbus blue liners. Fortunately the Blues survive the push and came back to take over the last five or six minutes of the period. They did not add another goal in the second, but they did take the game back over. Their speed improved in transition and they were able to get the upper hand on the boards again.

The third was going to be huge. So many collapses this year, in the 3rd period, at home, with a sizable lead. The Blues did not regress, lose their proactive play, or stop playing for the next goal. They pushed the tempo and matched Columbus. Guess what happened? The Blues held on to win. My only real big thought on the third was the officiating. Keith Tkachuk is called for “interference” on Jared Boll. I think that Boll could have been called for a dive there. None the less, Blues kill the penalty. Later in the period Tkachuk is wrapped up in the corner and taken down. Mind you the defenders stick is parallel to the ice and his left hand is off the stick holding on to Walt. In the post lock out game, that is a hook, a hold, interference…some sort of call. Hell, Oshie was called for less of a hook in the second. The ref, three feet away, “saw nothing”.

I will give Columbus credit for ringing and answering the bell physically all night. Nothing really dity, just a good hard-nosed slugfest. Fight wise?
Janssen > Boll
Backes < Nash – I only give this to him for landing more hits before it was broken up. Antoinette Vermette grabbed Backes right arm as the fight started, allowing Nash freebe’s for a while.

Erik Johnson vs Mike Commodore – Really? Was this even a fight? Erik Johnson needs to show the presence of mind to keep his gloves on and not throw punches.  Being physical on the boards is his style. Fighting is something he need not engage in. Either way both players were tossed for being the “second fight”. Oh man, makes me miss the good ole days. Just let them go if they are going to go.

Player Thoughts

Patrik Berglund – Finally seems to be finding himself this season. Multiple games where he is doing the dirty work. It is going to pay off for him.

David Perron – Keeps showing the skills and is showing more ability to take the body and pucks to the net.

Brad Winchester – Andy Strickland talked about this on Hockeybuzz, but he seems to be liberated and is really showing a side of his play we haven’t seen since last spring. Wonderful job taking the body, protecting the puck. He was in a perfect place to screen Garon on the Steen power play goal.

Jay McClement – I hope he finds a way to transcend the “shut down center role”. A Goal and 2 Assists tonight certainly help. His game seems to be excelling on both sides of the ice under Payne. His hockey sense is leading to smart plays to the wingers around him, which is leading to points.

Alex Steen – Found a home on the power play point? Sure looks like it. The rest of his game is in order and adding a power play knack is huge bonus to this team with Johnson struggling of late. He is playing himself in to a nice contract extension from the Blues.

David Backes – While his goal scoring is down, the rest of his game is up. He was a physical beast all over the ice. As the Blues get healthy again, Backes will get going again.

Paul Kariya & Keith Tkachuk – Both were serviceable in their return to their line up.

Roman Polak – Solid game. Had two bad penalties, but still came back with multiple solid plays to keep plays moving or to slow down offensive pressure.

Barrett Jackman  – Warrior in the true sense of the word.

Eric Brewer – Where are my haters at? Yea, that’s what I thought. Showing a little physical edge and playing well.

Chris Mason – Stopped 26 of 27 shots to get the “W”. Solid game, made the save’s he needed to.

I love the job the Blues have done shutting down Rick Nash. They get in his face and are all over him the whole game. Denying him space really hampers his game. For a bigger guy you would think he could break out stronger around the Blues defenders, he just doesn’t seem to. While he has averaged a point a game against the Blues ov er the last three seasons, his impacts seem to be marginalized, at leas tin the last two seasons.

Mathieu Garon allowed 3 Goals on 9 Shots in the first period. From how good he was playing, to tonight’s performance should be a concern for Jackets fans. If he is going to falter while Steve Mason is questionable? Not a question they want to answer. Mason did look sharp in his two periods of work releiving Garon though.

The win (and 2 points) draws the Blues even with Columbus at 45 points. Which puts both teams at 8 points behind the struggling LA Kings in 8th place. A sweep of points in this homestand and two LA losses could have the Blues as close as two points back of the 8th spot. Maybe another big run isnt likely, but starting a run in January instead of February could mean  it’s easier to get back in the hunt.

Next up for the Blues is the Minnesota Wild lead by Guillaume Latendresse and his 10 Goals and 15 points in 21 games with the Wild.  Minnesota is only 4 points ahead of the Blues in the standings. Closing that gap to two points is essential on home ice.

