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.

Danica Patrick drops the puck at the Blues game tonight (image via blues.nhl.com)

The Blues had a special guest dropping the puck tonight, stock car racer and Blues fan, Danica Patrick was in town for her race at Gateway International Raceway. She looked tiny compared to respective captains, Eric Brewer and Jonathan Toews as she dropped the puck.

A hot start is what this team needed. A spark, a jump, something to get them going. It was B.J. Crombeen who tried energizing his team by fighting Jake Dowell. Crombeen getting some solid rights and lefts in the fight and gets the win in the bout. Energize his team is exactly what he did.

Three and a half minutes later, the Blues score a very pretty goal off a give away by Duncan Keith. David Perron was fore-checking hard on Keith who turned the puck over to Blues forward T.J. Oshie who then fed the puck to David Perron who turned and sniped the puck past the glove of Marty Turco. The Blues, for the fifth time this season, scored the first goal of the game. A good start, the one that the Blues were looking for.

They weren’t looking for a questionable slashing call on Jay McClement which gave the Hawks a powerplay and a chance to tie the game.

It was Patrick Sharp scoring through a screen caused by two Blues players to tie the game for the Blackhawks. Jaroslav Halak didn’t have a chance to stop it as he couldn’t see it.

The Blues out shot the Hawks 12-8 in the first period and they were more dominant physically as well, yet they ended the period tied.

Perron has four goals in the last two games against the Chicago Blackhawks. (image via blues.nhl.com)

It is starting to look like the Blues have found a Hawk killer in their line up, as it was David Perron, scoring the Blues fourth straight goal against the Blackhawks and the Blues took the lead again.

It was T.J. Oshie feeding Perron the puck, again, and Perron pulling off a sick toe-drag to get the puck around Nick Boynton and Marty Turco to put the Blues up 2-1.

But yet again, it was the Hawks battling back and scoring just after their powerplay ended from a point shot by Brent Seabrook that was redirected incidentally by T.J. Oshie. Jaroslav Halak was in good position but it was the redirection that put the puck past the Blues netminder. The Blues were tied again with the Blackhawks and they knew what this team could do so they had to buckle down.

That is when Brad Winchester dropped the gloves with big John Scott. Scott holding a immense height and weight advantage over Winchester, yet it was Winchester standing in and holding his own against the giant on skates.

The second period ended with the Blues out shooting the Hawks 19-17 and again dominated physically. With the physical domination, the Blues were forcing turnovers and really controlled the tempo of the game.

The third period was no different. The Blues dominated physically, and it was a rare goal scorer giving the Blues the lift in the third.

Marty Turco tried dumping the puck off the glass and out of the zone, but it was a read by Blues defensemen Roman Polak pinching in and cutting off  the clearing attempt. Polak tried getting a shot off but fanned on it. Moving very slowly, the puck slid past the Hawks defensemen, through the legs of David Backes and past Marty Turco. A very fluky goal, but it counts and Polak gets his first of the season, he also gave the Blues a 3-2 lead.

The Blues already know how the Hawks can battle back and tie the game, so it was time to really buckle down and try and hold the lead.

It was just 19 seconds after Polak’s goal when the Hawks went back on the powerplay. Roman Polak went after Tomas Kopecky after the Hawks forward was poking at Halak after Jaro had covered the puck. Kopecky received a minor for slashing while Polak received a double minor for roughing and with one of their tops PKers in the box, the Blues knew they needed a big penalty kill.

They got it and it gave them even more momentum as the game was winding down.

With time running down, you knew that the Hawks would look to pull Turco as soon as they could, but it was a delay of game penalty by Brent Seabrook which put the Blues on the powerplay.

Patrik Berglund has three goals this season as he scored again tonight against the Hawks. (image via blues.nhl.com)

The Blues could put the final nail in the coffin if they could capitalize on the powerplay.

With Marian Hossa cherry picking, looking for a chance to get a shorthanded goal, the Blues were able to work the puck down low and a whiff on the puck by McDonald allowed big bodied forward, Patrik Berglund bury the puck past Turco to give the Blues a two goal lead with just over a minutes to go in the game.

