Don't Open My Door...

The opening round series between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks shifted location but not the momentum. After winning the second game in dominating fashion, the Blues followed their first playoff victory in eight years with another beating the Sharks 4-3.

Multiple Blues had multiple points and most came on the power play. Going three for four on the man advantage, the Blues exposed the poor penalty killing of the Sharks to take the series lead 2-1.

Patrik Berglund started the scoring fifteen minutes into the first period capitalizing on the Blues first power play. After dishing the puck to the point Berglund crashed the net and tapped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.

Moments later the Sharks would respond. Joe Thornton dumped a puck in and Kris Russell tried to glove it out of the zone. Not getting enough of it, Russell knocked it down for Brent Burns who skated by him and crossed the crease to lift one by Brian Elliott to tie the game.

But it was all St. Louis from then on. Hard work in the corner by Alex Steen set up Carlo Colaiacovo on the point who fired a shot that deflected off Berglund to the stick of Andy McDonald who scored his second of the series.

Later in the second another power play goal gave the Blues a two goal lead. On the point, Steen dished the puck to McDonald who made a beauty cross ice pass to Jason Arnott. The veteran with all his playoff experience had no trouble beating the out of position Antti Niemi.

The Blues third power play goal of the game came a minute into the third period. Steen manning the point again pulled up and took a big shot. The big Swedish body of Berglund limited the view of Niemi and Steen’s shot got through him for his first of the playoffs.

McDonald’s four point night came with assists on all goals except for his own. Colaiacovo also had three assists in the game while Berglund and Steen added two points a piece.

The Blues took the pressure off in the end of the game allowing late goals from Colin White and Logan Couture. But this only gave the Sharks false hope as the Blues finished the game still on top.

Up Next: Game Four in San Jose Thursday.

Chances are pretty good that TJ Oshie is be the best bet tonight.

Jaden Schwartz debuted in the Blues last game in Tampa Bay against the Lightning. The kid scored, but he didn’t have the first of the night. That dubious distinction went to Patrik Berglund. The Techno Viking went vroom vroom and was der party starter with a shorty for his 17th of the season. We had many guesses, but none knew how to do the Bergie.

Who will score first for the Blues tonight? Give us your best guess!  Remember, you just need to comment on this post to be entered into the contest; the person with the most correct guesses at the end of the season will win a Blues themed prize (prize still TBD).*Comments must be dated/time stamped prior to the game start time*

Game Info:

Location: Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

Opposing Netminder: Jonas Hiller (per Daily Faceoff)

Blues Probable Line Combos: (per Jeremy Rutherford)
Forward Lines:
Perron – Backes – Oshie
Schwartz – Berglund – Langenbrunner
Sobotka – Arnott – Stewart
Crombeen/Porter- Nichol – Reaves/Crombeen

Defensive Pairings:
Jackman – Shattenkirk
Colaiacovo – Pietrangelo
Huskins  – Polak

Starting Goalie:
Jaroslav Halak

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.

On paper tonight’s tilt down at 14th and Clark doesn’t look all that exciting. The Oilers are floundering around the bottom third of the conference again and are without one of their young guns, 2011 1st overall draft pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Blues don’t help very much based on their lack of goal scoring proficiency at regular strength and the man advantage.

Safe to say NHL Tonight isn’t likely salivating to get their hands on the highlights.

Sure, the good guys have a respectable chance at bringing home two points in regulation, but that doesn’t always get the blood going when getting ready to head to the game. There just really aren’t any obviously enticing storylines to follow. Fear not though. Interesting secondary storylines are there for the following.

Dig deeper with me. Here is what I’ll be watching for tonight.

Dueling Enigmas: Blues winger Chris Stewart and Oilers centerman Sam Gagner come from very different backgrounds, but they meet in the NHL with similar situations. Both have earned high praise and expectations with solid efforts in their first full NHL campaign.