Blues Player of the Game

Chris Mason

Mason stopped 26 of 27 shots, leading the Blues to a 4-1 victory. The first home win in nearly a month.

Is this seasons issue the Euro Effect?

Teams that have started over in Sweden have generally struggled after starting the season there. Last season Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and the New York Rangers all fired their coaches before season’s end due to failures in performance. Now this year coudl be different. Detroit, Chicago and Florida are not likely to axe their coaches. The Blues, something could be there.

This Blues team is generally healthy and as good as last years model, yet has regressed. They aren’t working as hard or are as mentally prepared on the ice. That was evident again last night as the Blues coughed up a 3-1 lead in the third period to end up losing in OT. It was from lack of effort and mental break downs that the two points were lost. The goaltending (or lack their of) did not help, but Chris Mason wasn’t really supported either.

I know I harp on Brad Boyes a lot. The last to seasons have lead to very lofty expectations in his third full season in St. Louis. While he has never been considered a physical player, he was much stronger on the puck the last two seasons. Last night might have been he worst performance of the season. Lazy pursuing loose pucks, getting pushed off the puck on the boards, weak offensive zone turnovers…the whole gambit that usually plagues him. He still managed two secondary assists, but the rest of his game was shallow, weak, and lacking effort. Where did he go? Where was the dynamic offensive zone player who was lighting up the score board last spring with David Backes? That player seems far away right now.When he tried to out deke Luongo with an open lane to shoot really shows how tightly he is holding the stick and not simplifying his game.

Is it fair to ask if Brad Boyes is creeping in to Michael Ryder / Chris Higgins territory? A player with one or two very productive seasons who slips greatly? I think the answer could be yes if he doesn’t find the will to do his job in himself. Ultimately he is responsible for his level of play and right now he is about as responsible as a stereotypical 16 year old.

Is it fair to ask if Chris Mason is going in to Manny Legace territory? A good run one season followed up by a noticeable slippage in performance? Not yet. The team’s defensive play has taken a sharp dive down lately. The mental decisions (especially to exist/clear the zone) have been poor. The effort needed hasn’t been present when mental lapses occur as well. Mason isn’t getting help and he didn’t last night in the third period. For all the good things that happened in the first 40 minutes, they didn’t happen in the last 25.

Does anyone else work at the same level as TJ Oshie, Andy McDonald, Alex Steen, and Roman Polak? These seem to be the only four putting out a consistent, even effort combined with intelligent play. I love that Polak jumped in on the rush to help create the first goal. He just continues to impress. The three forwards seem to just be it right now. The two David’s (Backes and Perron) seem to be close to matching those three, but the rest I am not so sure about. I think its unfair to group guys like McClement and Crombeen, but their impact hasn’t been felt (save for the penalty kill) for some time.

What is up with this teams play with a lead? After 40 minutes the Blues lead in shots 18 to 13. In the third they were out-shot 15 to 7. Why are they not still playing for the next goal? Why are they sitting back? If someone could answer that question, give the Blues a call and tell them. I think its philosophy mixed with the teams overall play. I honestly think that the Blues do not want to give up a goal in the third period with the lead. So their play is safe, cautious. Get the puck in deep, get fresh bodies out and try to make the other team earn a goal. If you play to win for 40 minutes, why change in the last 20? Why not take the play to the other end just the same as the first 40? Is it because the other team wants it more? Most likely they do, so you match that level of play. When you can’t you do something (like a timeout) to slow the pace and take it back. The coaching staff didn’t use the timeout when they had chances and the team played cautious. At some point this isn’t just the players when its happening game after game.

Credit Vancouver for playing a chippy, stereotypical road game. As much as I loathe Alex Burrows (and I do), he does his job well. He gets under your skin, like a Geoff Courtnall.

Did anyone else laugh their @$$ off when they saw Barret Jackman handle the two Sedin’s by himself? I wonder how Burrows got away with being basically the 3rd man in on that one. I will also credit the Sedons for making an impact against the Blues one again. You can dislike them and call them the “Sedin Sisters”, but you cannot say that they can’t play the game at a high level. They are just good.

Gotta say I disagree with Alain Vigneault’s interpretation of the rule that lead to the match penalty on Rick Rypen. The article is linked here. Basically Rypen had tape on his hands which lead to injuries to Janssen. It looked like Cam had a broken nose and cut up hands. If tape or another opject below the write injures a player the offender gets a 5-minute match penalty on top of his others. The rule says “who cuts or injures”. Vigneault said Rypen broke Janssen’s nose, he didn’t cut him. While that appears to be true, the rule says “cut OR injure”. A broken nose is an injury last time I checked. One of the few correct calls by the ref.