The Blues were then able to hold down the fort and give the crowd something to cheer about after a strong showing by their home club.

Now looking at the first six games of this season compared to the first handful of games last year, there are some key difference.

David Perron, who didn’t have a point in the first seven games of the season last year, leads the club with four goals and has five points this season.  His time on ice is also up by near four minutes from last season as well. He is being relied on more offensively and is a catalyst offensively as well.

Patrik Berglund is getting more ice time this season as well compared to the start of last season as well. He is averaging 14:47 minutes of ice time a game this season compared to the just over 13 minutes he saw early last season.

David Backes, who has faced slow starts to his career before had two points in his first six games last year. He has three points in his first six this season. What is going to be big for David is going to be his next 15 games. In that stretch last season, Backes had two points in that time span. Backes has to come up big this season with more weight on his shoulders as a leader of this club with Keith ‘Walt’ Tkachuk and Paul Kariya both left in the off-season.

Another opposite this season compared to last is the confidence of the young players. Berglund and Boyes are two player I look at most who look to have a lot more confidence this season compared to last season.

Tomorrow, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and the Pittsburgh Penguins come to the Scottrade Center for a 7:00p.m. start against our hot home team. Stay tuned on here tomorrow for the Blues GameBlog, the Throwdown Lowdown and Q’s Cuties.

Be sure to follow me on twitter, @RandallRitchey and of course, us here at BNZ, @Bluenote Zone.

Lets start by taking a look at who we have left in camp?

As of today, the official roster lists David Backes, Patrik Berglund, Brad Boyes, B.J. Crombeen, Matt D’Agostini, Nicholas Drazenovic, Cam Janssen, Jay McClement, Andy McDonald, T.J. Oshie, David Perron, Chris Porter, Dave Scatchard, Vladimir Sobotka, Alexander Steen, and Brad Winchester.

Nicholas Drazenovic is pushing for a roster spot in St. Louis. (photo from blues.nhl.com)

There are a few guys fighting for spots right now which include Scatchard, Porter, and Drazenovic. Realistically there might be one spot open as Vladimir Sobotka is out with injury right now. His shoulder isn’t fully healed since his surgery this off-season and it’s been confirmed that Vladimir will be out for the opener, one of these guys can grab his spot until he comes back. Right now, Sobotka is the one guy I wanna see play most and currently is still the biggest question mark, though the kid has high spirits.

Nicholas Drazenovic is fighting to get some NHL time this season. After signing a one year, two-way deal with the Blues this off-season, Drazenovic was told that if he wasn’t injured, he likely would have seen NHL time last season. Talk about a motivator right there. Knowing how close you are, it pushes you do to better. Could make it as an extra forward but will likely be a first call up guy from Peoria.

Scatchard is looking to get back into the NHL, but I just don’t see a roster spot for him. He could be an injury call up but I would much rather see Drazenovic or Porter in his place. Even Sonne or McRae. Neither looked TOO much out of place in training camp.

Chris Porter wants to add to his six NHL games this season. (photo from zimbio.com)

Chris Porter, the former captain of the University of North Dakota signed as a free agent with St. Louis on August 21st, 2007. It’s not like Porter hasn’t seen NHL time before. Porter played six games for St. Louis, registering a goal and an assist in said games back in 2008-2009. He still has a shot of making the team, but to me, I think the Blues carry 14th forwards and all of those are taken.

Even though I would love to see someone force the Blues hand. Bump out a guy like Winchester? Who knows, training camp isn’t over and as long as players are here, you never know.

The locks are simple. Oshie, Perron, Backes, Berglund, Boyes, McDonald, Crombeen, McClement, Steen, Sobotka, and D’Agostini. Janssen is pretty much a lock on the roster as well. Winchester, Drazenovic, Porter, and Scatchard are the toss ups. Winchester had an off year and needs to prove himself. Drazenovic and Porter are young guys pushing for that shot in the NHL.

