Laying on the ice to stretch is one thing, but the Inglorious Captain cannot let him troops relax the night (and two points) away.

It’s been a while since the Blues and Sabres squared off in St. Louis. The last time was on Sunday, December 27th, 2009 the Blues fell 5-3 to the Buffalo based hockey club. It was the first game of what would become Andy Murray‘s final home stand. Just a few days and two more losses later he was replaced by Davis Payne. Former Blues forward Jochten Hecht scored. Local boy Chris Butler had two assists for the visitors in his first game NHL game “home”.

What types of random hockey trivia come from tonight’s game is unknown. However, I do have a few random thoughts heading in to the festivities.

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Tonight is an important test of the team’s killer instinct. For all the things that have gone wrong in Buffalo this season, there are no easy assignments. On any given night, at any given rink, any team can beat another. The Sabres come to town hungry and in desperate need of points to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference race to the top 8. For them being on the road is about the worst place to try to claw their way back having lost a franchise record 11 straight away from their friendly confines. As Tomas Vanek said, “It’s embarrassing”. When key players feel that way, you can tell they’ve hit or are just about to hit rock bottom. Once they do, the only way to go is up. Such movement means their victory.

If this Blues team is for real and has finally arrived at the potential so many have been waiting for, then there can be no let down tonight. No easing off the gas. Pour it on and prevent this contest from becoming a trap tilt. Where the effort is mailed in and a team with nothing to lose gains it all. There is likely no team who wants to knock out the starting goalie and run it down the Blues’ throats than the Sabres. The confidence boost and rediscovery of lost mojo from beating one of the stingiest squads in the league is their goal. The pressure is on. Can’t let the gloves dip down.

Speaking of the pressure to succeed, Blues fans best be careful what they wish for relating to payroll. When Terry Pegula bought the Sabres last year the parades down their main streets were already being prepared. A longtime fan of the team (and the sport) comes home to empty his deep pockets in to a dried up budget. In a weak free agent market they spent and spent and spent some more. Going from the basement to the penthouse in terms of personnel salary.

The grass hasn’t been greener on the other side of the cap hit fence. Descending down the standings to a team sliding off the playoff bubble. Whether its chemistry or philosophy changes, something relating to the increase in payroll has adversely affected their record. So when praying to the hockey gods that the Taylor Family brings their checkbook to Tom Stillman‘s ownership group, temper your excitement. More is not always better.

Alex Steen still isn’t ready to play and will not tonight. I’m not worried. For all the worrywarts concerned that the Blues aren’t scoring and they need to address the problem… and Steen would help fix the problem… stop worrying. All the convincing needed is in the team’s record. Steen’s last game was on December 27th vs. Detroit. Since that time the Blues are 7-1-2 in his absence. They had a stretch of four straight games from January 1st through the 10th where they scored three goals or more. Overall they’ve scored 22 goals or a 2.2 per game pace. They have given up 13 goals (1.3 per game) and more than two goals only twice in that span.

Translation: Many more times than not the ability to win the game will be within their scoring capacity.

As far as Steen’s health and fitness levels go, missing the remaining three games leading to the All Star Game gives him a ton of time to rest before the schedule gets nasty in February and March. The Blues play last on Tuesday the 24th before the ASG and their next game after is on February 3rd. A total of nine days between games. We’ll all be grateful in a month or so when his legs are fresher than a few others.

Please, be kind to Brad Boyes. Yes, the guy lost his scoring tough and left the Blues with an albatross of a contract. Yes, he wasn’t willing to grind and battle. No, he didn’t posses an Energizer Bunny inspired motor that St. Louisans love. What he did do was score 76 goals and record 137 points in 162 games in his first two full seasons with the Note. He was a key figure in the late season push to make the 2009 playoffs. He was not traded for Chris Pronger. There is no reason for the Eric Brewer treatment. Thank him for his service and leave it at that.

Lay off Patrik Berglund. It’s clear that many out there still hold on, with a sliver of hope, that the big Swed will still turn out to be the next Zetterberg, Sundin or Forsberg. He is just isn’t. However, that belief in a future rapidly fading away has lead to much criticism. What he has proven to be, at least under Ken Hitchcock, is a fairly reliable two way center who can score 20 goals and post a 40+ point season. His skating has improved and his more physical than he has ever really been throughout his career. When you look at that he has the 5th most shifts per game of the Blues forwards (at least he was a few days ago when last I checked) and look at the team’s record, it’s an indication that he really isn’t a problem. That his current style of play is a positive. The points will come if he continues down the path he is on. But the most important stats are wins and losses. Right now he’s a part of more “Ws” than “Ls”. That’s all that matters at the end of the day.