If you were at or watched the game, did you get the feeling that the calls were tilted in Vancouver’s favor? Kind of odd for a home team to not get a few calls to go their way more than road team did.
Do the Blues have a player of the game? Not really. Not for a whole 60 minutes. I will however dis some kudos out.

* I really like Steen on the point right now. He is just settling in well on his off hand side.
* Cam Janssen did his usual 2-3 big hits and a fight and it helped get the crowd in to it…for 40 minutes.
* David Perron had a decent game.
* Erik Johnson returned to the line up and was better than he had been previously.
* Eric Brewer was ok.  I’ll take the good with the bad as they usually even out.
* Polak is showing more offensive game than ever the last week or so. He is rapidly showing he can become a legit top 4 defensemen.
* Still can’t complain about And y McDonald’s effort and now we can’t complain about production as he gets back on track.

As far as jeers..(which there were many from the stands last night)

* Brad Boyes needs to be off the power play and spend a night off up in the box watching the game.
* Berglund was fairly invisible…maybe I missed something, but I didn’t think he made much of an impact.
* Chris Mason can’t make a big save to bail this team out and this team can’t give him a chance to do it. Not a good game for him though.

Next up is Chicago on Saturday. This could be the most important game Murray has had as Blues coach. Losing 4 in a row at home after taking 3 in a row on the road…could his card be punched before heading out for 3 games in California?

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO.
Game-time: 6 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 12th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 39 Points

Vancouver Canucks: 7th in Western Conference & 3rd in Northwest Division – 47 Points

Power Play:
Vancouver (Road): 16.4%, (20th)
St. Louis (Home): 13.1%, (29th)

Penalty Kill
Vancouver (Road): 77.5%, (22nd)
St. Louis (Home): 83.8%, (13th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Vancouver (Road): 2.72 GF/G (T-14th) | 3.00 GA/G (18th)
St. Louis (Home): 2.33 GF/G (27th) | 3.14 GA/G (27th)

Hot & Cold
St. Louis: Alex Steen (5 Goals and 10 Points in last 10 games) | David Backes (No points and Minus-4 in last 5 games)
Vancouver: Henrik Sedin (3 Goals and 7 Points in last 5 games) | Jannik Hansen (1 Point in last 5 games)

Food For Thought

Happy New Year’s!

Hopefully the Blues can use the roll over in the calender to make some positive changes.

Are fans tired of losing at home yet? At some point will fans stop coming in? I get the feeling that the majority of fans are really not looking forward to coming down to Scottrade for a game. I can count myself in that grouping. I will still go and cheer for the team, but I can’t say I go in to the game with a positive attitude.

I really like the bidding rivalry between these two teams. It’s amazing how one playoff series can create some buzz. The players have followed it up nicely with some chippy games this year (and last). At least this game should have a little character to it.

Can the Blues stop another bottom ten road power play? Will their home power play be stymied by a bottom half road penalty kill? Once again, these two questions will determine the game.

This team needs a big confidence booster before taking on Chicago on the second. Losing 3 straight at home is not a way to go before heading to California for three in a row.

Difference Makers:

The new Backes line.

This version features the surging Alex Steen on Left Wing. In the 3-1 win last week in Vancouver Backes, TJ Oshie, and Steen combined for two goals and four points. They provided the offense that won the game. They need to find the same mojo and work it again against Vancouver. These three also see power play time, which is going to be a matter of life or death in this game.

Player Notes:

Not sure where we go with this game.

Kariya is on IR and will not play. DJ King is not expected to return yet. Derek Armstrong has been recalled from Peoria under Emergency Conditions. Jay McClement is questionable after taking a shot from Shea Weber.

Neither Mason or Conklin have had stellar performances lately. It’s a toss up, but I would assume the start goes to Mason at home.

Per Jeremy Rutherford’s Morning Skate blog on Wednesday, Coach Andy Murray did not commit to Erik Johnson returning to the lineup for this game.

I will be at the game and I am leaving early so I might not get around to an update once Rutherford, Strickland, Kerber, or Korac post the expected line ups. Check them out on Twitter. Go to our Links Page for more info.

Personally, I am pulling for a Winchester-Armstrong-Janssen line.

Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa will likely miss this game due to a cut on his leg sustained in Vancouver’s last game against Phoenix.

