Blues Win; Killer Instinct Still Needed.
by gallagher on Dec 5, 2009 7:13 PM CST
49 comments
First things first: They got the two points, which is important.
However....
The trend of not being able to finish off the end of a game is becoming a problem. The Kings score tonight with 34 seconds left to force OT. The Red Wings score with 57 seconds left to force OT and end up getting the win. The Stars score with 26 seconds left on Nov. 25 to force OT. It's a trend now and it's got to be addressed.
Much like the extra gear players have to access come the playoffs, the Blues need to have an extra gear to go to when teams pull their goalie and put 6-on-5 pressure on the Blues net. This year the Note have shown an inability to exercise that extra "want" when the other team is desperate. They need to find a way to be on the puck and to clear the puck.
Coaches will call it stepping on the necks of their opponents. It's a killer instinct that teams have to have to exert their will on their enemies. It's an inexact science and I'd have to say it's one of those "I know it when I see it" qualities. The Blues need to identify their closers and have them on the ice in these situations.
But enough of that for now. The Blues did what they had to and got the two points, making it four for Cali and pulling themselves within striking distance of Detroit (currently up one point) and Columbus (up two points, game in hand) and continuing to distance themselves from the Western Basement (three points from ninth-place Vancouver).
Next up is the surprisingly good Avalanche, who have been falling back a bit lately (3-4-3 in their last 10 before tonight's game) and can be beaten.
Some other notes from today:
- Brad Boyes scored twice today with imperfect shots; the one in the second period was a whiff that eluded the goalie and the shootout goal hit Quick and still bounced over his shoulder and got in. If the hockey gods have any compassion at all, Boyes will take this as a lesson and realize that his shots don't have to be perfect roof shots to get in the net. Hit the target, NAMBLA, hit the target and good things will happen.
- T.J. Oshie is getting his motor running again and it's good to see. Add to that Patrik Berglund's confident play and the excellent play of David Perron again and I know that I for one am starting to calm down the slowly building panic I was starting to feel about the young forwards.
- Speaking of the youngsters, Roman Polak and Erik Johnson both looked solid again, boosting confidence in the future, while Darryl Sydor looked a step slower than normal and Barret Jackman looked like he forgot how dominant and angry he was agaiant San Jose Thursday. Young guys, show the old guys. Seriously, let's get this squared away.
- Chris Mason has one and is playing great. Ty Conklin has started to grow one and has been great. It's officially time to Fear The Beard. My recommendation is to make it team policy to start growing them. Besides, you know Oshie's and Perron's would be high hilarity.
- No idea why Paul Kariya can't score at home, but he clearly still has the ability. That power play slapshot was freaking Viagra. One of the broadcasters made the assertion that Kariya has been the team's best forward for the last couple weeks. Slow down, fella. He hasn't been the best, but I will say that he has shown a willingness to take a hit that was absent earlier in the year and I think it has helped his all-around game.
- Oh, and finally, I don't know what it is about Tim Peel and his ability to make bad calls against the Blues, but the wave-off of the first goal because of goaltender interferance was complete cockfuckery. As Dominik pointed out in the GDT comments, it's frustrating when referees make calls based on the last split-second of a play. Tkachuk was around the goaltender interference, but it was caused by the Kings defenseman in the crease.
Next game is Monday night, but feel free to stop by anytime, we're always here for you.
And for those of you wondering what I mean by visual Viagra, here's Exhibit A:
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Good Points
I think the young Blues have been the best players all year. Especially considering the talent of the Veterans on the team. EJ and Peron are the best players (Besides the goal tending). Mason has looked scary lately for reason though and Kariya is starting his engine but really he should be the best player on the team and get the most points on the team…..Right? 6 Million! Come on tell me most of the 6 million dollars players have more points than Kariya…
don't fall into the trap of
salary = production
Kariya was paid the big bucks because it’s not easy to get a name player to come to a basement team. He was the big free agent splash that grabbed fans’ attention and (hopefully) put butts in seats. It took 6 mil to make it happen.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 5, 2009 8:35 PM CST up reply actions
6 Mil
Has he won a cup, has Walt…..That is why I thought we got these guys….To win a cup…They should want it bad….We all want it bad! Real Bad! I love hockey and the Blues but I want the cup and the Blues can do it. They have the Talent, just go out there and win the freakin cup
You say that
like there aren’t 29 other teams that also want to do the same thing. Those guys are also paid pretty damn well to chase the same goal.