Stewart scored 28 goals in 77 games for Colorado in 2008-09. Gagner was part of the young core that nearly made the 2008 playoffs with a strong late push. His 36 assist and 49 point effort had many thinking he would develop in to a very good playmaking center.

In the years that have followed Gagner stagnated and Stewart has glided up and down between the waves of production multiple times. Both stand to become Restricted Free Agents come season’s end and neither are in a great position to demand a raise.

But opportunity comes for both early in 2012.

With RNH out and captain Shawn Horcoff ailing, Gagner has the chance to take over the top center role at a critical juncture of the season. Edmonton sits 10 points back of the playoff line. A road heavy month of January could easily sink them. If amid the strife he can keep the ship stable, it speaks volumes to what he can still become.

With Alex Steen out with a concussion, Andy McDonald still trying to return from his third in two years and the Blues in the bottom half of league scoring, Stewart’s scoring touch is in desperate need of return. It seems as if captain David Backes may have sparked it’s return as evident with Stewart’s performance Tuesday against Phoenix.

Edmonton is exactly the team to play against now to get Stewart rolling. In two games with the Blues against the Oilers last season he buried 3 goals. Two of which game on the power play. It’s going to happen, tonight is as good as a chance as there will be.

With Backes likely taking matchup duty against the oppositions top line, Stewart and Gagner will be on the ice together quite often. Who wants it more?

The Stealthy Dangler: Shuuuush… Don’t tell anyone but David Perron has been back for 14 games and has 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists). A mark good enough to lead the team over that stretch. He’s returning to puck wizard status and is creating more scoring chances than anyone else in a bluenote sweater. He’s quietly playing very well.

Time to break the silence against a weak defensive team? Probably.

The Return of the Monster: Jaroslav Halak had a horrible start to the season. The death of Pavol Demitra surely had something to do with that. The time of troubles may have felt like an eternity, but they truly were not. With the closure that the memorial night brought so too came an improved Halakness Monster.

His recent numbers show he is returning to form. In his 13 games for all of November and December, Halak was 6-2-5 and allowed only 24 goals on 344 shots against. A .930 save percentage and allowing 1.85 goals per game isn’t too shabby. Neither is taking 65% of the points possible.

Despite the success on the ice and in the stats book, many fans still cut him down. Thought Edmonton is without Nugent-Hopkins, they still have a deadly duo in Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. Those two have combined for 28 goals and 69 points in 70 games. Don’t forgot the Oilers own the second best power play in the league. Halak will be tested.

Will he continue to perform up to the same high level he has for two months? Keep an eye on him so you can tell the doubters “I told you so” later.

Techno Viking Power: Speaking of whipping boys – boy that’s been the whole post – Patrik Berglund needs to get back to his confident ways in the same manner Stewart does. Much like Stewart again, there is no better team than the Oilers to break the dam with.

Last season Berglund lead all Blues skaters with 1 goal and 4 points in 4 games against the Alberta based club. A weakened blueline corps (see today’s GameDay preview for the extensive list of injuries to the Oilers backend) certainly plays to his advantage.

Will he find the bull and run north in to the china shop? He better, because if he doesn’t ans Stewart does, Berglund may find himself in “Erik Johnson’s skates”.

Enjoy the game my fellow blue bleeders. There is much to see, if you’re looking for it…

Another is line role.

While teams are asking for more offensive production out of their plumber lines than ever, the top two are still expected to carry the load. To be the “go to” trios that score the majority of the goals. Ken Hitchcock, as updated as his system has become, hasn’t gone so far in to the nu-era to diverge from this norm. The system isn’t cute, so don’t expect him to bring cuteness anywhere.

He’ll leave that to Oshie…

For those paying attention to the Blues, or their fantasy leagues, their is a clear top line in St. Louis. Alex Steen, David Backes and TJ Oshie have combined to menace opposing teams with their relentless attack in all 200 feet. Again, no cuteness. No fancy suits. Just a blue collar and lunch pail. Registering a grand total of 28 goals, 28 assists and a Plus-26 in 29 games this season. Some of that success has come from shifts and games apart, but in general they’ve done the wrecking together.