UPDATE 2:35PM

Jeremy Rutherford got his Morning Skate up earlier than I thought so I am able to pass on updates. Please go give it a read at the link, but here are the highlights.

* Kid Line coudl be reunited tonight. That means Perron-Berglund-Oshie.
* McDonald was held out from practice, is expected to play.
* Forward Lines minus McDonald were:

Keith Tkachuk-David Backes-Brad Boyes
David Perron-Patrik Berglund-T.J. Oshie
Alex Steen-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Derek Armstrong-Cam Janssen

*Erik Johnson is expected back in the lineup to replace Daryl Sydor. Expect the pairings to go back to Jackman-Polak, Brewer-Johnson, and Colaiacovo-Weaver.

*Mason will be in net.

* JR clarified Armstrong status as an emergency call up. Basically as long as someone is inured or sick he can stay up on emergency. If no one is, he has to be changed to a regualr recall where if he plays they have 10 games or 30 days till he would have to clear waivers to go back to Peoria. My own thought is that he would play, but if McDonald is healthy (which he likely is) then Janssen will not play. Might see a Winchester-Armstrong-Crombeen line?

Keys to the Game

1. Better Goaltending
-  The Blues are not going to win unless Mason (or Conklin) gives them a chance to win. The Blues also need to be mentally ready to do the work needed to give the goalies a chance to win. IF the goaltending is soft, its going to be a long night against a potent offense.

2. Special Teams
- Sorry for being redundant, but special teams play is gong to be so important. Vancouver, by the numbers, is weak on special teams on the road. The Blues must find a way to keep them off the score board on the power play and convert their own chances. If they don’t they will get man handled at even strength like they did by Nashville (and some extent Buffalo).

3. Shoot the Puck
- If there is a lane to the net…a Blues player better be moving in to it or shooting/passing the puck through it. Get rubber on net and you will score more goals.

Who to Watch for?

TJ Oshie

Why Oshie? He has a knack for big games against Vancouver and his hard work while the team has struggled will be rewarded. In 7 career games against Vancouver Oshie has 2 Goals and 6 Assists.

Early lead lost on home ice. However, losing the lead in the first period, that is a little new.

I think there are some trends to this game we can look at to see what went wrong.

The Nashville Defensemen
Nashville was able to use their defensemen to pressure the play for long stretches in the forst two periods. Partially because they are so darn good, but also because the Blues forward pressure and North/South game were not up to standard. When a team is as deep on the blueline as Nashville, you cannot let them press the play. When you do you end up with little puck control of your own.

Lack of Control
The Blues didn’t make good puck decisions, which Murray alluded to in his post game presser. To win you need to control the puck. I hate to harp on Brad Boyes, but he missed many shots last night. One of which lead to the play going back down on Mason where Polak took a slashing penalty and that lead to a power play goal. Its small events like not getting a shot on net that turn in to goals against when you aren’t working hard enough. Players want the puck, they need to feel it to get a feel for the game. COudl the Blues ever get in rhythm when they cannot possess and control the puck?

Those two trends really break down the first period for me. Teh second was a little different.

Questionable Calls and Bad Penalties
While I really question the Oshie boarding, what ensued afterwards is what did the Blues in. The Predators basically spent the first 8-10 minutes of the second period on the power play due to a horrible high stick on the part of Jackman and a mental mistake on Weaver resulting in a delay of game. Do we have Jackman and Weaver penalties if the clean Oshie hit isn’t called? Probably not. Still, the Blues cannot let bad calls turn in to bad penalties. Tkachuck also had a lazy tripping call. At least Oshie’s was for being “over aggressive”.

Weak Power Plays at Home
The Blues allowed another poor road power play team to get many chances and score goals. Again, Nashville has a very underrated group of blueliners. However, the Blues couldn’t stop them on the power play. The Blues are supposed to be able to count on their team defense to hold them in games, it failed them again Tuesday. Case in point? Weaver not clearing the puck but trying to pass it to Backes who was in the slot about five feet in front of the crease. Lead to a huge chance and not a clear. The penalty kill was just not working hard.

Continued Lack of Control
The Blues did have a few moments of pressure, but those were mainly from the work of McDonald, Backes and Oshie. The Preds Defensemen got a lot of shots through and the team held the zone or at least the red line. For some reason the Blues face-off wins did not turn in to possession. Mental mistakes lead to turnovers and it happened again. The Blues inability to break forecheck pressure lead to a lack of essential puck management and control.

