Time For Steen to Play Top Six Role?
For the second straight game the Blues surrendered 2-0 leads en route to shootout and overtime losses to Dallas and Chicago respectively. No, the ceiling isn’t caving in and there are plenty of positives to point to as we inch closer to the ten game mark. The Blues aren’t playing bad hockey, they’re seeing plenty of zone For time, getting plenty of shots, they’re just not finishing. There’s no reason to be worried here but there are some adjustments that can be made.
But, it’s all about results and the Blues had no business losing that game. They controlled the play much of the game and gave up a two goal lead. You really can’t sugarcoat that.
I question some of the players Davis Payne elected to use in the overtime session. If you’re not a top six forward, you should not see the ice in overtime.
It was good to see David Perron get his first couple of goals of the season. It comes as no surprise that his first was a superb individual effort that beat Blackhawks goaltender Marty Turco. The line of Perron, David Backes, along with T.J. was solid throughout the game as they generated the majority of the Blues scoring chances. It’s no secret that Oshie is the guy every Blues player wants to play with. The guy is an awesome hockey player who in my opinion could be utilized more.
Coming into the season several people throughout the league were raving about the play of Alex Steen following his breakout year from a year ago. You can tell Steen is pressing right now and is feeling the pressure of getting his first goal of the year.
Is he being limited by not playing with offensive players?
I think B.J. Crombeen and Jay McClement are very good hockey players but the balance we saw at both ends of the ice last season hasn’t been there. Watching the Blues you can see teams are making an effort to take #20 away. Opposing teams have no problem playing 4 on 4 hockey against Crombeen and McClement. It’s easily apparent Steen is trying to do way too much on his own and would probably admit he needs to simplify his game a little bit.
Playing Steen with more offensive players would certainly help alleviate some of the pressure he’s facing right now. I know he’s a responsible player and brings an all around game to the ice but the Blues didn’t put a four year contract in his back pocket to play on the third line. Giving him some offensive minded line mates would no doubt take the heat off of Steen and get him more involved in the offense. If anything it would force teams to not just key in on shutting him down as they would have to account for his linemates as well.
This is far from a shot at McClement or Crombeen who serve an important purpose on this hockey club but they also play a conservative game. The Blues shouldn’t want or need Steen to play conservative hockey.
It’s a little different than say a Dave Bolland who Joel Quenneville matches up against opposing top lines. The difference with Bolland is that he doesn’t care who he’s matched up against, he’s out there to be a plus every night. He’s looking to beat the players he matched up against offensively as much as he is defensively. The more I watch Bolland I think he’s one of the more underrated players in the game. He did an unbelievable job last season in the playoffs outplaying some of the best players in the world.
McClement and Crombeen are both very useful hockey players but they’ve separately admitted they shouldn’t be playing more minutes than the Blues top offensive players. This is a proven recipe that really hasn’t worked in recent years here in St. Louis. We already went through that charade the last few years under Andy Murray. Seeing these two guys eat up more ice than Oshie, Backes, Perron, McDonald, Boyes, and Berglund is in my opinion not the best thing for this hockey club. You can’t be afraid to play power vs. power which is something Davis Payne has told me he’s willing to do. I know every game takes on a life of its own but you’d be hard to convince me Crombeen or McClement need to play close to 20:00 minutes to be effective as they did Monday night. I say this as one of their biggest supporters.
If Payne is going to be successful he’s got to adjust to the players he has.
Who should Payne take off his top two lines to make room for Steen? Tough question to answer, that’s why they pay him the big bucks.
I had one scout ask me Monday night, why can’t Perron score more goals than Patrick Kane?
The overtime goal scored by Patrick Sharp was an obvious breakdown in defensive coverage. That can’t happen. This guy is Mr. Johnny on the spot as he just always happens to be in the right place at the right time.
I was surprised the referees didn’t see Jonathan Toews holding Barret Jackman’s stick under his arm on Marian Hossa’s second goal that tied the game at 2-2.
There was certainly excessive traffic in the crease of Blues goaltender Jaroslav Halak all game long. You have to give Chicago credit for being in his face. Once the refs decided they weren’t going to call it early on it paved the way for the remainder of the game.
Cam Janssen is expected to be examined by the Doctor today and it’s possible he could see a return this weekend. That’s iffy though as he’s been off the ice for several days. Considering the type of game he needs to play the Blues will be cautious with Janssen.
I thought Erik Johnson was better Monday night. I don’t mind a boarding penalty here and there, he’s a big boy that needs to use his strength and size to his advantage. He could probably make quicker decisions defensively but overall I thought he was physically strong. I’m far from worried about his game offensively. He’s a guy who gets points in bunches and it’s only a matter of time before he busts out. Johnson was credited with six blocked shots in the game.