Kariya hasn’t won a cup, but HAS played in the finals…. that video is why Paul Kariya is such a legend.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 5, 2009 9:29 PM CST up reply actions
They should have lost in regulation
NJ kind of lost it about halfway through the game. Kind of disappointed they got the pity point.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Thank you for referencing my rant about that stupid interference call and not my now-disproven line about Kariya not being able to shoot anymore. Viva Viagra!
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
Whatever It Takes
I was in the car for the 3rd period.
I celebrated the Kariya PP goal by pounding the hell out of my steering wheel with my fist.
Said celebration was repeated after winning in the shootout.
My hand hurts.
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Dec 5, 2009 8:55 PM CST reply actions
Detoilet loses to the Devils and you guys win
Good times for you guys
Space Weed Says Telling it like it is without a care about the mainstream's feelings
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Dec 5, 2009 8:55 PM CST reply actions
Sorry about your Leafs tonight, though. :(
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
I don’t know why, but it seems as though we always get shafted by a horrible call at least once a game.
I do agree that we need that killer instinct, but I think at the same time they are just getting to the point where we are being able to play with some confidence and having faith in their abilities. I am starting to lessen my doubts and fear about the team this year. I really do think we’ve turned the corner. Still as you said, we need to be able to keep that tying goal out.
Barret Jackman is my hero.
Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun.
yea bad calls happen to us always. or non calls. blues are gonna win the cup boyes will shine
by Blue Note on Dec 5, 2009 9:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
completely off topic ....
from the fake Roman Polak twitter….
California is weird. Smells like Vancouver (fishy) but the people are pretty. I don’t know, it’s just weird.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 5, 2009 10:03 PM CST reply actions
just a rumor
I heard.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 5, 2009 10:13 PM CST up reply actions
You mean we're not about to
trade Brewer or Ovechkin? Damn.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 6, 2009 12:29 AM CST up reply actions
FOR Ovechkin?
/fail
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Dec 6, 2009 12:29 AM CST up reply actions
Nah, us capitals really need a better 1D, so we’ll give you Ovechkin and Green for Brewer. Deal?
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Shhhhhhh . . .
don’t blow it!
One day, David Backes and Albert Pujols will combine forces to become the most awesome piece of violent force known to man.
Finally I get to see a Blues winner in SoCal
The last 3 Blues games I’ve gone to here in SoCal we’ve come up short so it was nice to see us best the Kings who’ve been playing well lately. This was my first trip to the Staples Center for a hockey game, I saw the Eagles there a couple years ago but I usually go to Ducks games since there are less murders in the OC (Orange County).
The train ride down was a death march, missed my connection and had to shanghai some Tijuana taxi in El Monte to make it just in the nick of time. Whatever it takes baby!!!
1st King’s goal was on Eeej, he was chasing the puck hard and just let up causing Paulie Walnuts to try and save the day. Not sure if PK tripped or was tripped but once he went down it was in the net. I was in the low corner where the 2nd wounded duck goal tumbled over Mason’s shoulder. Ugly goal.
Teeej was his usual kamikaze. Berg just looks like tits on a boar hog out there. I did see him finish a couple hard checks but every time he got the puck he was going the wrong way or reversing to a backhand only to get pinched off. Frenchie really gets some good chances almost every shift.
Sean’s comments about not have that extra gear is exactly what I was thinking as they tried to fend off yet another surge late in the turd period. Even the KIngs fans next to me sensed the Blues were about to blow it late. Our passing is our other weak area, just too many soft passes and passes to areas where they are simply no Blues.
PK was 1st star. I got a Luuuuuuc bobblehead for my ordeal. It was odd not seeing more folks in the seats on a day to honor Lucky. Had some fine roast beef at Lawry’s next door on the way out. Jim Beam’s were $7 a pop inside the stadium. Bathroom lines weren’t bad.
I met one Blues fan with a Jackman jersey on who said he is on SLGT. I forgot to ask him his screen name. MY decals didn’t get here in time so I did the cardboard and printed out the logo off my SLGT paper. Saw another cute girl with a 3rd jersey on but didn’t get to talk to her. Saw another Blues jersey going out so this game had more Blues fans the the Ducks even with a lesser crowd.
Ticket $49
Train ticket $23
Cab Fare for train fuckup – $35
Watching a Blues winner = priceless
crappy cellphone pic of the celebration at center ice. The Blues stayed huddled up at center ice after the Boyes goal for what seemed a long time. Not sure what the occassion was. Anyone?
Some days its just not worth chewing through the restraints
by spectr17 on Dec 5, 2009 10:52 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Nice recap, spectr.
Lots of over-long Blues hugging is a good thing. Maybe they had an impromptu team meeting.
