kujay

There's a clear difference in effort out there so far.

Ken Hitchcock has a good track record of straightening up a teams defense rather quickly. I think if the Blues can get a hot PP during the playoffs they can easily make a run, but I agree that their lack of scoring will make it hard to win the Cup. They are also a team with the cap space, if not the money (in light of the ownership situation), to add an impact scorer at the deadline if one is available. its funny you write that, I was reading a story this morning about Phoenix. Shane Doan and Ray Whitney are going to be FAs after the season. I was thinking how scarey it would be if St Louis could somehow swing a deal for both of them. I think it is probably unrealistic to get both, but I think that is a kind of move that would make the Blues very hard to beat. Wow, yeah. I think one of the other issues St. Louis has is that they are very young and very few of these guys have experience with a playoff run. They got swept by Vancouver in 2008 and otherwise haven't been in the playoffs since Perron was in grade school. Guys like Doan and Whitney would go a long way toward getting them ready for the playoffs.

Ken Hitchcock has a good track record of straightening up a teams defense rather quickly. I think if the Blues can get a hot PP during the playoffs they can easily make a run, but I agree that their lack of scoring will make it hard to win the Cup. They are also a team with the cap space, if not the money (in light of the ownership situation), to add an impact scorer at the deadline if one is available.

I watched a good part of last night's game, and it was clear there was a huge talent gap between them and Vancouver. But then the announcers noted that with 7:00 left in the game VAN only had 18 shots. My point is I think the Blues D is very underrated. Shatty, Polak and Petrangelo (sp?) are very good players. On the flip side, they just don't have that finisher on offense. They have a bunch of second-rate Sharps or Hossas: Berglund, Oshie, Perron, even Backes. Good players, but none of them great. So they are a very defensively sound team without playing like Nashville, which I respect, but I don't think they'll be able to keep up with any of SJ, VAN, Detroit or the Hawks in the playoffs.

STL-VAN is a three-point game. Figures.

Hayes and Shaw are players. Gotta love that we've got these kind of guys ready to come up and contribute. As for Kane making the all star team, sharp was more deserving. Though his injury may have hurt his chances.

What a terrible rebound given up by Emery.

I agree. There are noticeable concerns that this team has, but they're in a far better situation this year as opposed to last year right now. Crawford was exceptionally good last year and he was the primary reason why the Hawks were able to make the playoffs. There were numerous games last year where the defense played poorly and he bailed them out. Shoring up the defensive depth will make the goaltending situation much better than what we've been seeing the last couple of months. I think another top 6 forward would be nice, but this team's fourth line is much better than last season's. We're in a good spot as far as deadline deals go. Eventually, Bowman will make a move. I just hope it's a bigger splash than Chris Campoli. I guess the problem is, how do you fix the defense? Keith and Seabrook aren't going anywhere. Do you trade a Leddy or Hammer? I mean, I don't really think Montador and/or O'Donnell are the problem, unless we assume that the top four guys have to play more minutes and wear out and make mistakes because those guys suck and Q doesn't trust them. I just see it as dumb mistakes by the top 4 guys, mainly Hammer. Which I agree with whoever said it a few days ago -- that dude gives you very little on the offensive side -- so you can't have him making mistakes in the defensive zone. I'm not at all in favor of dumping Leddy at this point, by the way. He's still improving.

This team is definitely better than last year's. The secondary scoring and just overall, the 3rd and 4th lines have been far improved. Now, that's more thanks to Stalberg than it is Brunette. So I guess what I'm saying is the team is better but I don't think the new signings are the reason for it. Hossa, Sharp and Toews have been better.

You know I have to agree with you. I noticed more than once that he was clearly biased. I wouldn't of course usually notice such a thing unless the shoe was on the other foot. That's how bad it was.

I didn't think it completely crossed the line just based on where the glove was when he swept it out.

Jesus. Crawford couldn't get up I guess. At least they got a point.

Yeah. I'm pretty sure he was.

Dammmmmmit.

Maybe just let Toews do it, I say in hindsight.

What happened to Sharp?

Miklasz is saying resignation. Good news.

I didn't see but one call I thought should've been made. An interference early on, I think against Hayes.

Son of a bitch.

I thought the penalty was over. Bryz looks shaky. Put everything on net.

Hahahahahahahahaha yes!

Well this is a bit more interesting now...

It's the defense. Just terrible. Philly is a good team, but giving up 40+ shots can't happen.

Yeah Emery need to go take a seat. He made a great save but ended up completely out of position. Again.