ODT (Off Day(s) Thread): Travel to LA for Games 3/4

[ohio BLUES]

Pardon me if I'm not caught up in the aura of the Los Angeles (Frank) Kings. goon attack and I could have beat the Blues tonight with some ECHL scrubs on our line and a large orange traffic barrel in net.

They're the eighth seed for a reason, and they can be taken off their game with merely an iota of physical play. Quick is beatable if we lift the puck off the ice, like our friends in the ECHL.

What I'm getting at here is this: the series isn't over, as (Frank) putrid as tonight's game looked. Sure, the Blues were never in it tonight. The team was in shock over the absence of Pietrangelo and they knew Jackman/Cole/whomever had no shot at serving as his fill-in.

But, forget about that. As far as my hockey knowledge goes, the next game starts out 0-0, and we'll go from there. Score first, and maybe second as well, and we're on our way to making this a series. I have confidence in the Blues that they're not going to roll over and die in Games 3/4.

We're 2-0 on the road in these playoffs, 2-0 in California. Darryl Sutter will have the chance to dictate some line matchups, which is fine in my book. It forces the players to play with their head in the game, rather than hanging on and hoping the puck comes their way, trying to cover a specific guy or making dumbass drop passes here and there.

Let's use this thread these next two off days to talk about Pietrangelo's status, Halak's status, who starts in goal (Elliott IMO - he's not the problem), any lineup changes (sub Reaves for Crombeen IMO), making fun of Dustin Penner's lack of balance in the corners, Dustin Brown's dropsy face, etc. No need to preserve the stench of that Game 2 GDT.

Let's. (Frank). Go. Blues.

[drwoland]

Dude Dustin Brown forever lost my respect tonight - wouldn't fight CARLO. Come on man. You gonna walk away from Carlo "Glass Everything" Colaiacovo?

[ohio BLUES]

Halak's out for the series, per Hitch. So, there goes that.

Dude must've got his bell rung pretty good by Jackman.

[northwest dave]

Halak's out for the series, per Hitch. So, there goes that.

Dude must've got his bell rung pretty good by Jackman.

Where did you hear that?

And agree. Dustin Brown is a punk but the Blues are playing right into his hands. Overall, the team needs to skate and want it more.

[Nyghtewynd]

Halak out for the series.

After this, I wouldn't be that surprised if Oshie is offseason trade bait a la Johnson.

[ohio BLUES]

Halak's out for the series, per Hitch. So, there goes that.

Dude must've got his bell rung pretty good by Jackman.

Where did you hear that?

And agree. Dustin Brown is a punk but the Blues are playing right into his hands. Overall, the team needs to skate and want it more.

Everyone on Twitter, just now. Pierre LeBrun, Norm Sanders, etc. etc.

[cprice12]

Halak out for the series.

After this, I wouldn't be that surprised if Oshie is offseason trade bait a la Johnson.

What?

[Nyghtewynd]

Oshie has never been over 20 goals. He's a free agent at the end of the year. Unless we get a home-town discount, I think he's badly overvalued and may either sign elsewhere or get a sign-and-trade.

[Toasted Oates]

I totally get the grim outlooks around these parts due to the ghosts of Blues' playoff past. Really, there's a part of me that feels the same way. BUT, this team is good enough to charge back. If Trangelo returns, even in a decreased role, it'll provide a monster emotional spark. If not, I'm w/ the majority: give 75 and his unbridled energy a shot.

Either way, grow a set for Elliott, play your game-D first. Pressure's on them and that laid back crowd will bail easily @ Staples Center.

Not ready for this season to end in May.

[cprice12]

Oshie has never been over 20 goals. He's a free agent at the end of the year. Unless we get a home-town discount, I think he's badly overvalued and may either sign elsewhere or get a sign-and-trade.

He tied for the team lead in points, is an excellent passer, he can pick corners, he kills penalties, plays on the PP, can play the point on the PP, and plays in all situations. He hits like a truck and creates scoring opportunities. He tries moves that other players couldn't pull off in practice.
He's a restricted free agent...so for another team to sign him would mean we get something in return. That will scare off some teams.

He is way too valuable both on the ice and off for the Blues to let him sign elsewhere...unless he is asking for a huge contract, which he really can't ask for yet. He doesn't have the sexy numbers to warrant a huge contract. He is a huge fan favorite and he makes this team money. Don't think that doesn't factor in.

I'd be shocked if they let him sign elsewhere. Shocked.

[gaijin]

Oshie has never been over 20 goals. He's a free agent at the end of the year. Unless we get a home-town discount, I think he's badly overvalued and may either sign elsewhere or get a sign-and-trade.

He tied for the team lead in points, is an excellent passer, he can pick corners, he kills penalties, plays on the PP, can play the point on the PP, and plays in all situations. He hits like a truck and creates scoring opportunities. He tries moves that other players couldn't pull off in practice.
He's a restricted free agent...so for another team to sign him would mean we get something in return. That will scare off some teams.

He is way too valuable both on the ice and off for the Blues to let him sign elsewhere...unless he is asking for a huge contract, which he really can't ask for yet. He doesn't have the sexy numbers to warrant a huge contract. He is a huge fan favorite and he makes this team money. Don't think that doesn't factor in.

I'd be shocked if they let him sign elsewhere. Shocked.

The Blues get a hell of a lot of merchandising dollars from this kid. I would bet that nearly half of all personalized Blues merchandise sold has the name "Oshie" on the back. Hell, my two boys don't know much about picking pucks out of corners, but they know Oshie is their favorite player (although that's probably because it rhymes with "Yoshi").