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Flames Burn Up Blues 6-0

As the standard for most of the season the Blues put out 40 minutes of effort and lost the game in 20 minutes of slumber. The Flames dismantled the Blues 6-0 with 5 third period goals.

When Ben Bishop wasn’t hung out to dry (in the last 20 minutes), he appeared to be a little rattled, letting in stoppable shots. He kept our 20 of 21 shots while the five in front of him worked hard then allowed 5 goals on 8 shots in the third as the home team’s effort diminished.

Credit the Flames. They are playing simply amazing hockey right now. Playing as a 5 man unit up and down the ice. I don’t think the Blues have played a team in the last month or two who back checks as hard as Calgary has been. Just giving the Blues no room to get in to the middle. Add in Miikka Kiprusoff who has been lights out, especially against the Blues, and they’re world beaters. He has allowed just one of 81 shots against him to end up in his net in three games. Shutting out the Blues in back to back games. Keep in mind it was over 100 games the last time the Blues were shutout, let alone in consecutive games.

Just grin and take it folks. Take the lumps and see better days on the other side.

So Boyes Doesn’t Like to Dump n’ Chase?

For those who have read my work for a while now, you know I have a rather, how do I say diplomatically, “running my head in to a wall” relationship with Brad Boyes. I got a good chuckle out of his comments yesterday as I put another divot in to the drywall.

Paul Hamilton of ESPN 950 AM in Rochester, NY had a little blurb up on the radio stations site with some comments from my favorite whipping boy.

The system employed by Lindy Ruff is a lot more offensive than the one the Blues use. Boyes said, “There’s a big difference which is good, hopefully it adapts more into my game, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve seen it, it’s just a matter of getting into the routine of it.”…

On the negative side, Boyes has scored goals in the NHL, but the past year in a half his total has gone way down. He said, “That’s one thing I’m trying to figure out too. I think when it comes to the style of play we played in St. Louis, it was a very dump it in, blue collar team, I think this style is better with guys allowed to make plays which is exciting.”

While I understand Brad is saying the “right things” to distance himself from the Blues and show he is now a Sabre, I had to take time to quit laughing on the Metrolink when I read this in a Tweet.

I wish I could do a really good Doug MacLean impersonation… “Seriously?!”

Under what style / system did Boyes score 77 goals in 164 games under Andy Murray? A dump and chase heavy system. How did it work for him then and not now? Was it really his stick?

One phrase sums it all up, “blue collar team”. Yes, Brad, it takes effort, dedication and a consistent commitment level to make dump and chase work when it’s used. An area of game play that has proven to be his biggest weakness in St. Louis from last season till his departure.

I know he scored in his first game with the Buffaslug. Let me know when he starts piling up secondary assists and back checks well.

I Was Wrong…

For those who read St. Louis Game Time, and all Blues fans should, check out Throwdown Lowdown author Tyler Atwood’s dissertation on his poor predicting skills.

Why so angry, Tom? Image via Sports Illustrated

The first shutout in over 100 games for the Blues – what was at the time the longest active streak in the NHL – is now over after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to tonight’s opponent, the Calgary Flames.  Then, the Blues decided to sell off Brad Boyes and Brad “F.” Winchester following the game and ahead of the NHL trade deadline.  I kinda like this, but that’s another thought for another time.  Anyway, there were no fights between the Blues and Flames on Sunday, and the Blues still place second in the NHL in fights.  Due to some recent events, that is only good for a TIE for second place with the Boston Bruins and the Anaheim Ducks, now each with 59 fighting majors on the season.  The Blues’ fight record still stands at 24-18-17.

Remember these guys?  You should – the Blues played them on Sunday night!  So yes, we have covered the Calgary Flames in this space before (January 26th, too, as well as Sunday).  So this will be a somewhat-abbreviated report as nothing much has changed.  Their 32 fighting majors on the season is 17th in the NHL by themselves and only two more than they had the last time the Blues played them.  Their fight record is somewhat mediocre at 9-13-10.

