Something To Believe In
Blues win third in a row against Columbus
By: Tom Boeckelmann 11/28/11
_ Jump on the band-wagon boys and girls because our St. Louis Blues are one of the top teams in the NHL right now. Okay... Okay.... the Blues just barely squeaked out a few wins in their last ten games with Ken Hitchcock going 7-1-2, and yes, the Blues took their fourth "too many men on the ice" penalty of the season this Sunday marking their third such penalty in the last six games, and sure, the Blues went 0 for 22 on the power play before netting a power play goal last night against Columbus but hey.... the numbers don't lie. The Blues have taken 16 out of a possible 20 points in their last ten games and are in third place in the Central Division with 28 points, only one point behind Detroit, and three behind the first place Blackhawks. In the Western Conference the Blues are sitting in fifth place with Phoenix, Vancouver, and Dallas on their heels touting 27 points in the sixth, seventh, and eighth seed slots. Overall the Blues are tied for fifth in the NHL with the Florida Panthers in total points. Thanks to the amazing play from both goaltenders Elliott and Halak the Blues have only let up 49 goals this season which is ranked fourth in the league. The Blues Home record stands fifth in the league at 8-2-1 and the Bluenotes are ranked fourth in the league in their last ten games (7-2-1) under Hitchcock.
There are problems still lingering however. The previously mentioned power play is dismal at a 9.2% conversion rate (30th in the NHL). The Carolina Hurricanes are second from last with their power play at a whopping 12%. The Blues penalty kill could use some more success since it is ranked 19th in the league at 80.7%. I should mention that since Hitchcock took over the Blues penalty kill it has improved from the 28th overall spot. There are still times when watching the Blues that they seem to fall into a lull and let the opposing teams dictate the play. There are still times the Blues give up two-on-ones and cough up breakaways. Sometimes our guys are just trying to make the perfect play and make impossible passes forcing turnovers and odd man rushes. this being said I think its safe to say that with Hitchcock on the bench and some very much needed confidence this team will continue pushing on and winning. The Blues have finally given their fans something to believe in.
There are problems still lingering however. The previously mentioned power play is dismal at a 9.2% conversion rate (30th in the NHL). The Carolina Hurricanes are second from last with their power play at a whopping 12%. The Blues penalty kill could use some more success since it is ranked 19th in the league at 80.7%. I should mention that since Hitchcock took over the Blues penalty kill it has improved from the 28th overall spot. There are still times when watching the Blues that they seem to fall into a lull and let the opposing teams dictate the play. There are still times the Blues give up two-on-ones and cough up breakaways. Sometimes our guys are just trying to make the perfect play and make impossible passes forcing turnovers and odd man rushes. this being said I think its safe to say that with Hitchcock on the bench and some very much needed confidence this team will continue pushing on and winning. The Blues have finally given their fans something to believe in.
Tuesday night the Blues take on the Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals have a record of 12-9-1 but have been 3-6-1 in their last ten games. Ovechkin has tallied 8 goals and 9 assists for 17 points in 22 games. Nicklas Backstrom has really been the story of Washingtons success this year. He leads the team in assists with 18 and has recorded 7 goals for 25 points this year. The Caps number one goaltender Tomas Vokoun will most likely get the nod in net against the Blues. Vokoun holds a mediocre 2.82 GAA and a 10-5-0 record.
Former Washington Capital Dale Hunter will be coaching his first game as head coach Tuesday night. Will the Caps "flip the script" on the Blues? Ovechkin and crew will no doubt be trying to step up their game for their new boss. Ken Hitchcock has already made it clear that Halak will get the start in goal for the Blues. Halak is currently sporting a 2.57 GAA and a 3-7-2 record. He has been playing well as of lately but just hasn't got the support he deserved. Win or lose it's going to be a great night for hockey and the action starts at 6:00pm CST. If you miss this one you are insane.
Perron Returns Saturday vs. Chicago
Forward has been out since November 4th 2010 with Post Concussion Syndrome
Friday 12.2.11 / 2:03pm / News
by Chris Pinkert - St Louis Blues Online
_
The wait is over.
Perron, who has missed 97 games due to a concussion suffered Nov. 4, 2010 vs. San Jose, will return to the lineup Saturday when the Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks at 7 p.m. at Scottrade Center.
It’s been a long time coming for Perron, who has worked hard to return to the lineup.
Post-concussion syndrome had limited him from participating in physical activity until Sept. 26, when the Blues announced he would rejoin the team and begin light off-ice workouts. He trained off the ice until Oct. 20, when he finally joined the team on the ice for practice.
On Nov. 19, he was cleared to participate in full contact drills.
With no setbacks since, the Blues announced Friday that he’s ready to go.
Perron had five goals and seven points in 10 games last season before the injury.
In 235 career NHL games, he has 53 goals and 131 points.
The wait is over.
Perron, who has missed 97 games due to a concussion suffered Nov. 4, 2010 vs. San Jose, will return to the lineup Saturday when the Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks at 7 p.m. at Scottrade Center.