Word is the Blues have had some contract extension discussions with David Backes. No confirmation if they are ongoing but there have been some talks.
October 23rd is Hockey Day in Missouri, this is a great opportunity for kids to learn to play the game for free. Go to http://www.HockeyDayInMissouri.com for more information.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
strickland.andy@gmail.com
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I think it's clear that Boyes needs to be dropped down. I don't care if this guy needs to be propped up to regain his confidence, the verdict is proven time and time again on the ice that he's a player that's gone from hero to zero really quickly. He had two golden opportunities last night (one I'll give him a semi pass on as the puck was rolling on his stick), but with a gaping net he failed to score on a puck laying flat just above the crease in the low slot area. This has been his M.O. for the past season now. Also I'm going to throw some ire in the direction of McDonald as he was guilty repeatedly missing the net in the past couple of games. He is only effective when he's using his speed to dart into shooting lanes,....however his work is nullified when he fails to get a shot on target.
What was that call on Halak for interference?? Please explain to me that last time a goalie has ever purposefully grabbed onto a stick blade with his trapper before. Clearly a coincidence that that unfortunately happened and a terrible call ensued.
These guys need to learn to play a full :60, as last night it bit them in the bum for not providing full effort when they should have shut the door on the 'Hawks. Sure, Halak's bogus call led to the PP goal, but they needed to regroup and deny Chicago the momentum that they ended up wrestling away from the Blues in order to get the GTG in the net. That's a mental lapse more than a physical fatigue thing. It just can't happen.
Is it me, or do the Blues need a Tomas Holmstrom type of their own that has a nose for the net and can get some of these loose pucks in the crease area in the net for garbage goals? Maybe a call to Sutter in Calgary inquiring about Niklas Hagman might be in order as Hags has a nose for the net and we can use him considering the amount of shots we're getting in on net. Just a thought....
Someone needs to explain to me why in the world the Blues re-signed Brad Winchester. I think I'd rather have Janssen out there than him.
On a positive note, I continue to be impressed with Pietrangelo.
Andy,
How's that Eric Brewer Reduced Ice Time thing going???? Is he still adjusting?
Like Andy said, they're playing pretty good hockey overall. Even if they continue to play like this, they're on pace for about 97 points, which is about where I think they'll wind up. What they need to work on, which seems to have carried over from last year, is their ability to weather the storm so to speak when the opposition starts forechecking relentlessly and applying pressure. They've got to be prepared for that, especially late in the game when they have a lead.
I like the idea of putting together a line of Steen, Sobotka, and D'agastini. D'agastini should at least be on the third line in place of Crombeen. flag this comment
For now maybe Payne should just make sure to cycle him to the top 2 lines more during the game. I solution I like is to reduce Brad Boyes' 5 on 5 time and make him more of a PP specialist, i.e. let him save his gas to play all out on the PP. You can then have Steen take that time on the top 6 and have one of the 4th liners, who deserves it, take the extra time on the 3rd line.
i have to say so far i have been most impressed by Alex Pietrangelo. if the BLUES make the playoffs, Halak and him will be the two biggest reasons why. reminds me so much of Brian Leetch. all over the place in the offensive zone and still gets back and plays decent D.
BB22 should be demoted to 4th line or Peoria or better yet trade him while MGMT can... he's is mirroring Cheechoo to point of being version 2.0 of him!
(look at there stats side by side and you will see the results coming!)
and yes Steen should be in the TOP 6 he has earned it and should get a chance to perform on one of those two lines for awhile. he can't do any worse then what BB22 has done for the last 87 games!
Why did Berglung not get a single shift in OT?
The Blues look scared for the first 10+ minutes of the game they were very hesitant to do anything. Jackman did not look very good and too many times left his partner in bad spots, if he is going to be playing with Petro he needs to step up instead of letting Petro make the plays. On the OT goal Jackman should not be the last Blues player to enter the D zone he did not even look like he was trying to get back he was just gliding down the ice instead of skating then once he got to the zone he never picked up anyone just stood in front of Halak.
Petro looked dynamic once again. Berglund put together another complete, consistent game; he's slowly learning where to skate
Petro looked dynamic once again. Berglund put together another complete, consistent game; he's slowly learning where to skate & where to put his frame. Brewer actually looked good! He's beginning to become a little more chippy & assertive in the corners. I like it . . .
Regarding Steener, I agree that he needs to swap spots w/ Boyes or form a new 3rd line w/ Sobotka & Dago. W/ a couple exceptions, most of our top line forwards are more than capable of fulfilling their defensive assignments; that said I wouldn't lose any sleep if Payne relegated McClement, Winchester & Crombeen to 4th line minutes.