To recap the fighters again from Sunday . . . free-agent signee Tim Jackman (6’4”, 210lbs, 3-6-3, questionable with an “upper body issue”) leads the team with 12 fights, a total that also puts him just short of the Top 10 individual fighters in the league.  Tom Kostopoulos (6’0”, 200lbs, 1-1-1 as a Flame and 1-3-1 overall) and Stefan Meyer (6’2”, 195lbs, 2-0-1, currently with Abbotsford in the AHL) both have fought three times each as Flames.  Those with two fights each include possibly my favorite NHL player to watch that has never been a Blue in Jarome Iginla (6’1”, 207lbs, 1-0-1), Robyn Regehr (6’3”, 225lbs, 1-0-1), Mark Giordano (6’0”, 203lbs, 0-1-1), former Blues farmhand Steve Staios (6’1”, 200lbs, 0-1-1) and Cory Sarich (6’4”, 207lbs, 0-1-1).  Solo fighters include Brett Sutter (6’0”, 192lbs, Win, traded to Calgary and currently assigned to Charlotte of the AHL), Olli Jokinen (6’3”, 215lbs, Loss), Curtis Glencross (6’1”, 195lbs, Loss) and Raitis Ivanans (6’4”, 240lbs, Loss, out with a concussion).

So with Winchester gone, that’s one less bruiser to go after a Flames player.  With Tim Jackman not playing because of shoulder issues, that’s one less bruiser to go after a Blues player.  With Ryan Reaves being called up from Peoria after all of this trading, that’s one MORE bruiser to go after a Flames player.  Who will it be?  I think it will be someone.  It would be hilarious if “The Grim Reaver” went after Kostopoulos and destroyed him, in my humble opinion.

Back to the home crowd the Blues go.  Make it worth our time, boys.

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

The Sabres acquire Brad ‘High and Wide’ Boyes. In exchange, the Blues get the Sabres 2nd round pick in 2011.

Thoughts on this  trade? I don’t like it. If Doug Armstrong doesn’t acquire another top nine forward tomorrow by the deadline, you can effectively consider the Blues to be out of the playoff race.

Brad Boyes will next suit up for the Buffalo Sabres.

Brad Boyes, the former 40 goal scorer has lost his scoring touch, that is no secret, but lets not forget that prior to tonight’s trade, he was third on the Blues in points and had become a pretty decent playmaker. He started crashing the net and getting good scoring chances.

He got a lot of flack here in St. Louis because he went from goal scorer to playmaker, but if fans could recall, in Boston, he was more a playmaker than a goal scorer.

The Kariya-Tkachuk-Boyes line was the primary reason Boyes hit 43 goals three seasons ago. When Kariya went out with hip injuries, concussions and separated the pair in the final years of Kariya’s deal, Boyes’ play suffered considerably.

When Boyes was the shooter, he was on, when he had Kariya and Andy McDonald, two playmakers feeding him pucks, his life was a lot easier than it is now.

With 12 goals and 29 assists on the season, Boyes is no means by far a bad player. He’ll get his chance in Buffalo, and in all honesty, I hope he opens up and finds that scoring touch again.

For those of you who follow me on twitter, @randallritchey, you already know about the trade. If you don’t follow me on twitter, please follow and I’ll do my best to feed you information and opinions as often as possible.

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Blues vs Avs Quick Hits

- Yes, the Blues are tired. There are 29 other teams that are on February 23rd. The bottom line is playoff caliber teams find ways to win these types of games. Second half of back to back set, at home, against a team lower in the standings. Just like how playoff teams find ways to win a home and home series. The gaffes in this two game set carry the same impact as the losses to Minnesota two weeks ago. Missed opportunity in the face of adversity.

- This game showed how will, heart and experience can trump skill. There is little doubt that the current version of the Blues is more skilled than the 2008-09 club. There is little doubt that group had more experience and mental fortitude than the post EJ trade crew. All opportunities to resurrect the Boston Miracle have failed. Last night was a chance to find that magic again. It just isn’t there this time around.

- The goal by Paul Stastny was masterful, but also caused by TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Kevin Shattenkirk careless play with the puck in their own end. Trying to avoid contact to make a play rather than taking the hit to prevent a scoring chance.

- Ty Conklin just wasn’t very good either. Stopping just 23 of 27 shots against. Some have question marks about Ben Bishop taking over, I saw bring him on. It’s an equal roll of the dice. At least with Ben they can save some cash to spend to upgrade the five guys in front of him.

- Peter Budaj is the new Dwayne Roloson. End of story.

