Trade Reactions

photo © 2011 Bridget Samuels | more info (via: Wylio)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now the dust has settled a bit on this blockbuster trade, it’s worth checking out the really good analysis posted by “averagejoe” over at St Louis Game Time – Roster Shakeup.

The Blues have also posted a couple of videos:

Doug Armstrong discusses the trade with Colorado

David Backes and Brad Boyes react to the recent shenanigans

I think discussion on this will continue for some considerable time.

David Backes signs 5 year extension

It’s perfect timing for the Blues. The day after David Backes scored his first goal in 11 games, the Blues announce that they have re-signed him to a 5 year contract extension. The contract is worth $22.5million – $4.5million average.

This is the announcement from the Blues Official Site:

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Friday the club has signed forward David Backes to a five-year contract extension.

“David could have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and we are excited that he has made the long term commitment to the Blues organization,” said Armstrong. “The way he handles himself on and off the ice represents what the Blues are all about.”

“I am ecstatic to have this deal signed and to be a Blue for many years to come,” said Backes. “My wife and I love this city and these fans have been nothing but great to us. This is a great organization to play for, from top to bottom, and we expect to be a top team in this league.”

Backes, 26, is currently in his fifth NHL season, all with the Blues, and has recorded six points (two goals and four assists) to go along with 32 penalty minutes in 14 games. In 2009-10, the 6’3, 225-pound forward etched career highs in both hits (266) and assists (31) while tying for second on the team in both points (48) and assists in 79 games played.

Also last season, Backes was selected to represent the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics, notching a goal and two assists in six games, helping Team USA capture the Silver Medal. In 2008-09, he had a career high 31 goals, 54 points and 165 penalty minutes including a goal and two assists in four playoff games. That year, Backes became the sixth player in Blues’ history to score four goals in a game on April 2, 2009 at Detroit (5-4 W).

In addition, along with Alex Ovechkin, he was one of two NHL players to register over 30 goals and 200 hits and the only player in 2008-09 to score over 30 goals and serve more than 150 penalty minutes. During his five-year career, Backes has appeared in a total of 296 games, amassing 162 points on 73 goals and 89 assists to go along with 439 penalty minutes.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota native was originally drafted by the Blues in the second round, 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Predators 3 – Blues 2 (S/O)

Well, this was better from the Blues. A much better game from them following the 8-1 defeat by the Blue Jackets. They were faster – much more organised.

The Blues had the better first period – outshooting the Predators by 9-4 and David Backes gave the Blues the lead with his first goal in 11 games following very good work from Andy McDonald. The second period however, saw the Predators come back and outshoot the Blues 10-3. It really was only a matter of time before they tied the game. A shot from Sullivan was parried by Halak and then O’Reilly popped it into the net.

In the third, a great pass from Berglund put D’Agostini in the clear and he shot past Rinne to give the Blues the lead again. What a find D’Agostini has been – leading the Blues in goals with 6 on the season. Then, a silly goal and the game was tied again. The puck came off the back boards and Dumont tapped it past a surprised Halak.

The game going to overtime and then a shootout – Blues fans must have been feeling pretty confident. D’Agostini and O’Reilly both scored – and then the surprise: Brad Boyes didn’t score. Neither did Andy McDonald or Patrik Berglund. Finally, Marcel Goc tied it up for the Predators with a neat move past Halak.

Could have been better – but could have been worse. Both Drazenovic and Porter had solid games so things are not all bad!

Blues 1 – Blue Jackets 8

 

Ouch.  The Blues came back down to earth not with a bump but with the force of an impacting asteriod. They had no energy, no passion, they were slow, sluggish and listless – with endless turnovers and seemingly no cohesion.

The rot started right away – with the Blue Jackets scoring three goals in the first period. So, 3-0 at the end of period 1; 6-1 at the end of period 2 and 8-1 by the time the game ended. The Blue Jackets had breakaways and there was a fluky goal that hit Halak’s skate and popped into the net. Halak was pulled after giving up 4 goals on 15 shots but Conklin didn’t fare much better, giving up 4 goals on 20 shots. The Blues defense was almost non-existent – as mentioned before, an appalling number of turnovers, sloppy play and hardly any forechecking or backchecking contributed to this dire loss.

In the third period, the Blues had both Janssen and Boyes ejected from the game as they tried desperately to haul back a little bit of respect. Of course, it just had to get EVEN worse. With just over 10 minutes left to play in the game, TJ Oshie was helped off the ice after becoming involved in one of the many scrums that littered the game. Pahlsson fell on top of Oshie who landed awkwardly – it was later revealed that TJ Oshie has broken his ankle and may have to undergo surgery. This is a very bitter blow for a Blues team already decimated by injuries.