With three players as dominant as those three have been and the Blues record sitting pretty (ok a little cuteness) at 17-9-3, surely the secondary unit is getting in on the action, right?

Wrong.

The Blues wrapped up the 2010-11 season 10th overall in scoring with a 2.88 GF/G rate. To date this season their dead last, 30th, in the NHL with 2.03 GF/G. Yes, you’re reading that right. Just two goals per game.

Don’t dwell on how bad that number looks. Then you’ll start thinking about where they’d be without Brian Elliott…

The numbers to look at are of those who aren’t getting their job done.

Chris Stewart: His torrid run following the late night blockbuster trade acquiring him has fizzled in to distant memory. Gone are the dreams of his 15 goal and 23 point in 26 game pace materializing in to an elite scorer. No, he doesn’t look like Jarome Iginla 2.0.

The reality is that 4 goals and 10 points in 26 games this season is not acceptable. Nor is his periphery play and deferral of the puck. As a goal scoring threat he has to have the puck in a favorable position. This season has been spent in the exact opposite place he should be.

Matt D’Agostini: For all the reasons why his 2010-11 season stood to be a breakout there were equally as many saying it was a flash in the pan. After netting 21 goals and 46 points last season expectations were high for a repeat. So far D’Agostini’s 6 goals and 11 points have him 15 points behind last season’s mark. Fortunately his well rounded overall game has been a continued bonus. At least if he isn’t scoring he’s working hard on both the fore and back check.

Can he get going again? Sure, anyone can, but the odds are not in his favor. A good chunk of his production came as a part of the top unit with Backes and Andy McDonald. With the captain steering his line in the right direction and McDonald on IR with post concussion symptoms, Dags just may not be the secondary punch the front office hoped he would be.

Patrik Berglund: The brass certainly consider the big Swede part of the secondary attack this campaign if he isn’t one of the primary threats. Especially following his strong second half of 10-11 and his performance at the World Championships. At least in terms of the figures on the score sheet, he hasn’t. His stat line runs the same as D’Agostini’s: 6 goals and 11 points in 29 games. The disparity in pacing between this season and the last is worse. Berglund is 21 points off last season’s mark.

Also like D’Agostini his play otherwise has not been adversely affected by his lack of pucks in the net. Berglund has become a solid two way center who is taking care of the details in all three zones perhaps better than he ever has before. Sadly his work is not paying off as well as it should be. Yet.

A reason for reduced concern (and optimism) regarding big number 21 is that most of his season has been spent with the at times apathetic Stewart and without the playmaking abilities of McDonald or David Perron. With Perron’s return Berglund is likely to get a boost and begin padding his stats once again. Stewart went south instead and has fallen down to the dirty work lines to rediscover his edge.

Credit the foresight of Doug Armstrong to bring in Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner and lockup Vladimir Sobotka. Not only for veteran presence, but for adding extra offensive depth. Arnott is 5th in team scoring with 4 goals and 10 assists. Langenbrunner has kept up with the kids. Potting a pair of goals and adding 10 points to the bottom line. Sobotka has provided speed, passing and playmaking ability (sorely missed McDonald traits) when called upon, leading to numbers that match Langenbrunner’s.

As thankful as Blues fans are, there is still a real problem the Blues must address with secondary scoring. The road to the playoffs is not going to be paved on the backs of the offensive efforts of Arnott. Too few pucks are going behind opposing goalies that don’t originate off the sticks of the SOB line. It’s surely something Armstrong will have to address because Ken Hitchcock’s efforts aren’t making a difference. The team is still winning, but by the skin of its teeth.