I was surprised to see Hensick let go before some of these guys though. A guy with NHL experience and a scoring touch, but obviously, Coach Payne and company didn’t see enough of him to warrant keeping him around.

I can’t wait for more cuts to see who is really fighting and who deserves their spot. If the Blues send down all three said forwards in Scatchard, Porter, and Drazenovic, I wouldn’t be surprised to see either Drazenovic or Porter names captain. The latter, to me, would be the most idea choice.

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STEP IT UP!

I don’t like trying to predict (i.e. guess) who is going to score what. But this season is a little different for me. Not guessing wise, but who needs to score what?

My two guys who need to get going offensively, Brad Boyes and Patrik Berglund. Down years for these guys in big ways. Ask Berglund how the view was from the press box and you’ll understand how much he didn’t enjoy (the beginning) of last year. Once Payne came in, we started to see that rookie who dominated along the boards and fought for every inch of ice he could, but can he prove it over an entire season under Coach Payne?

Boyes dropped his goal total dramatically and if he can’t jump back to at least 25 goals, how bad does his contract compared to what he is producing? Boyes needs to start putting the puck in the net and one can only think that moving McDonald back to center and having him feed Boyes the puck can only help.

BREAK OUT!

Now, looking at the roster, some players are due for a break out. This can be guys who have struggled and who have excelled and are ready to take it to the next level. My pick is David Perron.

The Blues look for big seasons from Berglund (left) and Perron (right).

Watching David in training camp thus far, and in the pre-season games he’s played, the guy looks like a man on a mission, with those white skates of his. He has dominated pre-season and is bigger, stronger, and faster than he was last year. I expect a big year out of Perron, a real break through compared to last year. 30 goals isn’t out of the picture here folks.

THE STATS!

The Blues ranked 17th last season in the NHL in goals scored. Losing Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk could hurt them in that number, unless Boyes, Backes, Berglund and company can improve their goal numbers. If Perron, Oshie, and others can break out, which is very much possible, the Blues could finish around the same scoring as last season.

With Jaroslav Halak in net and the D looking poised to hold their title of best penalty kill in the NHL with who could be the best PK forward in the league, Jay McClement, the Blues are in good shape to take a step and push offensively and defensively for a shot in the post season.

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The defensive break down is next coming from Jeff.

Randall Ritchey

randallritchey@gmail.com

I’m so ready for training camp though.

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Mike Modano is officially a Red Wing. Older he may be, but game he still has.

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Per Twitter reports former Blues Goalie Roman Turek finally retired. Didn’t know he was still playing.

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Ducks fans have mixed emotions regarding Paul Kariya. I don’t blame them, but Paul can still offer a team 15-20 goals, 40+ points, speed and skill with solid two way play. After his surgeries he was less of a periphery player as well. Either the Ducks or Pens should roll the dice for 1 year at $1-$2 million.

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The Traverse City Tournament is around the corner.Tell the NHL you want to see it on NHL Network. Send a feedback email asking for it.

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Goodbye Max Afinogenov. He signed a 5 year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.

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Blues Q&A is on question two now. Where does Halak rank among Central Division Goalies? Rank 1-5 compared to Rinne, Howard, Mason and

Search for the BlueNoteZone in Facebook and Twitter to vote.

Per the Blues official website Erik Johnson has agreed to a two-year contract. The contract is for a total of $5.2 million with $2.2 million paid in 2010-11 and $3 million paid in 2011-12.

Doug Armstrong continues his solid off season with another value signing. I’m sure Johnson wanted to be paid just like any other top draft pick, but his track record just isnt there yet. Kudos to Armstrong for not overpaying once again.

Important to note that Johnson, like David Perron, will still be a Restricted Free Agent when this contract expires.

Here are some links from around the net regarding EJ’s signing.

Hockey Independent Blog

NHLHotStove Blog

STLToday.com Article by Jeremy Rutherford

Andy Strickland at Hockeybuzz.com

Lou Korac’s Blog

FrozenNotes Blog

Blues Official Site – Armstrong / Payne Interview

Blues Official Site – Johnson Interview

101 ESPN Radio Blog

In other Blues news…

Per Corey Pronman of Puck Prospects, Blues prospect Sebastian Wannstrom notched an assist in today’s Sweden vs. Finland game in Lake Placid. Team Sweden won 5-3.