It finally clicked
Living in LA+Blues Fan= Jon Hamm
Therefore, Jon Hamm= specter17.
Nice post, Don Draper.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
by Mike Martin on Dec 5, 2009 11:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I wish I had Hamm's mug
In the poozle captial of the North America it would come in handy.
Jason, a fan I met after the game. He insisted on holding his bobblehead upside down for the pic. I like Luc too much to do that myself.
Luc’s jersey retired in Nov.
Some days its just not worth chewing through the restraints
Beauty!
One day, David Backes and Albert Pujols will combine forces to become the most awesome piece of violent force known to man.
that's great!
Good to know there are Blues fans in the LA area too.
BLUE SKIES - new St Louis Blues hockey blog.
"If you prick me, do I not...leak?"
"I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without cause."
"I am programmed in multiple techniques, a broad...variety of pleasuring..."
RIP Lt Commander Data
by drfrankentweed on Dec 6, 2009 11:16 AM CST up reply actions
Man
that was great. I was over at parents house so had to keep quiet when Paulie scored THAT goal. So worth it though.
I’m very glad I kept faith with him in my fantasy hockey team!
BLUE SKIES - new St Louis Blues hockey blog.
"If you prick me, do I not...leak?"
"I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without cause."
"I am programmed in multiple techniques, a broad...variety of pleasuring..."
RIP Lt Commander Data
This last-minute lead-blowing is troubling...
… but it’s merely a microcosm of the problem the Blues have all season in terms of playing with a lead. The words “aggression” and “forecheck” seem to disappear from the Blues’ vocabulary as soon as they get a third-period lead, and the team just turtles up in its own end and basically treats the rest of the game as a 5-on-5 PK.
It doesn’t matter which lines are on the ice, or how well they were able to carry the play earlier in the game… once the team goes into its shell, the time-of-possession clock and the shot counts both seem to heavily favor the other guys, while the Blues start taking the lead in categories like Icing The Puck, Getting Outworked In The Corners, and Winning The Defensive-Zone Faceoff But Passing The Puck Right To An Opponent’s Stick .
I don’t know. Maybe they played this way last year, and Mason stood on his head enough to keep one-goal leads from turning into ties. But that’s irrelevant, because the goals are getting into the net THIS year. And if the Blues’ hopes for reaching the playoffs rested on having an unconscious goalie for five months, it’s just about time to get cracking on Plan B.
i dont know about you folks but it would be nice to win one in regulation
Im not complaining.
Somliga tänker på framtiden och upprörd. Fheiceáil de börjar raket och skyddsrum. Fheiceáil De TJ Oshie, börja ett nedfallet tak. "
My offer for Tim Peel to suck on a bag of dildos . . .
oh yes, it still stands. That fuckbag.
Anyway, nice to get a win over the Fighting Slovenian Skeletors.
One day, David Backes and Albert Pujols will combine forces to become the most awesome piece of violent force known to man.
"/>
i’m just getting an “Account Inactive” image from Photobucket
Some days its just not worth chewing through the restraints
Wasn’t that way earlier today.
/Hotlinked.
//Phuck Fotobucket.
Let's go Blues!!!
by Milo. on Dec 6, 2009 3:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It WAS a cartooned carhop with two bags in his outstretched arms with the slogan, “Go eat a bag of dicks” imprinted above his heard.
Let's go Blues!!!
by Milo. on Dec 6, 2009 3:49 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i believe it is
gamefaxe policy to say
“My A offer for tim peel”
A strong anvil fears no hammer
by Childhood Trauma on Dec 6, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
I'd be willing to give it
community support. For sure.
One day, David Backes and Albert Pujols will combine forces to become the most awesome piece of violent force known to man.
powerplay.
With a decent power play many of these games would not be nail biters. The Blues powerplay scored one but also gave up a short handed goal.This extra action may result in a tired team later in the season. If the Blues dont fix the powerplay playoff status is questionable. Maybe a new Coach also at the end of season. Berenson Geezer.
John hamm
I’m jason. The guy holding the upside down bobblehead. Spectre is not John Hamm since I met him when he took my pic. I sat next to two other blues fans and we all held our bobbleheads upside down during the shootout. I suggest trying it in the future. Has Roman Polak ever been asked about the twitter account, because if it’s him then he is my new favorite blues player. The team always plays better without Brewer. He doesn’t skate anymore. His defensive style is to just stand in front of the net and sweep his stick. He’s been injured so often that he’s afraid to go into the corners anymore. Same with Boyes, he needs to skate harder. He has a great initial burst then lets off and tries to make impossible moves. His speed should get him around people. Later, BLEED BLUE FOREVER
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