As division rivals of Nashville, we’ve seen that dynamic produce positive results only for so long. More aggressive changes will need to be made to prevent it from traveling west to St. Louis. All eyes are on your Mr. Chris Stewart. Time to get it together. Everyone else is pulling their weight one way or another. If you can’t, it’s probably going to be time to move again.

Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Blues

Starting at last night’s game, the Blues are selling “Pucks for Paws” 2012 calendars.  The calendars feature a different player each month. The player is featured with his pets and an adoptable pet, or just an adoptable pet if his pet wasn’t in the area at the time of the shoot.  Obviously David Backes and Barret Jackman are featured in the calendar with their pets, but they are joined by Alex Steen, Christ Stewart, Jamie Langenbrunner, Jaroslav Halak, Scott Nichol, Patrik Berglund, BJ Crombeen, Carlo Colaiacovo , TJ Oshie, and Roman Polak.Thinking you’re set because you got the free Blues (Ford) Calendar at the home opener?  This calendar is way better.  The guys actually have on their jerseys in the pictures with adoptable pets, and you can tell they are on location and not photo-shopped onto a background.  Best of all: you get to see their personalities come out with their pets.  My personal favorites: Patrik Berglund with an adoptable kitten, Alex Steen and his two dogs (one is a Great Dane), and Carlo Colaiacovo with his two bull dogs (they all three look alike!).  The Blues held a special “Pucks for Paws” kick off event on December 4th at Scottrade; pictures from that event are available on the Blues site.  The proceeds from the calendars calendars will be going to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Five Acres Animal Shelter, All Paws Rescue, St. Louis Senior Dog Project, and Operation SPOT.

If you are intersted in these calendars, they are $12 each or 2 for $20.  The calendars will be on sale at Scottrade (and you can meet cute adoptable puppies!) at the December 8th, 10th, and 15th games.  They are also available for purchase online- they are only charging and additional $2 for shipping (the site says they will be shipped within a week or the order being placed).

The Blues will soon be holding their annual Barkin’ for the Blues event at Scottrade.  This annual event offers discounted tickets to fans while giving back to Stray Rescue of St. Louis and Five Acres Animal Shelter.  This season, the event will be held on January 21, 2012 at the Blues vs Sabres game.  Tickets can be ordered online, and three different levels of discounted tickets, with three different donation amounts, are available for fans.  Fans can also choose which of the two featured charities to donate to with their ticket purchase.  You can find details on how to order for each charity on the Barkin’ for the Blues page.  The discounts and donation amounts are:
Club Corner: $95 (regularly $120); $20 goes to charity
Plaza Center: $80 (regularly $125); $15 goes to charity
Plaza End Low: $65 (regularly $76); $10 goes to charity

Barkin’ for the Blues will also feature in arena activities to benefit the shelters.  There will be an adoption area on the concourse with animals available to meet.  They will also have a special themed silent auction and “Doggie Bags” available for purchase (these bags are usually $25-$30).

If you are an animal lover, be sure to help out a good cause by either grabbing a calendar (they would make a great Christmas gift for a Blues fan!) or getting a ticket for Barking for the Blues!

After recording a victory in Ken Hitchcock’s debut, the St. Louis Blues continued their home stand against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Down early, the Blues rallied only to fall short in the shoot out.

Another slow start got the Blues playing catch up. Continuous first period penalties are difficult to over come and Toronto capitalized with the man advantage.

It is said by some that if you are not cheating, you are not trying to win. With this mantra in mind, the Maple Leafs were doing all they could to win this game.

Midway through the first period Clarke MacArthur was bumped by Patrick Berglund. Grabbing his head as if he was just clubbed, MacArthur drew a call that would make Cristiano Ronaldo proud. Shortly later on the power play, Dion Phaneuf set up a one-timer that John-Michael Liles buried past Jaroslav Halak for the first goal of the game.

Late in the first period the Leafs took a 2-0 lead on the power play again. Matt D’Agostini was whistled for an apparent trip away from the action and Toronto went back to work. Tyler Bozak tipped a puck on net that was swept aside onto the stick of Phil Kessel who chipped the puck over Halak.