- Anyone else noticing a recurrence of a nasty trend? Blues being locked out of the middle of the offensive zone by five guys collapsing in the slot? Shots don’t get through and the little plays around the net can’t be made because there is no room.

- Barret Jackman looked out of it again. Starting to play similarly to his poor stretch at the end of last season before he was shut down due to an injury. Part 2?

Diarrhea of the Mouth

I’m glad Erik Johnson is gone. I can finally feel like giving an unfettered opinion of the former #1 pick isn’t an unfair thing to do.

I’ve been critical before, so what is different now? Well, when he started running his mouth about “making Armstrong pay”… I had a little “WTF” moment.

Where was this fire and passion in St. Louis? Most of his answers on camera (at least) we’re standard issue cliched athlete lingo. All of a sudden he has some real intensity brewing? To be honest, as someone built up and bulked up to be a physical monster on the back end, he never consistently showed that controlled raw emotion to earn such potential.

I am NOT a fan, in any stretch of the imagination, of spouting off what you can’t back up. Looking back at his two seasons since the knee injury, he hasn’t really had a reason to claim he was wronged in the trade.

He hit few, if any, standards or benchmarks that a first overall selection is expected to. Little consistency. Regression of his hockey IQ. Never really could take over a game. Failed to lead his team to any significant (positive) placements in the standings. He wasn’t even the top defensemen in the lineup most nights. Alex Pietrangelo took and succeeded in more pressure situations than Johnson did.

Defensemen slower to develop or not. Injury or not. He hasn’t shown enough growth over the course of his time in St. Louis to say he shouldn’t be the one moved. Not when he is falling from the perch he was supposed to take over and couldn’t.

One word comes to mind. Expendable. Armstrong has to give to get and he HAS to be the impartial auditor that doesn’t care about what “EJ was supposed to be”. His job is to get the Blues from re-builder to contender. Erik factored himself out of that equation.

I’m sure he doesn’t like it. Nor should he. Bottom line is that his performances to date haven’t warranted such diarrhea of the mouth. Let your play do the talking first. Then talk.

He is the darling of the NHL and Denver today. We’ll see if he can keep it up.

Before you can say “what about Chris Stewart’s comments”, I feel 100% the same way about him. Keep the zipper closed and play the game first. Although, his three goals since the deal do carry a little more weight.

Standings Watch

The Blues are in 13th place with 63 points. Just 4 points ahead of Colorado and now 3 points behind Columbus. They are 5 points behind 8th place LA and 7 points behind places 5th, 6th and 7th.

Scoreboard watching: LA is at Anaheim, Edmonton takes on Colorado, Phoenix is in Tampa, and San Jose is playing in Pittsburgh.

Trade Scutlebutt

- Andy McDonald’s name has come up (via Eklund) in association to the Washington Capitals. They are still likely looking for a second line center. Would have to think the Blues want equal value. Another hockey trade. Without Eric Brewer a top pairing left handed defenseman to play a shutdown role next to Petro would (should) be high on the list. Jeff Schultz anyone?

- Say mention of Brad Boyes to Pittsburgh still. Adding James Neal nixed the possibility of Boyes heading to the Pens.

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news.

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Standings Watch

The Blues are in 13th place in the battered and bloody Western Conference. With 59 points they are two ahead of the Colorado Avalanche and two behind the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Calgary and San Jose are tied with 66 points, 7 ahead of the Blues. Nashville is 8 ahead with 67 and Dallas occupies 4th with 68 points, 9 ahead of the Blues.

The Blues have at least one game in hand over 8 of the 9 teams above them within a 10 point spread.

Such A Tease Or Not?

In advance, please pardon my doom and gloom soap box pontification…

I’m happy the Blues won last night. I can’t be more serious and honest. However, the warm fuzzy feeling that a clean two points brings just isn’t there for me today.

Kudos go to the guys for taking the Canuckleheads to task once again. In general making the game a sloppy mess down in the grinders gutter. The pushed back when they needed to and got timely special teams conversions when they needed them.

Still, I can’t shake the fact that Vancouver was without Alex Edler, Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. Half of a top 2 pairing and another very solid blueliner that did not have a say in the contest. That’s 14 goals, 41 assists, 55 points and a Plus-36 out of their lineup.

Why did Oshie, Petro, Backes and others have such an easy time penetrating the interior on the Canucks. Those previously mentioned weren’t there to beat forechecking pressure with passes and escape skating ability. They weren’t there clogging up the lanes with sitcks and bodies as top defenders often do.

