GDT: Blues vs Avs, 7 PM, FSMW, KMOX

[WaukeeBlues]

The Avs have beaten one team in the last 34 days.

That's the kind of crap you keep to yourself.

[TheoSqua]

Some random thoughts from the game tonight cause I feel like rambling.

*Phil McRae may end up being a top six forward someday, or good enough to man a third scoring line, but he hasn't shown it yet. Tonight especially he seemed particularly slow, both in skating and reading the plays, the goal by Stasny (i think) was directly from him misreading the play, starting forward to the neutral zone and failing to turn around and backcheck before he got the puck. The result was Stasny having enough space to make something happen.

*Patrik Berglund has looked like a beast lately. He didn't have the problem McRae had, his legs didn't stop moving tonight which is a huge contrast to the games I went to a few months ago where he thought he was skating in Forest Park. He's got 18 points in his last 17 games and he absolutely deserves it. He seems to be using his size and a bit of hustle to get into positions where he can make a play much more than when he thought he needed to sit 4 feet past the blue line and wait until he had to back check.

*Same goes for Chris Stewart. I've been really impressed with him the last few games he has a level of talent that this team has lacked. Oshie/Berglund/etc. are great players to have and they have a great ceiling, but none of them are going to lead a team offensively. The Blues have never had a problem getting shots on goal or creating scoring opportunities the last few years. They almost always outwork opponents. They just have lacked the talent to convert the scoring chances into goals. The Blues have a lot of great pieces in place for a good offense, they've never been in need of a huge revamp. The different between a good offense and what we have now isn't huge, it's a goal or two every few games more than we're getting right now. Ten or so of the scoring chances this team has had over the season being converted into timely goals gives The Blues 4-5 more wins than they have now. That puts the team in 5th in the standings. Stewart is the type of player that can convert some of the scoring chances this team has had into goals. I don't think the team's problems going forward is going to be offense.

*Backes had a pretty poor game. He missed several great scoring opportunities and have several other just random blunders with the stick where he couldn't keep a puck in the zone or lost the puck and other weird mishaps. I doubt it's a trend, he just had a rough night.

*The Avalanche were lucky tonight and the Blues weren't. Several great scoring opportunites for the Blues had the puck flip into Budaj's glove or the rebound would go just wide of a Blues player. It's why teams play 82 games. Sometimes the better team doesn't win, and that's what happened tonight.

* That said no team ever goes on winning streaks without good goaltending and the goaltending the team is currently getting just doesn't cut it. At least two of the goals tonight could be considered goals that Conklin should have made. The SOG differential is a bit misleading...The Avalanche were trying to take away the middle of the zone and the Blues countered by taking a shot from the sides and then crashing the net hoping to bang in a rebound. It worked when Berglund scored and Stewart's was also from a side shot getting in. The Avalanche had a lot more "quality" scoring chances where they had the puck right in front of the net with room to create a scoring chance. Still, an above average goaltender should be able to take away a few of those opportunities and the Blues goalies aren't doing that. Budaj did tonight and that's the difference between two points.

* I think that even if Erik Johnson turns into the next Chris Pronger this was still a good trade. The only thing Johnson has shown is that he isn't that sort of player yet. If he ever becomes an elite player it'll be with enough time to develop into that. If the Blues had known it would take 5-6 years from their drafting him for him to turn into the sort of difference maker his ceiling projects I doubt they would have drafted him. The Blues are in a win-now mode and can't afford to continue waiting for all their players to "develop". I don't believe Ownership has enough money to extend the rebuilding any longer than it already has.

With this trade the Blues turned one player of Johnson's skill level into two who are at a minimum equal to his current skill. They have to win now and that trade does it. The 1st round pick they gave up could end up being the best player of the four, Johnson could end up becoming Chris Pronger. But the Blues can't afford to wait and see what develops, they gotta win now.

Even then he's just doesn't seem to be progressing. People love to mention that Chris Pronger didn't become elite until his mid-20s but look at his age 22 season. He started the first 40 games a -2 and with 13 points (.32ppg) and in his last 39 games he was +17 with 22 points (.56ppg). He wasn't elite, but he made progress. You can compare any season he had and see progress in the two halves of the season. Even at Johnson's age. Also it's not like a 22 year old can't be an elite player. Look at these age 22-23 seasons:

Al MacInnis: 68 points +22
Ray Bourque: 78 points +49
Rob Blake: 59 points +18
Mike Green: 73 points +24
Dion Phaneuf: 59 points +12
Ryan WHitney: 56 points +9
etc. etc. etc.