The Blues dug deep and found some energy in the second period. Jason Arnott scored on the power play to bring St. Louis within one. The chip and chase that some believe never works provided the opportunity for Alex Pietrangelo to come in low and center a pass for Arnott who netted his fourth of the season.

The momentum shifted to St. Louis as they were in control for most of the second and third periods. But the goals eluded the team even after multiple opportunities.

With the clock ticking down toward another loss, the Blues pushed again. A great pinch by Ian Cole kept the play alive and Berglund got an open chance in the slot. After a couple bounces and a swipe by Chris Stewart, Berglund crashed the net hard and jammed in the rebound to tie the game at two.

Halak held down his own end stopping 20 of 22 to keep the Blues in the game even through a tough onslaught by Toronto in the closing minutes. He continued his success through the overtime period and only gave up one goal on the shoot out by the hands of Kessel.

The Blues failed to get any into the net in the shoot out. Alex Steen, TJ Oshie and D’Agostini were the representatives.

The shoot out should not have been necessary when the Blues had a fantastic chance with seconds left in the extra period.

An offensive face off to the left of Ben Scrivens was won by Arnott. The puck was dumped toward the net by Pietrangelo and ricocheted around sliding across the crease with Arnott skating for it. Scrivens, being completely out of position, saw two options; losing or grabbing Arnott illegally. The penalty was called but with only a couple ticks left. The young Toronto goaltender has already bought into the Maple Leaf winning mantra.

Up Next: Saturday vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Will the pressure to perform be even greater for Patrik Berglund under new head coach Ken Hitchcock?

Sunday night the Blues Twitter community erupted in to a furious frenzy of question asking and conclusion jumping as Davis Payne was let go, Ken Hitchcock was hired and Ian Cole was recalled from Peoria. In an effort to blend my business wold technical writing and my blogging world creative juices I have constructed a FAQ on the coaching change and the potential implications.

Some of the questions are near verbatim that I saw on Twitter. Some are a mesh-mash of random thoughts put in to question form to provide an answer. Either way, here they are.

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Why was Davis Payne removed from the head coaching position?

Head coaches are paid to do one thing, win games. Their record and rank in the standings are the end all, be all benchmarks in which they are graded by. Regardless of any extenuating circumstances.

Simply put, Payne didn’t do enough of it. In 137 games behind the Blues bench he posted a 67-55-15 record which earned 149 points. Just 54.4% of the points possible. Projected over 82 games that’s roughly 90 points. In the Western Conference that percentage leads to April tee times more often than not since the lockout. With the Blues expecting to make the playoffs and perpetually pacing to end up outside the picture, a change was coming.

That said, there are circumstances and issues extended past the business aspect of the decision.

Payne has been unable to transition his immediate success in motivating players following the firing of Andy Murray in to a long term dynamic. The effort displayed through last season and the 13 games of the current campagin are no different than the darkest days leading to the last coaching change.

Supposed star players in the making have flat lined. Chris Stewart has performed up to the standard that put him on the outs in Colorado. In Patrik Berglund’s case the consistency issues are problematic once again. Fan favorite and resident sparkplug TJ Oshie hasn’t been able to find the jump he busted in to the league (and Rick Nash) with. The three have combined for 8 goals and 16 points in 13 games.

Alleged franchise netminder Jaroslav Halak has not been the same performer in St. Louis as he was in Montreal. Payne hasn’t been able to devise a system which effective insulates him or draw out more of a “Tim Thomas” stand alone type goalie.

A general failure to meet standards across the board lead to this decision.

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Who is Ken Hitchcock?

Age: 59
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Coached for: Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers & Columbus Blue Jackets
Record: 534-350-88-70 in 1,042 NHL games.
Successes: Stanley Cup champion in 1999 as head coach of the Dallas Stars. Assistant coach on the Gold Medal winning 2002 and 2010 Candian Olympic squads.