There is no doubt Vancouver is still a potent team with the Sedins, Kesler and their supporting cast up front. But their overall strength has been reduced. Luongo was on his game all night save for the brain fart gimme to Steen and at times his rebound control. Making several strong leg saves on across the grain backhands. But the Blues know all about leaving a good goalie out to dry and the ramifications.

Vancouver was ripe for the plucking with the Blues backs totally up against the wall. That’s the long and the short of it.

The Blues now have three days off till they venture to Buffalo Friday and return home Saturday to take on Anaheim. Will there be a repeat of the Minnesota weekend or the opportunism we saw last night. My money is on a Minny Redux. Go out and prove me wrong boys, I hope you do.

Trade Scuttlebutt

- As I talked about in the Sound Off, Steve Hindle at HockeyBuzz speculated that Alex Steen could be up for grabs. I understand his thought process, but I respectfully disagree. It would take a massive overpayment of NHL ready players to pry him away from the Note. Asking price not worth the gain for teams competing for the playoffs.

Steen has solidified himself as a vital component to the success of the Blues. They win because of him, not in spite of him. For that reason, the trade is unlikely. Shake ups would come from elsewhere.

- I rarely….and I mean rarely do I dabble in the “trade rumor” game, but for once I feel pretty comfortable. Rumblings of the Blues and Pens talking are about. The Pens have had scouts at recent games, including last nights. If not for their presence, since the Pens don’t play the Blues and Cancucks again, this is likely info I would sit on.

Rarely… and I mean rarely, do I speculate on names, but since, as most of you know, I am a huge Pens fan as well, I will allow a little foray.

If I was Shero I would be looking at a short list of skilled forwards who could potentially play Center for now and wing in the future. Andy McDonald comes to mind as someone they could use in both positions with the experience Ray Shero likes to add (see Kunitz and Guerin). Brad Boyes, who has a history with Crosby, could also be a target. Patrik Berglund has has his name mentioned before (for Ballard at the draft) and likely garners real interest, but the Pens don’t really have the pieces to make the Blues want to part with Berglund.

Malkin’s IR status allows them to add to payroll and not go over the cap. I’m confident from my Pens POV that Shero could add a forward and make it work in the off season. With Letestu, Jeffrey, Conner all showing promise in their NHL time this season they can tinker with the depth to support the offensive core.

That said, Armstrong has to keep asking prices high and someone like Jason Arnott may be a better option as a rental for less payment in trade capital.

- Nothing new on the Ty Conklin speculation front. Detroit did have a scout at the game Monday. Keeping in line with Andy Strickland’s reports. Montreal also had scouts present. They could be looking for a back up for Price. With their recent transaction history, something could come up. Ask for Lars back Doug…

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news. Please also check out the St. Louis Blues Blogs Facebook Fan Page for links to Blues blogs all over the Internet.

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Game Reminder

Due to the wonderful contract with Versus, the game tonight is blacked out. Those with Center Ice and Game Center will likely be able to pick up the Canucks feed.

Scoreboard Watching

After Sunday’s action the Blues sit one point ahead of the 14th place Colorado Avalanche with 57 points. The Columbus Blue Jackets are four points ahead in 12th with 61.

They are 8 points behind the Minnesota Wild who occupies the 8th position in the Western Conference. They are 11 points behind 4th place Anaheim Ducks.

A regulation loss to Vancouver and an Avs win over Calgary would put the Blues in 14th.

For those dreaming of a lottery pick as compensation for a turbulent season, the Blues would pick 8th if the season ended today. Edmonton leads the chase for top pick with just 40 points. Given the “weakness” of the draft class outside the top five selections (compared to the last few classes), the Blues might be better suited selling off the pick to help spark a turnaround in 2011-12.

Tangent: If Edmonton gets Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sean Couturier or Gabrial Landeskog… Wow, watch out. They will be stacked up front. If they go with Adam Larson, there is their blueline horse.

Open For Business?

Assuming the Blues cement their seller status this week, who is on their way out the door?

Eric Brewer – The captain is a UFA at season’s end and his high level of play will surely garner offers. Does he truly want to leave his family behind and go off as a rental? Will the family friendly organization ask him to? This isn’t like the Doug Weight situation? Or is it? Only Doug Armstrong knows.

Brad Winchester – The big winger can help competitive teams at a bargain price. Chip in goals and bring a physical presence to an energy line forecheck. He can also help out a teams second power play unit camping out in front of the crease.