I will give some kudos to Eric Brewer for bringing the heat on the power play and getting shots through. Wa teh third different? Yes and No.

More of the Same and Not at the Same Time
The Blues one again were down at home in the third and cam roaring back late. More of the same.

The Blues tried again much too late and it wasn’t enough. More of the same.

The Blues moved the play and puck forward and created chances. Different from the rest of the game.

Boyes had weak offensive zone turnovers. One on a 4-on4 and the other on a 6-on-5. More of the same.

Backes makes a great physical play to create a turnover. Backes takes a dumb penalty on a lazy horse collar tackle a football player would be proud of. More of the same.

Colaiacovo and Jackman failed to hold the offensive blueline. More of the same.

Somethings I did Like
Polak showed more offensive ability than he ever has. He made a very nice near face-off circle to far side red line pass to McDonald to spring him for a chance and a penalty call against Nashville. He joined the rush and helped create pressure. One play the puck rotated to a high slot shot that Polak nearly banged in for a rebound goal about two feet from the crease. He also made a second stretch pass up to McClement from the top of the face-off circle to Jay at the offensive blue-line. The Polak rebound chance comes at about 3:40 of the video linked below.

What a crazy awesome nuts goal by Steen. He picked up the puck at the far side face-off circle in his own end to blaze up ice to beat Pekka Rinne between his shoulder and the crossbar. The ONLY place that puck could have gone in, it did. The goal is on the video linked below, it comes between 3:55 and 4:10. Steen also had a big shot off the point to create the third Blues goal. That highlight follows the seeing eye goal.

Blues vs Predators Highlights 12-29-09

Even after the heroics of the third period, the Blues come up short and lose 4-3 at home.

It really was another day at the Scottrade Office for the Blues. It’s frustrating and depressing, but it is what it is.

I have made issue recently the Blues inability or lack of desire to engage the defensemen in the creation of pressure and scoring chances. Here is what I came up with.

Total Pinches
1st – 2 from Sydor
2nd – 1 from Brewer & 1 from Sydor
3rd – 2 from Brewer, 1 from Polak, & 1 from Sydor
TOTAL: 8
*  Defined as a defensemen leaving the point to come down the wall to keep the play moving forward or hold the zone.

Total Defensemen “Jumping in to the Play”
1st – 2 from Colaiacovo, 1 from Polak, & 1 from Sydor
2nd – 1 from Polak, 1 from Brewer, & 1 from Sydor
3rd – 4 from Polak, 1 from Jackman, 1 from Brewer & 1 from Colaiacovo
TOTAL: 14
* Defined as coming behind the net, joining the rush, coming in deep on net, etc.

I have postulated that the Blues are not trying to engage the defense unless the team is already losing. We cannot tell too much since the team was losing virtually the whole game. What bothers me is I really only saw one time where a Blues defensemen lugged the puck up ice, to the red line or further. The majority of the plays were the defensmen coming low on net or behind the net. Which is fine, but that’s not helping the Blues struggling transition. This is where Erik Johnson, Colaiacovo, and Polak need to be “free’d” to create more chances and pressure. It would give this team a whole other element they have been missing. An element Nashville used against the Blues to win the game Tuesday night.

Next up is the Vancouver Canucks on New Year’s Eve. See you all at the game. Let’s hope for a positive end to 2009 and a positive start to 2010.

Blues Player of the Game

Alex Steen

Steen notched a Goal and an Assist with a Plus-1 rating in a little over 15 minutes on the ice.

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO.
Game Time: 7 pm Central
TV: FSMW (HD)
Radio: KMOX 1120 AM

Stat Pack

St Louis Blues: 12th in Western Conference & 4th in Central Division – 39 Points

Nashville Predators: 6th in Western Conference & 2nd in Central Division – 47 Points

Power Play:
Nashville (Road): 12.7% (27th)
St. Louis (Home): 12.5% (30st)

Penalty Kill
Nashville (Road): 75.4% (26st)
St. Louis (Home): 83.3% (13th)

Goals Scored per Game vs. Goals Against per Game
Nashville (Road): 3.05 GF/G (4th) | 3.16 GA/G (26th)
St. Louis (Home): 2.30 GF/G (29th) | 3.01 GA/G (27th)

Hot & Cold
Nashville (Road): Martin Erat (8 Goals and 13 Points in last 10 Games) | JP Dumont (1 Goal and 5 Points in last 10 Games)
St. Louis (Home): Alex Steen (3 Goals and 7 Points in last 10 Games) | Chris Mason (3 Goals or more allowed in 7 of last 10 starts)

Food For Thought

Do Blues fans know what to expect tonight?