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What type of coach is Hitchcock?

His play style tendencies would seem favor the old school approach. More of a stereotypical defense first system emphasizing responsibility. But don’t get caught up in “should be” or “could be” because of his history.

Based on today’s press conference Hitchcock will not run the same system he did in Dallas. Gone are the days of a slow 150 foot game. He intends on bringing a fast 200 foot game. He is a student and avid observer of the game. Clearly he has learned lessons after shortcomings in Columbus.

Personal accountability is a major concern for the Blues and Hitchcock is known for keeping his players in line. Those who wish to play will buy in or their ice time will be significantly reduced or be shown the door.

He is also known for being able to develop an effective game plan and employ it.

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What does this mean for the under-performing likes of TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart?

The rumor mill is going spin away freely given the perceived lack of effort coming from this trio and the fog of change floating over Scottrade. Bottomline, not much is likely to happen, to them, before Hitchcock and Armstrong can reassess their lineup after a few games.

Let’s be clear and honest. Armstrong does not shy away from making bold moves, but he is cold and calculated. Removing Payne and inserting Hitchcock is a dramatic upheaval for the players to digest. Moving out someone who was not performing well under one coach before the new one can get a crack and reshaping them in too itcy trigger finder for Armstrong.

For now the auditors will be watching them closely. Gauging their actions and reactions as well as their performance. Hitch is a veteran’s coach and these three need to prove they aren’t kids anymore.

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How will the goaltending situation be impacted?

Likely not much. Winning is goal number one and if Brian Elliott keeps up his play, then the status quo continues. If Halak continues to improve “Plan A” goes back in to effect.

That said, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Halak starts seeing the more favorable matchups in an effort to get him where he should be. An area Payne appeared to not be concerned with.

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There is a popular perception that Hitchcock is “anti-Russian”. Does his hiring alter Vladimir Tarasenko’s plans of starting his NHL career?

It’s clear that the environment that a Russian player is moving in to in North American as well as their development path are critical checkmarks on the list to determine if/when they head over.

To say that the hiring of Hitchcock won’t weigh on Tarasenko’s decision at the end of World Championships is downright foolish. No matter the success Sergei Zubov experienced more recent examples of Russians developing under his watch, Nik Zherdev and Nikita Filatov, could easily encourage Tank to stay home.

Granted, it appears he possesses a drive and will to compete that the other two simply do not have. But why leave home and his father’s team to play someone who has more failures handling his countrymen than successes? Don’t forget, Zubov was an established player under Hitchcock. He came to Dallas in his mid 20s with 191 points in 180 games. Tarasenko would be in his early 20s with zero points and NHL games played.

Hopefully all the talk of Tarasenko wanting to play in the NHL is true and he will come over to fight for a roster spot in St. Louis.

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Which players benefit most from the change?

All those who buy in and play hard will benefit. All those who do not, will not.

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Will Doug Armstrong make a trade soon?

The news of Ian Cole’s recall sent many heads a spinning harder than they already were last night. The truth of the matter is that Kent Huskins went on IR and Cole brought the total number of roster players to 23, not 24.

Obviously the wheels are rolling full speed in Armstrong’s head, but that doesn’t mean a deal is coming soon. The linking of an imminent trade and the recall appear to be a spurious correlation.

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Can he fix the special teams?

With the assistant coaches staying in place, this question is up in the air. One of those “only time will tell” deals.

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Was this the right move?

The correctness of the decision can’t be determined by Tuesday or even the end of the month. Check back on Sunday, April 8th for that answer. At that point the Blues will either be confirmed in or out of the playoffs.