Eric Brewer and Erik Johnson were both -3 on the night – as was Andy McDonald who managed 6 shots. McDonald, Boyes and Backes really need to pick up their pace. McDonald has 2 goals and 3 assists on the season, Backes has 1 goal and 4 assists and Brad Boyes, whilst money in the shootout, has 1 goal and 4 assists. These three HAVE to lead by example now – there is no excuse.

Nick Drazenovic has been called up from Peoria and expect another call up during the day. Winchester could be close to returning but Perron is still suffering from headaches relating to the Joe Thornton hit.

The Blues play Nashville at Scottrade tonight – let’s see if this game was a temporary blip…or the shape of things to come.

UPDATE: Blues have recalled Chris Porter along with Nick Drazenovic from Peoria.

Blues 2 – Bruins 1 (S/O)

photo © 2010 Dinur Blum | more info(via: Wylio)

 

 

This was a very even game between two very good teams. Both near the top of their respective conferences and both teams being very stingy in goals allowed, you knew it was going to be a close fought affair. However, with the injuries the Blues have at the moment (Polak, Colaiacovo, Jackman, Perron and Winchester), it was a huge win for them. The Blues dressed 6 defensemen, with Ian Cole and Nikita Nikitin getting their first games. Cole looked a bit shaky but will settle down. Nikitin, on the other hand, looked settled and strong on the puck.

Throughout the game, the Bruins had two “goals” reviewed – both times the puck didn’t cross the line and the Bruins also hit the post and crossbar FOUR times. The shot count was 35-34 just edged in the Blues favour and kudos must go to the two goalies – Rask and Halak – who were both superb in net. Tim Thomas has been getting all the credit in Boston but overlook Rask at your peril.

If the Blues have a weakness, then it’s their powerplay. Again, nothing happened on the powerplay – they pass the puck and don’t shoot, their crisp 5 on 5 passes seem to disappear when they have the man advantage and, rather worryingly, the opposing team seem to have more chances on the Blues powerplay than the Blues themselves do.

The Blues got the first goal – in a very good first period that saw them outshoot the Bruins by 13-6. With just over 3 minutes left in the first, Steen stole the puck from Seidenberg and passed it to Sobotka who lined up his shot and fired it into the net. A great moment for the ex-Bruin who was buzzing around all game. He registered some good hits and was a constant source of irritation for the Bruins. Another play who was irritating the Bruins was TJ Oshie – laying on a couple of fantastic hits and his forechecking and backchecking was second to none. His hit on Chara was a joy to behold with the big guy being unceremoniously dumped to the ice.

The Bruins came back into it in the 2nd and 3rd periods and Halak and the Blues defense really had to work hard. Halak saved the Blues from great chances from David Krejci and Matt Hunwick. The Blues still had some good chances with Rask rescuing the Bruins from McDonald and Backes. Backes had a good game – a few hits, a fight and a couple of good scoring chances. The goals will come for Backes. Of course, it was only a matter of time before the Bruins got back into it and they scored with 7 minutes left in the game, when a 3 on 2 break resulted in Gregory Campbell scoring past a screened Halak. Halak’s shutout streak ended at 150.3 minutes.

The game went to overtime where, again, it was pretty even at 2 shots apiece. The main talking point of overtime however, was TJ Oshie’s hit on David Krejci. It was a good, clean hit with both guys going for the puck. Oshie seems to explode into a hit – he has a low center of gravity and just seems to expand into a hit. Krejci’s head seemed to hit the boards and the ice and he was helped off the ice. No word on his status at the moment.

The shootout saw Boston shoot first with Bergeron. His shot hit the post (I’m not sure if Halak got a piece of it or not) and then it was TJ Oshie’s turn. I don’t think it was what Oshie planned but he managed to get the backhand under Rask to put the Blues 1 up. Next shooter for Boston was rookie, Tyler Seguin, who made no mistake with his first shootout attempt, scoring a great goal past Halak. Brad Boyes – who can’t score in open play but is money in the bank in the shootout – scored with a neat move past Rask to put the Blues 2-1 up. Next up was Michael Ryder and, for the fourth time in the game, the post came to the rescue and the Blues gained the extra point.