What’s interesting is that some roster changes tonight’s line up a virtual carbon copy of last seasons. Just replace McKee with Sydor and Woywitka with Brewer. The rest is the same.

Why is that?

Paul Kariya and Erik Johnson are expected to miss tonight’s game (see Player Notes for details).

I personally find myself less interested in the game knowing our most talented defensemen will not participate. The Blues defense is slow and steady, Johnson was a welcome sign of what our future holds. Lately his game has been dialed back. He isn’t lugging the puck up ice or pinching unless the Blues are behind on the scoreboard. In my opinion that is a systematic change that has been made. Colaiacovo has also been doing less of both. With today’s NHL based on speed and transition, the Blues are a step behind the game when those two aren’t trying to create chances.

Do these line up alterations mean a return to last season’s form? I doubt it. Not to be a negative nancy, but the Blues have shown one trend all seasons. They cannot maintain a consistent effort (especially at home).

This team is extremely boring to watch. Fans don’t seem to have a feeling that this team is ever really in a game, so why watch the inevitable negative outcome? I will continue to support the Blues, but these are growing in to dark days.

Difference Maker:

The Defensemen.

Nashville has had one of the most underrated blueline corps in the NHL for the last few seasons. They are anchored by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, both are likely representing their native countries in the Olympics in February. They are supported by steady Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein. Youngster Cody Franson has 11 Points in 28 Games (.39 Points/Game) while getting less than 15 minutes of ice time per game.

The Blues are going with out the services of Erik Johnson tonight. They will rely on Carlo Colaiacovo to be the offensive push off the blueline. Eric Brewer will also help with that role. The Blues rely on a shut down pairing of Barret Jackman and Roman Polak to keep the top Nashville producers in check. Veterans DAryl Sydor and Mike Weaver will be relied upon to take care of their own end as well.

Where Nashville has balance with good offensive capabilities, the Blues are heavily tilted towards a defensive group in back. Can the Blues hold off the up tempo game Barry Trotz has the Preds playing? That question’s answer will determine the outcome of this game.

Player Notes:

JeremyRutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch has reported on Twitter that Erik Johnson will sit out tonight’s game. Daryl Sydor will replace him. Paul Kariya will also miss tonight’s game. There has been no call-up from Peoria. I would expect Cam Janssen to dress with Alex Steen to replace Kariya on the Backes line.

The Forward Lines and Defensive Pairings should look like this according to Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Andy McDonald-Keith Tkachuk-Brad Boyes
Alex Steen-David Backes-T.J. Oshie
David Perron-Patrik Berglund-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Jay McClement-Cam Janssen

Darryl Sydor-Eric Brewer
Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Mike Weaver

O’Neill says Chris Mason to start between the pipes tonight.

Andy Strickland reported on Twitter that David Perron will return to the power play with TJ Oshie moving to Kariya’s spot on the point.

Keys to the Game

1. Get Back to Work…part 2
-  This is the same #1 key to the game against Buffalo …No rest for the weary and no time to allow a bad loss simmer. The Blues have been B-A-D at home and its time to forget that and put out a 60 minute effort.

2. Special Teams…part 2
- This is the same #2 key to the game against Buffalo. A weak power play on the road cannot be allowed to score and the Blues need to step up theirs. Whomever gets the power play goals will likely win this game.

3. Big Effort From The Big Producers
- Yes, Brad Boyes has increased his point totals lately, as have Andy McDonald and David Backes. However, these three have all struggled to produce to expectations for lack of effort or lack of effort of line mates. These three set the example for the rest of the team and they need to find a way to carry this team till everyone is on the same page.

Who to Watch for?

Patric Hornqvist

Job #2: Find a way to overcome back to back game fatigue and put out a consistent effort for a second game in a row…done.

Blues fans were right to question if their team could get rolling after their big win in Vancouver Sunday night. The Blues have left the fans down time after time this season with inconsistent effort going from  game to game. Last night was an exception that will hopefully change to a rule.

The Quick and Dirty

What a difference effort makes.
- This Blues team can compete with any of the other 29 teams whenever it wants to, there just hasn’t been the effort to do so. With so much focus in the league now on offense, leads change hands. If you aren’t working hard enough, the lead will slip away.  The Blues put their foot on the gas in the second period and never looked back.  Which is a good thing because the game had a Tampa Bay-ish feel to it through one period. The Blues effort was there but Edmonton was countering and gaining pressure throughout the period.