-

(6-6-0)

vs

Minnesota Wild

(6-3-3)

At

Xcel Energy Center

Game time 7:00 pm CST

TV- FSMW (HD)

Radio- KMOX

Blues Team Recap-  Friday night there was a stir in the air at Scott Trade Center. The world champion St. Louis Cardinals were in the house for Cards and Blues night at the rink. Former cards manager Tony La Russa, 3rd Baseman David Freese, and starting pitcher Chris Carpenter were in attendance. In a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game, La Russa carried the World Series trophy out to center ice where he was flanked by Freese and Carpenter. Carpenter’s son dropped the puck between Blues Captain David Backes and Vancouver Captain Daniel Sedin. The pulse of the crowd was palpable as cheers came from every section in approval of the season just completed by the Red Birds. After the pre-game festivities were concluded, the puck was dropped to open the game and the Blues came out with grit and determination against a Canuck team that had the night before gotten trounced by the Minnesota Wild 5-1. The Canuckleheads came to play and was evident as they pressured the net striking first blood on a nifty wrist shot by Alex Burrows. The Blues answered right back on a goal from forward TJ Oshie. A slow start, to say the least, for the young left winger had left many fans wondering if he was going to show up as advertised this season. Oshie added a second goal in the second period and an assist in the third period on a goal by David Backes to put the blues up for good on the Canucks.  Brian Elliot once again came up big for the blues when they needed it the most stopping 29 of 30 shots. A few defensive lapses and puck give-aways lead to several sustained attacks by Vancouver. Elliot stood tall and weathered the storm in front of him with great positioning and good reflexes. With Elliot playing so well, it will take Halak working his tail off to regain the confidence from his team mates as well as his head coach. Treat yourself to a fun scrap and check out the fight card from the Nichol vs Booth fight from last nights game.

 Blues Keys To The Game- Minnesota has been playing some very good hockey lately. The Blues will need to cut the scoring chances of the Wild tonight if they want to waltz into Minny and pluck two points. Solid forechecking and puck possession will work to the Blues favor in this Saturday evening match up. Solid performances from the combination of Barret Jackman and Kevin Shattenkirk have helped the Blues to dominate their opponents in recent games. The continued great play of rising star Alex Pietrangelo is nothing short of exciting every night, and will need to be seen yet again tonight. Where o Where are you Chris Stewart? Like the old saying goes ” If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it does it still make a noise” Stewart has silently and with noted frustration underperformed up to this point. With only 2 goals on the season the offensive production from the touted possible 40 goal scorer has been all but absent. The Blues need Chris Stewart to play like the Chris Stewart of last season. Stewart came to St. Louis in February of last year in a deal from the Avalanche and showed just what a beast of an offensive power forward he can be. The big guns for the Blues have all but been silent so far this season with little to no production. At 6-6-0 can you imagine where we would be if our big boys Stewart, Berglund, and Oshie were producing in each game? With a solid 60 minutes of hockey tonight, the Blues have a great chance to steal away two points from the “North Stars 2.0.”  

Minnesota Team Recap- In the words of Darren Pang ” Holy Jumpin!” The Minnesota Wild have been firing on all cylinders and are coming off a very impressive 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in their last game at home. Forward Matt Cullen had two third period goals to seal the deal for Minny. Cullen has 6 goals and 2 assists on the season for 8 points in 12 games played. Coach Mike Yeo currently feels very good about goaltender Josh Hardning and plans to start him against St. Louis tonight. Harding owns a 1.77 GAA and a .938 SV% to go along with a 4-2-0 record in his last six starts against the Blue Note. Things are going well for the Wild this season and they look to continue their winning ways tonight in an attempt to elongate their current winning streak to 4 games.