Former Blues tough guy Kelly Chase posted his third blog recounting his antics on a Canadian reality show. Yes…he is figure skating. Chaser…figure skating…I know…

Just saying’…

With Sutton and Morrison signing LA still has depth issues on Defense. Could the Blues be a trading partner? I know Armstrong has said that the roster they have no is what they will go with to camp, but offers come from time to time. Trade one of Brewer or Jackman while bringing back Weaver? Doubtful but one never knows. If the price is right its possible.

Former Blue Paul Kariya is still tinkering with retirement per folks like Andy Strickland. Sounds like Anaheim could still bring Paul back. Not sure how the locals feel about that. Only time will tell, but I want him in Pittsburgh. Come on Ray!

I know Pittsburgh is not looking for veteran depth on the blue line, but Mike Weaver woudl be a great addition there. A great safety net for the still unproven Ben Lovejoy. Weaver woudl be a tremendous addition to their penalty kill.

In a recent St. Louis Post Dispatch article Paul Kariya discussed his future. To save you the reading (however, if you’re so inclined, please do read the whole article) allow me to paraphrase for this blogs use. He will take the summer to see if he will continue his career. He isn’t ruling out a return to the Blues if it works out that way.

I really like Kariya. His arrival in St. Louis is the biggest reason I started putting more time and effort back in to hockey. It really is time to move on though. It’s time that players like Perron and Oshie prove they were worth all the hype. There is no way to tell till they are tested. They need to be tested.

Can the Blues learn from Phoenix? Phoenix tried to rush young players in to the NHL and the plan back fired. This season they added more experienced players and put their kids back in the minors. The Blues could benefit much the same by allowing Eller more development time and starting Pietrangelo off in Peoria. Who fills the roster spots? Players with winning experience. There are certainly some out there.

Why spend the money on “filler”? The Blues need scoring. Right?

While I agree the team needs scoring, don’t expect the Blues to make serious runs at someone like Marleau or Kovalchuk. After the recent comments by JD, the Blues don’t sound like a team that is willing to pay any free agent $8 million + per season. In reality, the money isn’t there right now to make that type of commitment to one player.

I urge caution to the Blues faithful. JD’s comments do not mean that they will not spend money to improve the team. Just expect the team to add manageable contracts that don’t hinder their ability to retain key players.

Jeremy Rutherford’s Weekly Chat Transcript from last Thursday has some good info in it.

According to Kevin Allen of USA Today David Backes will represent the US Mens Hockey Team at the White House as the US Olympic team meets with President Obama.

Random NHL Randomness

How good has Sidney Crosby been? For that matter, what about Malkin and Staal as well? Amazing how depth diwn the middle wins games.

Detroit found another gear and is taking it to Phoenix.

I watched the Sedin “no goal” multipule times. I still don’t see a distinct kicking motion. How bout that LA power play? Drew Doughty…wow.

Vezina Finalists: Broduer, Bryzgalov, and Miller.
My Vote – Miller
Likely Winner – Bryzgalov

Selke Finalists: Datsyuk, Kelser, and J. Staal.
My Vote – Staal
Likely Winner – Datsyuk

Are we heading for Detroit v Pittsburgh Part III? Certainly could end up that way. Both teams are elevating their play to a level that few teams can match. Health is their only concern now.

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.

Capgeek.com is a great website for fans wanting to play around with Free Agent scenarios and team salaries/Cap Space. One new feature they have is the Trade Machine. This is basically a salary calculator that figures out how a trade breaks down in terms of salary and cap hits. A nifty tool for a computer chair GM or blogger. I spent a little time playing around with the scenarios and here is how they worked out.

Pittsburgh

As of March 3rd Kariya will have $1,243,523 left as his Cap Hit. As of that same date the Penguins have $735,626 in Cap Space. The difference is roughly $550,000.