This power play is on fire
- It’s amazing to see effort level directly impacting an outcome. When the Blues came back from Sweden, there was little effort in the power play. Players weren’t moving and were passing up shots. Coach Murray gives the reigns back to Ray Bennett and suddenly the Blues are clicking again. The Blues are now 8-for-23 on the power play in their last eight games, a 35% conversion pace. Pretty amazing when most of the season the power play was working at about a 12-13% conversion rate. I was not a fan of the Boyes, Tkachuk, McDonald, Colaiacovo, Steen group, but they really got the job done. Thhat group created two power play goals. One from Boyes and he other from McDonald on an amazing passing play.

Commitment to a North/South game.
- The best teams in teh league find a way to go north all game long. Move the puck quickly and simply forward. When presented with a road block, chip past and go with speed after it. The Blues for the second straight game seemed dedicated to this task. going “D-to-D” when needed, but finding the lanes to get the puck up ice. I was also happy to see the forwards coming back more to help bring the puck up ice.  I saw Oshie, Perron, McDonald, Kariya all do this. Moving more as a five man unit than one guy taking it to three guys.

What this game meant.
- The Blues matched the effort and physical level that Edmonton brought to the game. The hometown Oilers were struggling after a very good road trip. After sweeping the five game road trip, they lost four in a row at home. They had given up three goals or more in each game and four or more twice. They were desperate for a win and were fighting for it. The Blues kept their heads screwed on and came out working hard as well. This was a huge game considering the Blues came in to it one point ahead of Edmonton in the 12th spot in the West. With a win the Blues moved in to 11th in the West and put Edmonton in 15th. The Blues are now just four points back of 8th place Detroit.

Not just the Oshie/Backes show
- Finally someone else broke out other than those two. McDonald chipped in two points (great for my keeper league) and Steen notched a goal with three assists. The most important part was effort from 1 to 12 upfront and 1 to 6 in back. When that compete level is there players click and score. Tonight that was the case with Steen, McClement and most importantly…Patrik Berglund.

Berglund really came out in this game. His compete level had been rising for the last 2-3 games and he was the 08-09 1st Half Berglund, not the 09-10 1st Half Berglund. He was moving with purpose, trying to make plays. Nothing fancy, but getting to open space and putting the puck in open space. His effort to get the puck behind the net and set up Perron for a quick bang in goal in front was something we haven’t seen from him all year. He was working the baords, fighting for pucks, getting his nose dirty.

Brad Boyes also followed up with a better game. I was concerned that he would slide down this game and not do much, but he backed up his solid Vancouver game with a solid night in Edmonton. HE notched a goal and assist in only 14 minutes or so on the ice. I’ve said it before, but he can be a point a game guy when he works for it. Last year he worked for it, this year he really hadn’t yet. His goal was a gift from Smid, but you get plays like that going your way when you are working hard and getting pucks to the net.

Oshie and Backes did have a good game, but the support was finally there. Not just goal support, but physical support. Like the Crombeen and Winchester fights or jumping on Edmonton Captain Ethan Moreau after he intentionally tripped and cross-checked TJ Oshie after a clean, square check in the third. In team sports there really is a mentality of “If you are there for me, I am there for you”. Not just in defending your teammate, but in dong my job and you do yours. This is one of few times this year Blues fans have seen it on back to back nights and felt like it could go in to a third game.

What is up with Mason?
- Anyone else notice that he really hasn’t been that good for 2-3 weeks now? It’s troublesome because he is playing for a contract and a contract the Blues really want to have with them. Yet, his play has greatly slid since it was reported that contract talks had started. The Penner goal is case in point. Mason half in to the play doesn’t go down or keep his legs together. Penner partially fans on the puck and it goes in five hole on a very steep angle. Those are goals Mason needs to keep out. He had no help on the Gagner goal (my only knock against Boyes, he was the first forward back who could catch up with Gagner after Colaiacovo’s soft turnover), but he is accountable for the Penner goal. I hope the Blues are waiting to sign him till they see him recover from this recent slump.

Next up?
- The Blues travel to Calgary today to face off against the Flames Wednesday night. A Blues win plus a Detroit and Dallas loss at home would put the Blues two points back from 8th in the West.