Roman Polak – Some say I over rate his value. I say we don’t value him enough. However, since his wrist injury, he hasn’t been the same. Given his “holding out” for an offer sheet routine from a few years ago, he may value himself more than the Blues do. Many teams that can spend more than the Blues may want to slightly over pay for a young, mobile, defensively responsible physical defenseman who could still be trending up. Maybe a young forward with potential goal scoring ability could be the return? The growth of Alex Pietrangelo, Niktia Nikitn, Ian Cole and the contract of Carlo Colaiacovo could make him expendable.

Carlo Colaiacovo – Speaking of Cola, he could be on his way out the door for a similar reason. A team willing to spend a little extra for some power play help could move a player from their forward depth chart to bring in help on the point. His $2.15 million cap hit for 2011-12 is a manageable number for teams who can spend more and afford the gamble.

Brad Boyes – His value has been seemingly rebuilt thanks to a productive 2011. With 2 goals and 15 assists in 17 games many teams may be willing to pay his $4 million price tag for next season along with his prorated remainder for the current campaign. With trade values apparently through the roof (see the Beauchemin and Fisher deals), could the Blues move him for assets and reinvest his salary? It’s an interesting dilemma. He’s found his offensive touch again, but the production has really been from Christmas to present day. In other words, sell high.

Matt D’Agostini – Speaking of selling high, D’Ags could bring back value for a team searching for a solid two way forward who can light the lamp. If the Blues feel he may cost more than his worth in the off season (although he is a RFA), he could move on and thank the Blues for the opportunity to “rebuild” his reputation after leaving Montreal.

Ty Conklin – Backup goalies may not bring back much value, but Conks has tons of experience and a bargain price tag. Few could be in the market, but those who are might be willing to spend for security. I’ve said before I doubt Ty would be back for next season and Ben Bishop would move on up due to the cost of retention. It’s going to happen.

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news. Please also check out the St. Louis Blues Blogs Facebook Fan Page for links to Blues blogs all over the Internet.

Goal scorers are hard to come by in the National Hockey League. Especially the kind who can change a game with one move or shot. Two or three years ago, that player was Brad Boyes.

In the 2007-08 season, the St. Louis Blues saw Boyes register a career high 43 goals. He was their first 40 goal scorer since Scott Young registered 40 back in the 2000-01 season.

Blues fans were ecstatic. We had finally found our next big time goal scorer, which the Blues really hadn’t had since the days of Brett Hull. We dealt a good defensemen who struggled here in Dennis Wideman to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Boyes, so most of us believed it to be a fair deal.

Brad Boyes skates against the Edmonton Oilers (image via Scott Enn)

Then in the 2008-09 season, Boyes’ goal totals dropped to 33, while his point total rose from 65 to 72. He was becoming a more well rounded playmaker and goal scorer. Still a fair trade off for the Blues. His -20 was a glaring stat, but for a guy who lead your team in points, could you really argue that one stat? No one really did.

Then, last season, Boyes’ goal totals dropped to 14 and his points plummeted from 72 to only 42. A 30 point different, massive. It showed as well, when the Blues failed to make the playoffs after being a highly hyped team going into the season.

The asterisk next to his 11 goals this season are only the amount he has scored thus far this season, projected less than 20 after a full season.

The same Brad Boyes appeared early this season, that showed up last year as well. Snake bitten and not seeming to put up to many points. They’d come few and far between, and he’s go games and games at a time without being noticeable offensively at all.

He’s amassed a total of 34 points this season, but 17 of those point have been registered in his last 17 games.

Finally tallying points, the Blues are using his productions lightly, winning only six of those games, carrying a 6-8-3 record over that span.

For a team looking for a goal scorer, Boyes has turned primarily into a playmaking forward, as only four of his 17 points are goals. We still can’t be disappointed as he’s still getting points, which means he is helping someone else score the goals.

With the trade deadline inching ever so closer, if Boyes can continue to keep his play at a high level, he could either help the Blues get back into the playoff race, or he could make an attractive target for other teams to inquire about.

I like everyone else want to know if he can keep his play up, if he’ll help the Blues improve in the standings from their current 13th place. Only seven points behind the eighth placed Calgary Flames, the Blues have four games in hand over the Flames and one game in hand over everyone above them in the Western conference.

With ten games left before the deadline, and 20 points available, the Blues future will be clearer when the deadline hits, but like everyone else, we have to wait to see what happens to the Blues, Boyes, and the rest of our roster as the February 28th deadline looms even closer, now just 19 days away.