Indeed, I would second the notion as to why the Blues are wasting a roster spot on Winchester.
Andy it's pretty simple to answer your question about how to get Steen more offensive players. The Blues can easily have three scoring lines. Sobotka, Steen and D'Ags. Sobotka was traded b/c he wants to have a shot at playing a more offensive game. Understand putting him on the fourth line in first game so he could get his feet. The fourth line McClement, Crombeen and atm Winchester. I'd prefer to see someone like Chris Porter. Who should never see the ice???? Cam Janssen.
Watch the replay Andy not only did the refs not call anything but Hossa literally crashes the net as Halak makes a save at the top of the crease. He takes Oshie into the net, stands in half of it, reaches outside the crease and pulls the puck back under himself. I don't get it. The first one Oshie gets interfered with just before the play is made.
I concur Crombeen and McClement shouldn't be on the ice on four on fours. Payne appeared to really fear Hossa's line.
Kane is such a greasy, greasy player.
Just a thought.
We do have assets down low that are interesting. And finally management figured out that you need to create an environment of winning at all levels. People question McRae's speed and skating but all he does at every level he plays at is score. Porter and Della Rova are both strong checkers with speed and can also score.
But if you question Boyes's ability to produce be sure other's notice and won't just want to take him and give much in return.
We need most of all is to see Jackman and Brewer replaced. A coach that trusts his players and rolls out four lines. the Blues as Andy pointed out went against their philosphy and tried to play to hold onto a game against a dangerous team. They need to continue to attack. Some positives were during a line change a player floated a shot on goal and forced an offensive zone face off. That's smart hockey especially against a team with such a great transition game.
In every game there's going to be times when the other team takes the play to the Blues, where they may look bad. this is the NHL. The Blues just need to dictate the game flow for the majority and show resiliance. Which they have done for the most part. Now they need to be able to finish more. Easier said than done. Every game on the road we encountered great performances by the opposing netminders. Admist that the Blues need to find a way. They need more defensemen like Johnson, Petro and Polak who do their parts and can make the transition game more effective. Brewer wasn't horrible the last game. But between him and Jackman every game they make poor decisions in their own zone with the puck. Sometimes against the strong side of the forecheck they try to force the puck on the boards on that wing...? Why? This is where you see what Petro can add. He can create space and passing lanes by making a couple of moves down low.
As far as McClement and Crombeen - if they are seeing ice time in OT and they are getting more TOI than your top offensive players you are just flat-out being outcoached.
You are so concerned with "matchups" that you're allowing the other coach to run your bench.
Foolish.
Memo to Davis Payne for Friday night: Hossa likes to park at the side of the net.....
But let's look at the nature and texture of the game. Few penalties and lots of icings on both sides. Two battle lines were drawn by the Hawks, the first was just before and after the blue lines and the second was the Blues crease.
Where I have a problem is if the officials aren't going to make the proper call YOU CAN NOT LET A TEAM BEAT UP ON ONE OF YOUR STAR PLAYERS ESPECIALLY THE GOALTENDER. That's when you need to look to send a message. Not a simple stupid let's drop the gloves but a viscious edginess where that team pays for it even if it costs you a penalty. Make their players think twice before thinking being in the Blues netminder's crease is anyway an okay thing to do. Not just a any cross check but send someone like Winchester out there and let him get kicked out of the game. Punish them. It doesn't have to go as far as Bertuzzi episode but it does need to be viscious. Because if they think they can cheat your team and the officials aren't going to do their job to protect the players someone needs to. A tough guy tapping another tough guy is a weak and useless message.
Maybe the Blues need to go at Turco a la Geoff Courtnal on his butt. Have a guy again, useless like Winchester and say go bowl him over, knock him on his butt.
But five games into the season you have to feel pretty good about this team. Games I've watched around the league shows me there aren't too many teams this good out there period. The east is pretty weak. Tampa Bay might have a line and a power play but otherwise they have all sorts of slowness and issues on their team, especially goaltending. flag this comment
I like a lot of what I've seen so far. Considering the median age of this roster I think there's a lot to be optimistic about. Halak is really something special.
But there's clearly some tendancies that have carried over from last season that still need work. Especially from some of the guys that are the veterans on this team.
The problem I'm seeing with Boyes is that he's seeing the same results as last year with the puck. It's no longer just plain bad-luck, the guy is turning all of his lumber into sawdust with how hard he's pressing. flag this comment
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look up "precipitously".........
flag this comment
• (of a change to a worse situation or condition) sudden and dramatic :
As in going from a 56 goal season to not being able to make a team on a try out just five years later at the ripe old age of 30. Guys have career years and then they settle back to reality, Andy Mcdonald has done the same thing. Comparing a player to Jonathan Cheechoo is a flat out insult.