 Minnesota Keys To The Game- Tonight it is all about pressure and getting on a Blues team that is coming off a big win against Vancouver. The Blues arrived in Minnesota late last night after their game in the Lou and will be the more tired team. Not letting the Blues get the puck deep and retaining control in the offensive zone will be paramount for the Wild tonight. The Blues used puck possession and good cycling of the puck to create scoring chances which directly lead to their 2 point night last night. Capitalizing on mistakes made by a still young defensive core could help Minny sneak a few pucks in to the net. Yet to be revealed is the starting goal tender for the Blues. If the Wild face Halak they will need traffic in front of him. Get Jaro off his game early and often will lead to him making mistakes and missing positioning. If they face Elliot they may have a tougher job at hand. Elliot has been on with his positioning and his ability to adapt and respond to deflections in front of him. Screens and rebounds will be Minnesota’s friend in this game. Failure to create rebounds and failure to screen Elliot will lead to a very long night for the Minnesota Wild should he get the nod.

Blues Notes- Forward David Perron continues to practice with the team still wearing the red no contact jersey. David has been rumored to be headed toward a late November or early December return. No official word has been given as to when he will begin to participate in full contact drills. Forward Andy McDonald remains sidelined with a concussion with no updates available as to his condition at this time. BJ Crombeen remains out of the line up on IR with a fractured shoulder blade. BJ hopes to be back by late December, but no time line has been officially given. Defensmen Kent Huskins did not skate with the team yesterday at the morning skate and was a scratch for last nights game. It is not known whether he traveled with the team to Minnesota, but at this point it is unlikely that he did so. Huskins remains day to day with a deep bone bruise of the ankle.

Blues fans, Take a moment and check out this post by Kelly Quirin of the Blue Note Zone. An auction of a signed Kevin Shattenkirk hat ( along with other blues players) is available to be bid on. All of the proceeds go to the Demitra Korolev #38 fund. Please check it out and leave a bid in the comments section!      

Bad joke? Yeah, I know… Anyways…

Let’s get in the spirit (get it, spirit? Halloween… Ghosts… ok….) of the holiday a little bit and talk about the scariest trends of the season so far.

Jaroslav Halak either plays poorly or everyone else does when he is actually on point. Maybe he needs to practice with a Jason mask, tape his stick red and convince Armstrong to assign Chris Porter to Peoria and not tell anyone. If money won’t motivate the guys in front of him, maybe fear of death will. Halak just needs to set the right ambiance. Walk around the locker room with his new gear muttering, “Porter….try harder…die…”.

Patrik Berglund is heading down the road of regression once again. I swear its like this guy is afraid of the dark. Every time he travels in to the cave of his potential he runs out screaming. Maybe his power animal is a chainsaw wielding penguin?

Where did Chris Stewart’s fire go? Seriously, did someone go blow out his jack-o-lantern? Came to town an epic hero who once fought for the bad guys, now he might as well be inviting zombies to his campfire to sing kumbaya with Joe Strauss.

Where is that confident, assertive TJ Oshie? He went to college. He knows how this works. The guy who gets the girl goes and gets hers. He’s more like that kid sitting off on his own who somehow survives the slasher flick. Maybe he’s on to something if the girl is in a blue dress?

Still playing as just a potentially good team. It’s like the team as a whole get’s on the right path and gives up time and again. Look, the weird guy from Saw put you in a funky contraption. Quite whining about it. Just hack your foot off and you’ll be fine.

Still giving up possession the puck when they don’t have to. I lost count of how many times the a forward line or pairing would go for a change when the Blues would just dump the puck in and have one person give chase against 4 or 5 Oilers skaters. Why throw it away when you weren’t being pressured at the moment. Circle back and maintain possession. It like giving up the only gun in the house with a killer in it to the bad guy who you know is the bad guy, but you do it anyways.

In terms of consistency, there are really only three obvious positive forces: Alex Steen, Alex Pietrangelo and Brian Elliott. Jason Arnott has been solid as well, but he’s not a core player. Else seems to be lagging behind. So we’ve got Harry, Hermione and Ron, where the hell is the DA?! The trio is about reducing the number of horcrux’s while the rest are guzzling Butter Beer and snogging in the Room of Requirement. Ok, I’ll give David Backes his due as Neville. At least he’s leading the group and hacking snakes….um, opponents.