Key Players Making the Difference

It may feel a day late and more than a few bucks short, but two anticipated producers who have struggled with consistency this season have come on lately.

Brad Boyes has had a difficult run since his early struggles in 2009-10. After hitting new heights en route to the 2009 playoffs he stats and level of play has bottomed out. In the last 20 games, it’s all changed for “Double B2″. Posting 5 goals and 18 points since December 20th against Vancouver. The apathetic (at least in outward appearance) winger has been drinking some of TJ Oshie’s juice because he’s been a ball of energy up and down the ice. An actual difference maker for the first time since the epic second half of 2008-09.

Patrik Berglund is a new man with #74 back on his wing. Since their reunion on January 18th Bergie has 4 goals and 4 assists in 7 games. The enigmatic Swedish centerman has struggled with confidence issues over the last two seasons. There is no doubt that familiarity brings comfort and when Berglund is playing with a free mind he can be an offensive force. It never hurts to have the most underrated player in the conference on left wing either, Alex Steen.

Adding two legitimate threats to the persistent presences of Steen and David Backes has given the Blues an offensive jump they’ve not had all season.

Where They Stand

The Blues sit in 14th place in the crammed tight Western Conference. With 54 points they are 7 behind 8th place Calgary and 9 behind 4th place Nashville. They have at least one game in hand on every team ahead of them. In most cases at least two.

Florida may be at the bottom of the Southeast Division, but they’re just 6 points back of 8th place Carolina (and 9th place Atlanta) and 10 short of the 7th place New York Rangers. Currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference they are 10 points ahead of 13th place New Jersey.

When Last They Met

Saturday, October 31st, 2009. Panthers won 4-0.

Injury Report

Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo (Eye) and forward David Perron (Concussion Recovery) are both out for the Blues.

Forwards Evgeny Dadonov (Broken Finger) and Corey Stillman (Undisclosed) are out of the lineup for the Panthers.

Scouting Report

The Florida Panthers are a franchise in a decade long rebuild. With former Blackhawk GM Dale Tallon in the mix, there seems to be a bright light at the end of the tunnel. For now, they’re mucking their way through the swamps of their Division and Conference.

Behind the bench is Peter DeBoer. The successful OHL coach who lead the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup victory in 2003. Taking his skills to the NHL in 2008 DeBoer inherited a modest lineup and lead them to the second highest team point total in the history of the organization. Injuries and a comparatively weak roster lead them to a meager 77 points in 2009-10. Now in his third season the methods of his madness are taking shape and propping up the Panthers.

On the ice their go to guy is Steven Weiss. Leading the club in goals (15, tied with David Booth) and points (36). Booth is their marquee talent. The highly skilled and speedy left winger has a nose for the net. Think a “poor mans” Zach Parise.Michael Folik is a promising versatile young forward who has had consistency issues (Berglund parallels here). In the final year of his ELC Frolik is 4th in team scoring with 28 points in 51 games. Mike Santorelli has been a diamond in the rough find. Leaving the Predators system and making an immediate impact on the Panthers. He is 3rd in team scoring with 14 goals and 28 points.

On the blueline former Note Dennis Wideman is an offensive threat at even strength and on the power play. As is the talented Russian Dmitry Kulikov. Veteran captain Brian McCabe does a little bit of everything and has a very respectable Plus-7 rating. One face Blues fans will recognize is penalty killing specialist and computer tech whiz, Mike Weaver. His assistance to DeBoer’s PK unit has pushed the Panthers from 23rd in 2009-10 to 7th in 2010-11.

Confirmed starter Tomas Vokoun is known to the Blues from his Nashville days. Not much has changed, he is still an excellent goaltender. In 39 games he has posted a 18-17-3 record with a 2.54 GAA, .923 save percentage and 5 shutouts. In his career against the Blues Vokoun is 13-10-3 with a 1.93 GAA and .929 save percentage.

Expected Lines per David J Neal of the Miami Herald:

David Booth – Mike Santorelli – Michal Repik’
Chris Higgins – Steven Weiss – Michael Frolik
Rostislav Olesez – Mary Reasonrer – Radek Dvorak
Darcy Hordichuk – Scott Timmins – Steve Bernier

Repik was recalled from the Panthers AHL affiliate, Rochester Americans. In 44 games he has 8 goals and 40 points. Olsez replaces Stillman.