Scenario One was a deal to send a conditional pick (similar to the Guerin deal) + a Roster player (Eaton, Dupuis, Fedotenko, etc). All three players listed as examples are below the needed $550,000 Cap Hit that the Pens have to clear. For the Pens to make such a deal, multiple players would have to go to St. Louis to add Kariya. If multiple Pens players are sent back, can the Pens replace said player? They could with a warm body, but it would be very hard to replace the experience lost. Dupuis and Eaton + the Pick(s) would clear the needed cap space and leave the Pens roughly $130,000 in Cap Space.

Scenario Two was a deal moving a mid level prospect (not named Caputi or Tangradi) + a Roster player. This is basically the same scenario, but instead of a pick, the Blues get a player who can go to Peoria and be an upgrade there now and in the NHL for depth later.

Scenario one is the most plausible because the Pens can replace Eaton with Skoula as a top 6 and then use Ben Lovejoy (or someone of the same ilk) as the #7 Defensemen. Dupuis can be replaced by Max Talbot who was not playing prior to the break. Someone like Dustin Jeffrey, Nick Johnson, or Chris Conner can replace Talbot as the depth player on the NHL roster. Scenario two is far less possible upon second review because the Pens are dealing too much personnel and cutting in to their depth.

Vancouver

Vancouver is even more precarious because they will have only $536,788 in Cap Space come the March 3rd deadline. meaning they would need to find a way to clear out roughly $700,000 to make Kariya fit.

Scenario One was A Roster player + a Pick + Corey Schneider. In this scenario only the roster player is pulling Cap Hits from the Canucks figures. Corey Schneider is not on the NHL roster so his contract is not counting towards their cap figure. The only player who could clear enough space is Pavol Demiitra. His Cap Hit is $829,016 come March 3rd. This scenario may work as Demitra has had very little to do with the success Vnacouver has had this season. He played in just 11 games before the Olympic break and pitched in just 1 Goal with 4 Points. He doesn’t really fit back in to the Canucks Top 6 of Sedin x2, Burrows, Raymond, Kesler, and Samuelsson. Is he the type of guy to play a 3rd line role and help a team win a Cup? I think some Vancouver fans would say no (I bet some Blues fans will too). Demitra would save the Blues roughly half a million dollars in salary from March 3rd to the end of the season.

Scenario Two was a Roster player + AHL Prospect + Schneider. Just like in the Pens scenario’s, this one is virtually the same impact on the destination team. The Canucks won’t be moving Schroeder or Hodgson, so there wouldn’t be too much depth lost in moving a mid level prospect.

Scenario one is the most likely here as well. Demitra is a was out considering both he and Kariya are UFAs come July 1st. The Pick is a throw in. Schneider is what the Blues would really be after. The Blues save money and “get their goalie” while the Canucks upgrade Demitra to Kariya and get some return for Schneider.

Other Teams?

Could another team still be involved? Of course. The Pens and Canucks are obvious starting points due to Paul’s life and career. Who else could be looking to add a rental for a reduced cost?

NY Islanders – In the middle of the muck in the East. Lots of Cap Space and could use some added veteran experience. Will Snow want to give up picks or prospects for a rental? Maybe. Will Kariya waive his NMC to go to NYI? Doubtful, unless he thinks he can raise his UFA value there.

Ottawa Senators – They will have roughly $1,349,508 in Cap Space come the deadline and could use another producing forward with some experience. If they can’t get in on Ponikarvosky, Whitney, etc. Kariya could be in play.

LA Kings – They are poised for a playoff run and are already rumored to be kicking tires (and have made offers) for Ray Whitney of Carolina. Could Kariya be their consolation prize? They have the Caps Space and the prospects/picks to do the deal and not lose future depth.

Colorado Avalanche – The team has “overachieved” but is playing well. They could benefit from Kariya’s experience and speed. They have the space to cut a deal and take on that Cap Hit. He could be a nice stabilizer for their young core and provide some consistency in effort for the Avs. The Avs have a shot at a decent run and Paul is familiar with the Avs. Will they gamble on him a second time?