Blues Player of the Game

Alex Steen

Blues forward Alex Steen notched one goal and three assits in 15:30 of ice time Monday night.

Blues fans were treated to the Blues best overall home effort all season. There was consistent effort and it showed. Yes, there were some stretches where Calgary hemmed the Blues in behind their blue line. Yes, Calgary did score 3 goals. However, the Blues had an answer all night. If there was a big hit, the Blue shad one to. If there was a goal, they got one too.

The table setter was the Cam Janssen bout against Prust of the Flames. Here is my Video from the game on our Facebook Page. The Blues scored the first goal of the game less than 2 minutes after the Janssen fight. The fight was quick and close to a split decision, but the fans loved it. Then David Backes scores his 7th of the season on a quick shot on net that found its way through. Suddenly the team is hoppin’ and the fans love it.

Rene Bourque answered six minutes later with his 10th goal. He had one shot, to get it on a steep angle over Mason just under the crossbar and he did it. Watch out for this guy.

The Blues got their own later period goal when Andy McDonald came in with a burst of speed off a very nifty pass by Brad Boyes in the neutral zone. He cut in down the right wing, back to the middle and scored to the right side of Curits McElhinney. It was very similar to his shootout moves to Andy’s left.

The Blues were up 2-1 going in to the second and the crowd was still in to it.

Calgary had some good pace and pressure in the second, keeping the Blues in their own zone for a fair amount of time. The key was that Calgary didn’t really score off sustained pressure. For the most part they were ket outside. Calgary did score two straight goals to take a 3-2 lead. The Blues answered late in the period again. Alex Steen ripped a shot home from the point on the power play. Consecutive home games with a good power play? Yes, there is a Santa Ca]laus and it looks like he came early for the Blues. After two, tied 3-3.

The third was evenly matched with both teams generating legitimate scoring chances. The breaker came off the rush where the Backes line connected again. Backes got the puck to Kariya, Kariya in to Oshie open in the slot. TJ gets McElhinney to make his move back over and he roofs it just barely under the cross bar. Blues up 4-3. Calgary pushed for a tying goal in the last 5 minutes of the game, but the Blues didn’t give up on the play. They didn’t give up on getting the puck and getting it deep behind Calgary’s defense. They played like a team trying to win a game.

Chris Mason stopped 20 of a meager 23 shots on goal.

Thoughts

After a weak shift on the power play in the first period, David Perron came back and played a solid game. It sure seems like playing on a line w/ McClement and Crombeen forces David to constantly move at an elevated pace. Which seemed to be a good thing once again. BJ Crombeen had a heck of a game as well. No points, but effective working the puck in the offensive zone.

Erik Johnson was invisible till the third period. He seems to get in a rut where he doesn’t carry the puck up ice or pinch, like he is playing it safe. Now Erik doesn’t need to play risky, but the confidence needs to be there to execute those plays. Not sure what gives. I was extremely happy to see Carlo Colaiacovo and EJ paired together at the end of the game.

Congrats to Andy McDonald on a multi-point game (1G, 1A). He had been struggling very much to produce points. He was very much a part of the screen that allowed the Steen goal to go in as well.

The Backes line continues to be the Blues best. They had lots of “get up ‘n go” n all three zones and accounted for several scoring chances and the Oshie goal. Speaking of Oshie, what a game. He was on, full “TJ mode”. Skating hard, never giving up on the play.  Backes was a physical presence behind the net (leading to 2 points) and Kariya worked his speed down the left side all night (earning him an assist).

Brad Boyes, what can I say? He had a better game, to the tune of three assists. He was stronger on the puck and appeared to be more in the game that he has been recently. He looked like the Boyes that ended 08-09 and not the one that has been around for the first 30 games of the 09-10 season.

Mason was good enough for the win. He had good saves and controlled most rebounds.Yes, giving up 3 goals on 23 shots is a little below his standards, but he made big saves in the third to keep the team in the game.

Calgary really backed the Blues off the blueline with speed several times. They woudl come down and cut in to the slot without someone stepping up to take the man. It produced  blocked shots and deflections, but the ones that made it Mason handled. I don’t like seeing guys back up from a puck carrier when they are giving up their slot.

The power play is moving the puck well in the zone. I was very happy to see multiple back door plays to Colaiacovo. They still have issues entering the zone.

Player of the Game

TJ Oshie

TJ notched the Game Winning Goal late in the Third Period. He also worked tirelessly in all three zones.

Next up is Chicago Wednesday night. Another important two points sitting out there for the taking.