It’s been a long time coming for Perron, who has worked hard to return to the lineup.
Post-concussion syndrome had limited him from participating in physical activity until Sept. 26, when the Blues announced he would rejoin the team and begin light off-ice workouts. He trained off the ice until Oct. 20, when he finally joined the team on the ice for practice.
On Nov. 19, he was cleared to participate in full contact drills.
With no setbacks since, the Blues announced Friday that he’s ready to go.
Perron had five goals and seven points in 10 games last season before the injury.
In 235 career NHL games, he has 53 goals and 131 points.
Recent Blues articles
Something to Believe In 11/28/11
Blues Look In Mirror vs Kings 11/21/11
Blues Back on the Road Again 11/19/11
A Win is a Win 11/8/11
The Blues Are Gonna Feel No "Payne"! 11/7/11
Blues Take the wind out of the Vancouver Canuck's Sails 11/5/11
Blues Fans deserve better than they have been getting in the last decade 11/4/11
The Danimal Diagnosis Vol. 1
by: Dan Boeckelmann 12/5/11
_Hello everyone and welcome to the first "Danimal Diagnosis" of the
Blues' 2011 season. Those who have followed me in the past and/or
followed my threads from last year know that a lot of the things
mentioned about the Blues have rung true. For better or for worse I
tell you like it is, the way I see it. Although I admit, I may be a
little biased because I've been a Blues fan for nearly a quarter century
(I can't help it, it's in the blood). Still, a spade is a spade. No
sugar coating or wishful thinking. If there's one thing I've learned
about watching Blues hockey, it is that no matter how good things seem
to be going you know there is something negative about to head your
way. That being said, we are almost to the 1/3 way point of the Blues
season and it is time for the "Danimal Diagnosis". I will offer these
on a monthly basis to give an overall perspective about where the Blues
are
currently, and where they may be headed in the near future. I will also
have a list I call "Studs n Duds" that may include players/coaches or
certain aspects of the game. Reader descretion is advised, although I
may list a certain player in the Duds section, that does not necessarily
mean I think he is a bad player or needs to be traded. It may
simply state that they are underproducing. Same for the players listed
in the Studs section. Just because they are studs now does not
automatically mean I think they are the best players they have. Also
there will be two more sections, "Danimal's Dynamos", for players who I
think are under rated and have breakout potential...And the last will be
the "Beware of Dog" section for players who may be over rated and on
the downward swing. So, without further ado, lets get into it. (Players
listed in order of degree)
_Danimal Studs
David Backes RW- He's 27 years old and in the prime of his career. Notorius for being a slow starter statistically, yet has jumped out to a great start this year tallying 9 goals and 16 points in his first 26 games. This guy plays against the top offensive lines every night and still boasts a +4 rating. I've made the claim he is the best player period since Brett Hull left and I stand by that statement. Plain and simple he has all the tools and leadership abilities to take a team to the promised land. Wether or not it is with the Blues, Backes will lead a team the Stanley Cup before he's done... And you can take that to the bank... Oh yeah, and then there is that whole intangibles thing. How was he not a Selke finalist?!
David Backes RW- He's 27 years old and in the prime of his career. Notorius for being a slow starter statistically, yet has jumped out to a great start this year tallying 9 goals and 16 points in his first 26 games. This guy plays against the top offensive lines every night and still boasts a +4 rating. I've made the claim he is the best player period since Brett Hull left and I stand by that statement. Plain and simple he has all the tools and leadership abilities to take a team to the promised land. Wether or not it is with the Blues, Backes will lead a team the Stanley Cup before he's done... And you can take that to the bank... Oh yeah, and then there is that whole intangibles thing. How was he not a Selke finalist?!
Alexander Steen C-
Also 27 years old, 18 points in 26 games and a team leading +12 rating.
The Blues best playmaker without Perron in the lineup and is a
consistent threat every night. He's been rather quiet the last couple
nights posting 1 assist and -2 in his last two games. Don't let that
prevent you from climbing upon your faithful Steen. His knack for the
net will prevail eventually soon.
Brain Elliot G-
League ranks- Shutouts(3)2nd, Goals Against(1.53)4th, Save
Percentage(.945)1st. Nuff said...except when is the Blues marketing
department going to update their website and encourage you to vote for
him instead of Halak for the All-Star game? I don't even want to get
started on hockey and marketing right now, except to say I think I could
do a better job...Blindfolded.....While eating a Mcrib. The only
reason he is not at the top of this list is his 13 games.
Blues' 5 on 5 play-
The Blues are ranked 2nd in the NHL in 5 on 5 goals ratio and is no
doubt an important stat in winning hockey games. Which highlights the
facts even more of their dreaded special teams. See Danimal's Duds.