Buffalo Sabres – The team can play and has great goaltending, but goal scoring and offensive production are in question. Would Buffalo be willing to move MacArthur, Stafford, or the like to bring in the speedy Kariya? They space is there if the Sabres move a roster play back to St. Louis.

Final Destination #2

Vancouver seems to be difficult even though both teams have what the other team wants. Money could be the issue that trumps any move. That said, If Vancouver is willing to move Demitra, the deal could work in terms of salary and Cap Hits.

Pittsburgh can do it, but at what cost to their NHL depth?

I still think Vancouver is the most likely trading partner. I would not discount LA or Ottawa (or Pittsburgh) if Whitney, Ponikarvosky, or Torres is not to be had.

Due to his considerable monetary price tag, Paul Kariya has not been a widely spread name in the rumor mill. He’s out there, but not as much as Ponikarovsky, Whitney, or even Raffi Torres. Yet, there still could be two legitimate suitors. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks.

Why Pittsburgh?

The Ray Shero Connection
In speaking to a few Pittsburgh natives who cover the Penguins I discovered a history with Kariya and Ray Shero. Shero was an Assistant GM of the Predators during Kariya’s years in Nashville. While the Blues were pitching their team to Paul, so was Shero and his new team the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ray wanted to bring Paul on board, but it did not work out. Right or wrong, it appears Paul chose the Blues more lucrative offer. If there is one trend in professional sports (especially in hockey), GMs like to bring in players they know from previous teams. Again, there is a history between the two.

Need a Rental Top 6 Winger
The Pens are looking to solidify winger spots next season via internal acquisitions. Mainly in hopes of freeing up money to bring back both Gonchar and Letang (rumored to be $7mil total per year between the two). In the meantime, the Pens are full of Top-6/Top-9 Tweener forwards like Dupuis, Fedotenko, Talbot, Rupp, Kennedy, etc. While all find their way in Bylsma’s system, they are not the type of winger you really “want” playing with Crosby and Malkin.  The Pens need to acquire a player who can provide even strenth production while not being a defensive liability. Blues fans have seen what Paul can do with the Blues limit passing abilities (especially in transition). I woudl imagine the Pens would love to see Paul set up on breakaway after breakaway by Gonchar, Letang, and Goligoski.

It’s Worked Before
While Bill Guerin is not the same style of player as Kariya, they are in similar situations. Aging forwards past their prime years, bringing experience and production. Shero was willing to cut a deal last year to bring in a vital veteran for the stretch run. He was willing to pull the trigger on a much larger deal for Hossa. He pulled a deal moving mid level prospects for players like Gary Roberts and Laraque. Ray Shero is willing to take a calculated risk to get a player needed. So far his deadline deals have resulted in players that have made impacts in getting the team to the Finals…twice. Ray will take another calculated risk and the Blues are not likely to ask for much.

Process of Elimination
Kariya is one of about five wingers that are going to be sought after rentals who can put up points. There are likely 10 or so teams looking for that type of player. It’s possible that other players are off the board before Kariya is dealt and before the Pens can pull the trigger on another deal. When it comes down to the deadline, Kariya could be one of the last men standing and the Pens one of the last buyers.

Why Vancouver?

Experienced Depth is a Good Thing
The Canucks lost to the Hawks in the second round last spring. The team lacked experienced players who were battle tested in the playoffs already. Part of their offseason fix was to acquire Mikael Samuelsson.  Even with the emergence of Mason Raymond, the Canucks could still use more depth. Kariya has a career 46 Playoff games in six different trips to the post season.

Coming Home Party
Kariya was born in Vancouver and teams do like to bring home their local boys. Some players like going home as well.

Assests to Burn
Where the Pens are willing to take the right deal at the right cost, the anucks can potentially over pay. The Blues and Canucks have been rumored recently to be talking about Corey Schneider, the Canucks top Goalie prospect. While I don’t beleive the rumors that Backes is/was involved, Kariya (and possibly Colaiacovo) could be. Vancouver has Luongo locked up long term and can find a player better suited for back up duties than Schneider down the road.