In all there's about 20 players since 1995 who have played in the NHL at their age 22 season and scored at least 40 points with a positive +/-. That includes high round picks, low round picks, players on good teams, players on bad teams. Etc. Bottom line is Erik Johnson's expectation was that he would become one of the players that is good quickly. Players have done it before and he couldn't.

*That said, I'm starting to think that Johnson was doomed to failure from the start. He was the consensus best player in the 2006 draft but I think it was more a lack of better options:

Jordan Staal - People like to say that Staal has low point totals due to Crosby/Malkin. The last 2 months both of missed significant playing time and Staal has been given over 20 minutes of ice time 17 times over the last two months. This is his 5th season on the NHL, he's a second overall pick that's finally getting the playing time to prove that he can become the elite player he was drafted to be. He's repsonded by putting up 14 points in 22 games. Not exactly the sort of response you'd expect from a cornerstone #1 overall player.

Jonathan Toews - A great player on a great team. He's had a ton of offensive weapons in Chicago and I think it can be argued he wouldn't have performed like he has in Chicago if he were in St. Louis. If you have to risk between as slow developing center and a slow developing Defenseman you have to go with the latter. I don't blame the Blues taking the safer route. Towes just wouldn't have worked in this pick.

Phil Kessel & Nicklas Backstrom both had big question marks. Backstrom was a swedish center, the sort of player that is really hit or miss and not easy to bet your franchise on. Kessel's streakiness and attitude problems didn't just magically appear once he entered the NHL, taking him would have been a huge gamble the team couldn't have afforded.

Point is Johnson was the obvious choice and they had to take him, there weren't any better options. He was the best option in a weak draft and nothing more. If Pietrangelo had been a few years older and a part of the 2006 draft I could easily see him being the #1 overall pick. From 2005 Bobby Ryan and Jack Johnson both would have been taking over Erik. From 2007 Patrick Kane would have been taken over Johnson. Same for 2003 (Eric Staal), 2004 (Ovechkin/Malkin), 2008 (I would bet Johnson would be 5th at best in this draft)

Pietrangelo eventually becoming better than Johnson shouldn't be a shocking surprise. He likely would have been more highly acclaimed if they were both in the same draft.

[goon attack]

huge bummer but not the end of the world. each game is not a defining moment. I swear this board is like an overly sensitive pansy who judges the state of his relationship based on the moment to moment facial expressions of his boyfriend.

They were tired and the goaltending blows... they still almost won. a 4 to 5 game win streak and they are right back in the hunt.

Just settle the hell down man.

[KC Express]

huge bummer but not the end of the world. each game is not a defining moment. I swear this board is like an overly sensitive pansy who judges the state of his relationship based on the moment to moment facial expressions of his boyfriend.

They were tired and the goaltending blows... they still almost won. a 4 to 5 game win streak and they are right back in the hunt.

Just settle the hell down man.

[DaDitka]

Yeah we only have to win 16 of our last 23 ....

as long as Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, Anaheim, and LA all play at a 500% clip or worse and have NO MORE THEN ONE OT losses.

So, we got that going for us.

[kodos]

Stick a fork in it. This season is officially over. Time to make another trade or two... and focus on next year.

I'm done getting worked up over these sad sack losers. It's just not worth it. I need a good 6 months off from hockey... or rather, from whatever you would call what the Blues try to do out there. I'm not sure "hockey" is the right term to use.

[cardsfan04]

huge bummer but not the end of the world. each game is not a defining moment. I swear this board is like an overly sensitive pansy who judges the state of his relationship based on the moment to moment facial expressions of his boyfriend.

They were tired and the goaltending blows... they still almost won. a 4 to 5 game win streak and they are right back in the hunt.

Just settle the hell down man.

I agree there is lots of kneejerking around here. But, it's coming up on the point where the team showing promise doesn't mean the same thing as the team making the playoffs. I'm excited about what we're starting to do, and think we have a solid core built for the future. But, each loss, regardless of them almost winning, makes it harder to make the playoffs. And, there isn't a ton of wiggle room there.