Blues Lineup

Jaroslav Halak is back in net for the Blues per Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

The lines and pairings are expected to stay the same. Though Payne did briefly mix up the defensive pairings in Tampa.

Andy McDonald – David Backes – Brad Boyes
Alex Steen – Patrik Berglund – TJ Oshie
Vladimir Sobotka – Jay McClement – Matt D’Agostini
Brad Winchester – BJ Crombeen – Cam Janssen

Barret Jackman – Alex Pietrangelo
Eric Brewer – Erik Johnson
Nikita Nikitin – Roman Polak

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Blues @ Flames Gameday

Mercy finally makes it’s arrival for the Blues. Tonight’s tilt in the frozen hinterlands of Alberta is the final game before the All Star Break. A chance to recuperate from the last 36 games.

Pitted against each other are two teams heading in opposite directions.

The Calgary Flames (23-21-6, 52 Points) came in to the 2010-11 season much like the Blues. A team that could finish anywhere from 5th to 12th in the ultra competitive Western Conference. Injuries and substandard performance has hampered the chances of ending their campaign near the high end projections.

However, the Flames have found their stride of late. Winners of three straight and 5-2-3 in their last 10. Using three game segments to gradually raise their stature and re-enter the slugfest for playoff position.

The Blues (22-19-7, 51 Points) are moving south for the winter. Using a 2-7-2 record in January to slide from around 8th/9th place to as low as 14th earlier this week. The cause? An alarming 3.72 GAA so far in 2011. Don’t look to solely blame Jaroslav Halak. A good chunk of the responsibility falls on the a lack of overall team effort and weak team defense.

Leading Calgary, as always, is captain Jarome Iginla. Posting 21 goals and 46 points in 50 games. He is the embodiment of a power forward and the Flames physical style of play.

Physical play may be an understatement. Take a look at recent suspendable hits likeTom Kostopoulos’ on Brad Stuart and Curtis Glencross’ on Clayton Stoner. Proof they play with a distinct edge. One the Blues need to be ready to counter.

Keep an eye on the Calgary special teams units. In four of their last five wins they have tallied a PPG. They’ve also allowed just one PPG against in four of their last give as well. A 22.7% power play conversion and 95% penalty kill rate. The Blues special teams? Just 3 for 32 on the man advantage (9.4%) and 28 for 37 on the kill (75.7%) this month. Special teams play will go a long way in determining this game.

Finnish netminder extraordinaire Miikka Kiprusoff has not been himself. So far the usually rock solid back stopper is 19-18-2 with a 2.79 GAA and .900 save percentage.Kiprusoff has been quite the “Blues Killer” in his career though. With a 14-4-2 record, 2.17 GAA and .915 save percentage in 20 total games.

Tentative expectation is that Mikka will face Jaroslav Halak in net.

Halak’s numbers against Calgary are not so hot. Just 1-3-0 in 4 career games with a 3.02 GAA and .910 save percentage. Combine those numbers with his January performance (and support level), you end up with this fantasy suggestion. Bench Halak, Start Kipprusoff.

On the injury front the Flames will be without defenseman Steve Staios. The Blues are missing the usual suspects. Forwards Andy McDonald, David Perron (Consussions) and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo (Eye). Fellow blueliner Barret Jackman (lower-body) is questionable.

The Blues lineup is likely to remain similar to the setup in Colorado.

Alex Steen – David Backes – BJ Crombeen
Vladimir Sobotka – Patrik Berglind – TJ Oshie
Brad Winchester – Jay McClement – Brad Boyes
Stefan Della Rovere – Matt D’Agostini – Cam Janssen

Eric Brewer – Roman Polak
Erik Johnson – Alex Pietrangelo
Nikita Niktin – Tyson Strachan

Berglund comes in riding a 6 game point streak. In which he has 3 goals and 7 points. Boyes also comes in quietly with a productive month. Registering 6 goals and 17 points in 11 games. Currently on a 3 game streak, he has only two games this month where he hasn’t put up a point. Slowly, but surely, Boyesie is returning to form.

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(UPDATE #1: Jeremy Rutherford confirmed Ty Conklin is starting)

(UPDATE #2: Per Jeremy Rutherford’s Morning Skate blog, D’Agostini is back with Backes and Steen. Crombeen is on the 4th line with Phil McRae at center and Della Rovere on left wing.)

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news. Please also check out the St. Louis Blues Blogs Facebook Fan Page for links to Blues blogs all over the Internet.