Problems in Making the Deal

Cap Space
Both the Penguins and Canucks are pretty close to the cap. To take on Kariya and his roughly $1.4-$1.5mil left in cap hits, both teams may hae to send salary back. Are the Blues willing to take someone like a Dupuis, who has another season on his contract ($1.4 mil per)? Will the Blues take Wellwood and Lukowich back with Schneider? So long as the salary coming back is a rental (UFA come July 1) then I would have to say yes.

No Movement Clause
Kariya has a NMC, meaning he has to agree to where he is moved to and cannot go to the minors (he wouldn’t anyways) with out his consent. If Paul doesn’t want to go East or doesn’t want to go home, he doesn’t have to. Unless we have a Doug Weight type situation. If the Blues are pretty far out and he can go to a team that’s in, I don’t think he would pass up the chance.

What Would the Deal Look Like?

Pittsburgh
1. Excalating Draft Pick (similar to Guerin) + Roster Player (Fedotenko or Dupuis, possibly Eaton if a Defensemen went with Kariya)
2. Mid Level Prospect (Jeffrey, Veilleux, Pierro-Zabotel) + Roster Player

Vancouver
1. Roster Player (Bernier, Wellwood) + Pick + Schneider
2. Roster Player + AHL Level Prospect + Schneider

Final Destination

Where does Paul go? Between the two, I would guess Vancouver. I don’t see Pittsburgh wanting to pay the price for a Kariya when they might be able to get a Ponikarovsky cheaper. Vancouver has more assests they are likely willing to move. The Pens are trying to hold on to theirs for now. I wouldn’t discount the Scot Mellanby connection and his knowledge of the Blues. Rumors were going around this week surrounding Schneider, Blues waiving of clauses, Eller/Junland call ups, etc. Where there is smoke, there could be fire.In checking in to the latest rumors, some sources have said that something is in the works. I am not trying to start a rumor, so please don’t take it that way. However, the thought is out there that the talks are on.

My Final Guess?

Bernier (or a roster player like Wellwood) + Schneider for Kariya + an AHL Prospect (Sonne, Palushaj, etc).

At least as the core of the deal, add on pieces can be added either way.

Chicago Blackhawks

vs.

St. Louis Blues

Pregame

Is there a bigger game against the Hawks than this one?

The Blues are fighting for their playoff lives and the Hawks are the best home team in the NHL. The Hawks are 21-5-1 at the United Center. The Blues are seven points behind the 8th place Red Wings. How big that Columbus loss starting to look?

BJ Crombeen did not travel to Chicago and will not play. Cam Janssen will dress in his place. Carlo Colaiacovo returns to replace Daryl Sydor. DJ King and Sydor are the healthy scratches.

The Lines/Pairings should be:
Kariya-Backes-Oshie
McDonald-Tkachuk-Boyes
Steen-Berglund-Perron
Winchester-McClement-Janssen

Jackman-Polak
Brewer-Johnson
Colaiacovo-Weaver

Chris Mason is expected in net.

Recap

What a game, the Blues had to have it and the desperation was there. Flash backs to a year ago anyone?

This really was  an open, fast game. It’s amazing the speed and pace that Chicago can push at you in waves. They might be the best transition team since the Red Wings in 2007-08. They used that ability to really stick it to the Blues in the first, jumping on multiple odd man chances. It’s hard not to get stuck watching that team in utter amazement. They have 5 men constantly in motion ready to take a pass on the angle while generating speed north. The Blues were able to get sustained pressure in the Hawks zone a few times, but nothing really substantive. Shots were 9-3 Hawks after one period of play, it seemed like more like 20-5.

Sadly, Patrick Kane opens the scoring in the first with a nifty back hand goal on a backpedaling Mason. Kane (and Sidney Crosby) are just on another level with rarely used backhand shot.

I was impressed by the Blues’ ability to not panic, repeatedly at least. I thought the team in general did a good job of getting solid second efforts on a play. Alex Steen continues to be the team leader in that department. TJ Oshie a close second. The Blues did get caught chasing multiple times, but it’s really hard not to against the elite teams. When the Blues had chances, they did take the body. To the point that Hawks Captain Jonathan Toews decided to complain to the refs after a series of physical plays against him. I love the battles between the Jackman-Polak pair and the Kane-Toews line.