A great win for an injury depleted team and the Blues play again tonight against the New York Rangers. Conklin could well be in net for the Blues and Nick Drazenovic, called up for Peoria, could get his first game of the season in the Bluenote. Here, from Inside Hockey are the post game interviews with Jaroslav Halak, TJ Oshie and Bruins coach, Claude Julien:

Ducks 1 – Blues 5

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Well, this was one of THE most one-sided games you’ll ever see. How the Blues didn’t win by double the number of goals is probably due to their utterly anaemic powerplay. At one point, they had a 7 minute powerplay which came to absolutely nothing. However – due to the sheer number of “events” in this game, let’s take it point by point:

• The Blues outshot the Ducks 53-14
• The Blues broke a 42 year old franchise record by scoring 6 seconds apart in the first period.
• The Blues goals were scored by David Backes; Andy MacDonald; BJ Crombeen (SH) and 2 by Matt D’Agostini including one FINALLY on the powerplay.
• There were 37 penalties totalling an incredible 143 penalty minutes.
• Ryan Reaves had a good game – and a good fight until he was ejected from the game early in the second period for not tying his jersey down.
• Jonas Hiller was replaced by backup Curtis McElhinney after giving up 4 goals on 34 shots.

The Blues worked hard and were rewarded – of course, the Ducks started getting chippy when things weren’t going their way and,  apart from the Reaves fight, there were also scraps between Perron and Ryan and Eric Brewer and Aaron Voros.  It was definitely lively – and kudos to Barret Jackman for refusing to get drawn into a fight with George Parros when the Blues were well ahead.

Alex Pietrangelo looked comfortable on the puck – getting his first assist on Matt D’Agostini’s first goal.  D’Agostini is a bit of a find – not afraid to hit and check, put on the “grinder” line and yet has definite offensive skill.  D’Agostini was the game’s first star – with Alex Steen 2nd and BJ Crombeen 3rd.

The Blues looked good – the Ducks looked terrible.  But a great victory for the Blues.  They’re now 2 from 2 and face Nashville on Thursday.

Weekly update

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The Blues have trimmed their roster down to 28 – with TJ Hensick and Ben Bishop being assigned to Peoria. Bishop has impressed during his time with squad so in the case of injuries, expect him to see some time up with the Blues this season – and you get the feeling that Bishop will not disappoint between the pipes. Nicholas Drazenovic is still with the Blues squad and with Sobotka likely not to recover from shoulder surgery in time for the start of the season, I would hope that Drazenovic sticks and starts the season in St Louis. I have hopes for him.

The Blues have announced the Eric Brewer will remain as captain for the upcoming season with the assistants being David Backes, Barret Jackman, Alex Steen and Erik Johnson.

Mandi Schwartz has received the stem cell transplant she needs – and all best wishes to her for the future.

Preseason games have seen the Blues lose to Colorado and Dallas but register two wins against Minnesota and win against Colorado.

Blues 2 – Red Wings 4

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It’s getting a bit tired now – and this game was probably one of the final nails in the coffin of the Blues playoff hopes. A couple of bad goals, an inability to capitalise on the powerplay (especially a 4 minute PP) and a quite surprising lack of passion and/or energy in the final few minutes. They were only 1 goal down at that point – but it didn’t look as though they were even trying.

It started well – with a superlative goal from Paul Kariya. He just surged past the Wings defence as though they were standing still and fired the puck past Jimmy Howard. The jury is out as to whether he’s playing for a contract or whether he’s finally fit. I’ll go for the latter option. His hips are good – he’s shaken the rust off and he’s got great chemistry with his linemates. Bring him back? You bet. But not for $6m a year. If he’d accept $2.5m to £3m then I’d snatch his hand off.

So – the Blues go in at the end of P1, 1-0 up. They must have known what would happen. The entire world knew that the Wings would come out hard in the second – except for the Blues it seems. The Wings tied the game within 30 seconds of the restart. The Blues went behind a few minutes later following a Bertuzzi goal that was under review briefly but finally called as a good goal which, to be fair, it was. Then came a high sticking call – and a four minute powerplay for the Blues…which they wasted. A couple of good attacks but the puck was constantly flipped out of the zone by the Wings.

The third period started well when Jay McClement tied the game after just over 2 minutes. The team were playing well, Conklin made some good saves and the energy level seemed high. Then, with just under seven minutes left in the game, a shot from the blue line hit Conklin and bounced right into the path of Filppula who flipped the puck into the net. That goal seemed to take the wind out of the Blues. Even after pulling Conklin in the final couple of minutes for the extra attacker, they seemed lacklustre – and the empty net goal for the Wings was an obvious conclusion.

So basically the Blues have 9 games left and are 10 points behind the Red Wings who are in the final playoff spot. It’ll take the Blues winning all their remaining games and hoping for a mini Wing collapse in order for them to make the playoffs. But maybe it’d be for the best if they don’t make it. Maybe it’ll shock them into life a bit – because those final few minutes were atrocious.

Anyway – your game reports:

• The Blues Official Site has the game report and highlights.
• St Louis Game Time make note of the shaky goaltending amongst other things.
• Dan O’Neill of the Post Dispatch notes that the Blues playoff hopes take a battering with comments from David Backes and Ty Conklin.