[ohio BLUES]

They were tired

Speaking of that, I didn't know Scott Mellanby was in the business of making (pre-emptive?) excuses about the schedule. I don't know how any member of the Blues organization can do so with a straight face. They wouldn't have so many February and March games if they didn't request them (to capitalize on the Cardinals' sure offseason).

I know, I know, they couldn't help the inclement weather and this one rescheduled game. 6 games in 8 days, and 7 in 10, totally blows... but hey, sack up and play hockey why don't you.

[kodos]

We're tired...of them losing year after year after year...

[dmiles2186]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

[WaukeeBlues]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

Dammit. He's human.

[goon attack]

I need a good 6 months off from hockey...

Will that include you not posting your pansy "I give up" whining here? I franking hope so.

[kodos]

Whatever man. Keep on staying positive.

You're gonna kick that football for sure this time. Lucy's totally not gonna pull it away at the last moment THIS TIME. No way.

[DaDitka]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

Yeah, he played real bad on Monday too.

If it becomes a trend, I'll be worried.

[cprice12]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

That play was a miscommunication. I forgot who it was who got to the puck the same time as him...both Oshie and whoever though the other would take it, neither did, then Oshie tried to at the last second and it was too late.

It is what it is...just a stupid play that went bad.

[theohall]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

That play was a miscommunication. I forgot who it was who got to the puck the same time as him...both Oshie and whoever though the other would take it, neither did, then Oshie tried to at the last second and it was too late.

It is what it is...just a stupid play that went bad.

It's actually a perfect example of what Mellanby was talking about with his supposed "excuses." A tired team making a mental mistake - one of several from last night. Not even minor league teams play at the pace the Blues are facing these two weeks and they regularly play back-to-back games on weekends. But they get 3 days off afterwards.

Back-to-back, day off, back-to-back, day off, back-to-back again. No one does that.

[Ruutu15]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

That play was a miscommunication. I forgot who it was who got to the puck the same time as him...both Oshie and whoever though the other would take it, neither did, then Oshie tried to at the last second and it was too late.

It is what it is...just a stupid play that went bad.

It's actually a perfect example of what Mellanby was talking about with his supposed "excuses." A tired team making a mental mistake - one of several from last night. Not even minor league teams play at the pace the Blues are facing these two weeks and they regularly play back-to-back games on weekends. But they get 3 days off afterwards.

Back-to-back, day off, back-to-back, day off, back-to-back again. No one does that.

The Hawks had that schedule last year and won the Stanley Cup.

[ohio BLUES]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

That play was a miscommunication. I forgot who it was who got to the puck the same time as him...both Oshie and whoever though the other would take it, neither did, then Oshie tried to at the last second and it was too late.

It is what it is...just a stupid play that went bad.

It's actually a perfect example of what Mellanby was talking about with his supposed "excuses." A tired team making a mental mistake - one of several from last night. Not even minor league teams play at the pace the Blues are facing these two weeks and they regularly play back-to-back games on weekends. But they get 3 days off afterwards.

Back-to-back, day off, back-to-back, day off, back-to-back again. No one does that.

The Hawks had that schedule last year and won the Stanley Cup.

LOL, okay Bruce Boudreau.

[cprice12]

I'm confused why no one is going batcrap over Oshie in here for his turnover to set up Stastny's game winner. If that was Jackman or Brewer, there'd be trade requests, etc.

I know TJ doesn't do that stuff all that often, but that was an AWFUL giveaway.

That play was a miscommunication. I forgot who it was who got to the puck the same time as him...both Oshie and whoever though the other would take it, neither did, then Oshie tried to at the last second and it was too late.

It is what it is...just a stupid play that went bad.

It's actually a perfect example of what Mellanby was talking about with his supposed "excuses." A tired team making a mental mistake - one of several from last night. Not even minor league teams play at the pace the Blues are facing these two weeks and they regularly play back-to-back games on weekends. But they get 3 days off afterwards.

Back-to-back, day off, back-to-back, day off, back-to-back again. No one does that.

The Hawks had that schedule last year and won the Stanley Cup.

Hmmm...last year's Hawks team and this year's Blues team.

Yeah...they're the same.

[goon attack]

Whatever man. Keep on staying positive.

You're gonna kick that football for sure this time. Lucy's totally not gonna pull it away at the last moment THIS TIME. No way.

Shut the hell up!!! This is all I got, asshole!

Go kick your dog and leave me the (Frank) alone!