Blues 6, Blue Jackets 1
The consistent inconsistency of the Blues this season has been both frustrating and a relief considering the hockey Blues fans were forced to watch in recent seasons.
With tonight's win over the Blue Jackets, suddenly the Blues have points in 5 straight games, going 3-0-2. After losing in overtime in Edmonton just three games ago, fans were revolting. Who could blame them when, at the time, the Blues had won only one of six?
It's amazing how quickly a fan base's psyche can be changed. Recently, people were starting to question Andy Murray. So what does he do? He throws together some new lines and the Blues erupt for the best offensive night of the year against a team that had shut them out twice this season.
Boyes - McDonald - Perron
You think this line might be here to stay? In their first game together, they find the back of the net three times. Two goals for new addition Andy McDonald and one for rookie sensation (okay, maybe 'sensation' is a little strong) David Perron.
Speaking of Perron, I thought he was the player of the game. Everyone knows how talented Perron is when he has the puck. Despite the fact that almost all his opponents boast more pure strength, he often manages to come away with the puck in one-on-one battles. That said, I'd argue his best asset is his forechecking. He's relentless in the offensive zone and gets the opposition's defense to cough up the puck time and time again. I was critical of the Blues after last game because they failed to attack, so it was refreshing to see a different mentality tonight.
Stempniak - McClement - Backes
The so-called 'Kid Line' played great tonight. David Backes played one of his strongger games as a Blue, not only because he scored a goal, but because he displayed a level of assertiveness that has been lacking from his game much of this year. If the Blues' scoring continues, keep this line together. But, I'm a little concerned that Jamal Mayers' presence on the Paul Kariya line won't be best in the long run. If that turns out true, expect to see Mayers swap places with Stempniak or Backes.
Kariya - Tkachuk - Mayers
Of the four new lines on the ice tonight, this one was the least impressive. Keith Tkachuk did a great job finishing of an Erik Johnson pass on the power play, but he really didn't play that strong of a game 5-on-5... which has been a problem for him in general recently. Kariya deserves some criticism too as he's been weak with the puck recently, at least based on what we've come to expect of him.
King - Johnson - Hinote
This line was finally rewarded at the end of the game for their hard work throughout the game. They might have spent more time in the offensive zone than any other line tonight, and I'll even admit that DJ King played a strong game. He's impossible to move and Adam Foote was clearly frustrated with King on more than on occasion. Too bad that in the Hands Department he makes Jamal Mayers look like Alexei Kovalev.
Legace's Record Breaking Streak
Rick Nash's third period goal ended Manny Legace's shutout streak at 187 minutes and 47 seconds, setting a regular season record for the Blues. The streak started on December 28th vs San Jose but really got going afer he took a puck to the head in practice before the Red Wings game on New Years Eve. More proof that goalies truly are a different breed.
Quote of the Year
Over the weekend, Blues prospect Nikolai Lemtyugov, a skilled Russian player fought Calgary defensive prospect Tim Hamholt. Lemtyugov, who rarely speaks to the media without a translator had this to say:
"I hate defensemen. I like to score goals, and those guys block my shots, hit my stick, so I'm going to fight them when they push me. I hate 'em."
You can watch the butt-whooping Lemtyugov put on Ramholt on
YouTube.
Blues Approval Ratings
At the quarter point of the season, I polled a handful of Blues fans to get their take on each of the players on the Blues roster.
Here is the result of that poll. Later this week the Blues hit the midway point of the season, so it's time again to poll Blues fans. If you interested in participating, shoot me a private message here on a HockeyBuzz (username:degroat) with your email address. I'll be sending out the emails Wednesday evening. Blues fans only, please!
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