The second period is proof that hard work pays off. The Blues had a foothold in to the game even though they entered the period down 1-0. They were matching the speed (to the best of their ability) and intensity level. Hard work paid off first when a streaking Paul Kariya took advantage of a Duncan Keith misque. Kariya took the puck at full speed and stopped on a dime behind the net. A quick turn and pass to Backes and its 1-1. Thanks to a dumb penalty by Ben Eager (Not the last lazy offensive zone hook), the Blues went back on the power play. This time the power play wasn;t as lazy and produced a goal. Great work by Oshie to sell the shot from the point leads to a quick pass to Backes on the left wing. One timer off some Hawk shin guards through Cristobal Huet and its 2-1. Backes now has his 7th career multi-goal game. The Blues were not done.  Less than a minute later Roman Polak enters the zone and makes a great move to get open for a shot in the high slot. Shot goes towards Jay McClement. He puts the tip in goal in to put the Blues up 3-1. With the tiger by the tail, can the Blues hang on?

Coming in to the third everyone knows the Hawks are coming 110% at you. Blues fans are thinking “In Chicago, against the second best team in the West, late lead = blown game”. I would be lying if I said it didn’t creep in to my head, especially after the comical defensive effort that lead to the Hossa SHG that made it 3-2. I was surprised to see the Blues stick to their game and were able to match the Hawks enough to maintain the 3-2 lead. They countered when they could and Mason came up big.

Positives
- Chris Mason was solid, stopping 32 of 34 shots.
- David Backes contributed very solid play red line to red line and scored twice.
- The Blues were only a Minus-3 in the Faceoff category. The Blues won 26 as the Hawks won 29.
- The Backes Line has really solidified itself as the Blues #1 Line.
- Alex Steen continues to shine in a wonderful all around game. He is a great first man in on the forecheck, back checks hard and has a good shot when he can get it off.
- The Jackman-Polak pair combined for 1 Assist, 2 Hits, an EVEN rating in 43+ minutes of combined play. Polak also set up the game winning goal by McClement.
- Patrik Berglund won 6 of 9 faceoffs.
- Eric Brewer and Erik Johnson combined for 5 of the Blues 9 Blocked Shots.

Negatives
- Blues were out shot 34 to 19. Yes, Chicago is an amazing team that controls the game, but 19 shots will not cut it against San Jose tomorrow.
- As good as Backes was (which he really, really was), he lost 10 of 13 faceoffs.
- The Blues gave up more odd man rushes than a human has fingers and toes.
- When was the last time the Blues failed to block at least 10 shots on goal? They had 9 in this game.
- Brad Boyes cannot hit the broad side of a barn right now. Missed a golden opportunity in the waning seconds of the 1st period. Shot never got close to the net.

Post Game Questions
- How effective is the McDonald-Tkachuk-Boyes line? Not effective enough. Is it time to put McDonald with Berglund and Steen or Perron as the “second line”?
- What is the ceiling to Roman Polak’s play? The kid keeps showing more and more each game. Is it time to give him some consideration for power play minutes?
- Did this game show the glaring weakness of the Blues at the NHL level, the blue line? Its amazing to see what Chicago has done with 5 guys who are offensively and defensively capable players.
- Is Chris Mason coming back to his Spring 2009 form?
- Will David Perron develop past having only one or two impact players in the offensive zone and that’s it each night?
- Does Brad Boyes have any trade value right now or is it too low to warrant dealing him?
- If Kariya keeps playing well and raising his trade value, is it inevitable that he is moved?
- Does this team need Colaiacovo to win?

Next up for the Blues is San Jose Thursday night down at Scottrade. The Sharks are here waiting for a tired and travel weary (yeah I know its a short flight, but its still taxing the day after playing), can the Blues respond better in a back to back scenario than they did in Edmonton? We shall see…in HD.