I can’t wrap this up without putting up the video of Kariya’s wonderful goal last night.  Enjoy – we don’t know how much longer he’ll be wearing the jersey for:

Blues 5 – Blue Jackets 1

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An excellent win for the Blues leaves them 5 points out of the playoffs prior to tonight’s game against Minnesota.  However, it took the team a little while to really get started.  The first period was sloppy – the team almost looked tired but managed to outshoot the Blue Jackets 8-5.  They failed to convert on a three minute powerplay and were on the penalty kill twice.

The rest of the game was different entirely.  Davis Payne told the team to be more aggressive and they took their game to a different level.   The Blues scored three goals in the second period – from Andy McDonald, David Backes and a powerplay goal from David Perron.   All three goals were scored high on the glove side.  The Blues found a weakness in Blue Jacket’s goalie, Steve Mason’s game and they ruthlessly exposed it, outshooting the Blue Jackets 18-6.

The Blue Jackets came out strong in the third period but a powerplay goal by Alex Steen sealed the game for the Blues.  The Blue Jackets got a consolation goal late in the period before BJ Crombeen scored an empty net goal to give the Blues a 5-1 win.  So – your game reports:

• The Blues Official Site has the recap and game highlights.
• St Louis Game Time Game Day Thread – 695 comments…you can’t beat that!
• Jeremy Rutherford of the Post Dispatch notes that the Blues managed to grab another road win with comments from Andy McDonald, Davis Payne and David Perron.

Maple Leafs 0 – Blues 4

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With the Blues standing pat at the Olympic trade freeze deadline, pressure was on to get the two points needed to drag themselves back into the playoff race.  The Blues did it – and they did it in style.   With the Blue Jackets, Predators and Wild all losing, the Blues made up some ground in the standings.

It was never going to be easy – the Maple Leafs have been rejuvenated with the addition of Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Dion Phaneuf.   An entertaining first period saw ex-Blue Lee Stempniak hit the post, Cam Janssen and Colton Orr getting into a scrap (one that was stopped rather quickly by the officials) and Andy McDonald picking up his 19th goal of the season to put the Blues 1-0 up.    It was a great goal – Brewer lifted the puck out of the Blues zone for McDonald to chase.  McDonald’s pass across ice was deflected and shot on goal by Erik Johnson.  The rebound came out to Patrik Berglund who played a neat little pass to McDonald to slot into the net.  Really excellent work by Berglund who is slowly rediscovering his form of last season.

In the second period, the Blues found themselves on the penalty kill three times and it’s worth mentioning just how good the Blues penalty killing is because, despite having three powerplays, the Maple Leafs were limited to four shots for the entire period.  The penalty kill is working hard – and it’s also starting to pay dividends in the offensive zone.   The Blues scored two shorthanded goals in this period.  The first followed good work by David Backes who pressured Tomas Kaberle into a dangerous turnover.  Backes took the puck behind the net and attempted a wraparound goal.  The puck squirted out to TJ Oshie who, with Giguere sprawled on the ice, made no mistake with a practically open net for his 12th goal of the season.

The Blues second shorthanded goal was a absolute delight.  A solo, unassisted goal by Alex Steen who broke out of the defensive zone and carried the puck behind the Maple Leafs goal.  He battled for the puck against, at first, two Maple Leafs, and then four.  Steen never gave up and, surprisingly, came away with the puck and scored a briliant wraparound goal on a very surprised Giguere.

The Maple Leafs came out for the third period 3-0 down – and they really piled the pressure onto the Blues.   Chris Mason was superb – making 15 saves in the final period alone – and the Blues wrapped up the game with just over 6 minutes left.  Crombeen took the puck behind the Maple Leafs goal and centered for Jay McClement.  McClement dragged the puck to the right and passed across goal to Crombeen who had a simple tap in.

For the Blues, it was a job well done and it must have been very sweet for Alex Steen to score and Carlo Colaiacovo pick up an assist against their old team.  Two sorely needed points now take the Blues to only four points behind the seemingly freefalling Calgary Flames who currently hold 8th place.  Anyway – your game report:

• The Blues Official Site has the recap, highlights and interviews with TJ Oshie, David Backes, Chris Mason and Davis Payne.
• St Louis Game Time Game Day Thread – with a difference. It’s a combined thread with the Maple Leafs fans. So brace yourselves…
• Dan O’Neill of the Post Dispatch points out that whilst the Blues won, they have a bigger challenge tonight with comments from Chris Mason, David Backes and Capitals Coach, Bruce Boudreau.

So, in their final game before the Olympic break, the Blues face the Washington Capitals at Scottrade.  Alex Ovechkin is in town – and the Blues have one hell of a game on their hands.  Puck drops at 7pm – and this one is going to be a doozy.