Honorable Mentions- Jason Arnott +10, Kevin Shattenkirk 15 points
_Danimal's Duds
Chris Stewart RW- It looks like somone has a case of the sophomore slumps. Perhaps the streakiest player on the roster as he could end up on my stud list by this time next month. He just has not looked at all impressive in any facet of the game thus far. 9 points in 26 games is pedestrian at best and the Blues will need all 232 pounds of him to start contributing more often if they want to be making post season plans this season.
Chris Stewart RW- It looks like somone has a case of the sophomore slumps. Perhaps the streakiest player on the roster as he could end up on my stud list by this time next month. He just has not looked at all impressive in any facet of the game thus far. 9 points in 26 games is pedestrian at best and the Blues will need all 232 pounds of him to start contributing more often if they want to be making post season plans this season.
_________Patrick Berglund C-
What does Patrick Berglund and Peter Forsberg have in common? Besides
being Swedish, absolutely nothing. Overpriced? Maybe. Overhyped?
Definitley. I don't know which is more annoying, seeing him in the
grocery store wearing CAPRI PANTS?! Or on one of the Blues' propaganda
commercials singing the worst song in the world, Journey's "Don't Stop
Believing". Either way, one thing is for sure, this isn't quite the
same game we grew up on.
Carlo Colaiacovo D-
Carlo!.......Polo!.....Where are you!? Ol brittle bones has done it
again this year. He just can't find a way to stay in the lineup. Don't
get me wrong, when he's in he as above average hands and a nice slapper
but that doesnt do any good when your not in the lineup.
Blues Power Play -
Ok so Ken Hitchkock was wrong about one thing. He was not able to work
his voodoo magic and change the power play production with one
practice. At 9.2 percent it is still dead last in the league. Help is
on the horizon with David Perron back in the mix of things, although I
think it may still take awhile to fix as the Blues still greatly lack
creativity as a whole.
Danimal's Dynamos
Kris Russel- 4 points in his first 11 games. I know, small sample size, but life is a small sample size. Looks great out there so far, nice speed, good quick decisions with the puck. Where did this kid come from? I don't care, I know Hitch had a hand in getting him here and looks like a nice pick up. It's been love at first sight for me. I mean...er. Alex Pietrangelo- The reason he is here on my list is because while numbers never lie, sometimes stats do. I don't think his stats are really serving him justice so far with just 4 goals and 9 points in his 26 games. Not to mention a putrid 6.5 shooting percentage. He seems to hit a lot of posts, sooner or later they will start going in, also expect a jump in numbers from him with Perron joining the power play. Honorable Mention- Vladimir Sabotka +10, Ian Cole +5
Beware of Dog
TJ Oshie- While his stats are nice thus far 16 points and 7 goals, I think his shooting percentage is inflated. He's been touted as the Blues' top center but has been outplayed by Alex Steen early this year. Yes he may be the Blues' top forechecker and intercepts a lot of passes for turnovers but gets knocked off the puck and loses it just as easily. From the recent play I've seen and his mediocre +4 rating, I think he may be in line for a little less ice time until he can manage the puck a little better. One of Hitchcock's pet peaves, and rightly so. Jamie Langenbrunner- Whats he got left in the tank? You know it takes a certain type of veteran to teach the youngens the tools of the trade. In this stage of his career finding the back of the net is not as important as taking care of your own end or making space for others. So far he has been unable to make any sort of impact with his 8 points and +3 rating. Honorable Mention- Jaroslov Halak 4 Wins n 14 GP
Danimal's Dynamos
Kris Russel- 4 points in his first 11 games. I know, small sample size, but life is a small sample size. Looks great out there so far, nice speed, good quick decisions with the puck. Where did this kid come from? I don't care, I know Hitch had a hand in getting him here and looks like a nice pick up. It's been love at first sight for me. I mean...er. Alex Pietrangelo- The reason he is here on my list is because while numbers never lie, sometimes stats do. I don't think his stats are really serving him justice so far with just 4 goals and 9 points in his 26 games. Not to mention a putrid 6.5 shooting percentage. He seems to hit a lot of posts, sooner or later they will start going in, also expect a jump in numbers from him with Perron joining the power play. Honorable Mention- Vladimir Sabotka +10, Ian Cole +5
Beware of Dog
TJ Oshie- While his stats are nice thus far 16 points and 7 goals, I think his shooting percentage is inflated. He's been touted as the Blues' top center but has been outplayed by Alex Steen early this year. Yes he may be the Blues' top forechecker and intercepts a lot of passes for turnovers but gets knocked off the puck and loses it just as easily. From the recent play I've seen and his mediocre +4 rating, I think he may be in line for a little less ice time until he can manage the puck a little better. One of Hitchcock's pet peaves, and rightly so. Jamie Langenbrunner- Whats he got left in the tank? You know it takes a certain type of veteran to teach the youngens the tools of the trade. In this stage of his career finding the back of the net is not as important as taking care of your own end or making space for others. So far he has been unable to make any sort of impact with his 8 points and +3 rating. Honorable Mention- Jaroslov Halak 4 Wins n 14 GP