Update: The Blues have recalled the AHL's third leading scorer, TJ Hensick from the Peoria Rivermen. Have to admit, I'm shocked. Hensick gets
another chance to prove his offensive skills can translate to the NHL. He struggled to keep up with Davis Payne's system in two stints last season. Not holding my breath he can do it in Hitchcock's.
How much does it say that the Blues went to the AHL for "scoring help" instead of bringing up a depth filler and putting the onus on Stewart?
Original Post
When neither Jamie Langenbrunner nor Andy McDonald took the ice for today’s practice the easy assumption was that both earned (or could use) a maintenance day. Pretty standard for players well advanced in their careers. Sadly that’s the case for only one of the two.
Andy McDonald is just fighting the flu bug. Jamie Langenbrunner has a broken foot and will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Aside from David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo, there may be no bigger loss to the Blues right now.
Langenbrunner’s presence is indescribably important, but cannot go without mention. He is one of Ken Hitchcock’s most trusted Lieutenants. Used to stabilize shaky lines and make the right plays at critical junctures. He is a standard setter to which all others are expected to follow. A true road warrior who plays the game the right way all the time.
The Blues are already without leading point producer on the road (and fellow stabilizer), Alex Steen (14 points in 18 games), and Matt D’Agostini who is third on the team in away goals with 6 in 23 games. Between today and March 20th there are 10 of 14 games away from Scottrade. That number goes to 12 of 16 extending to a back to back against Anaheim and LA on the 21st and 22nd. The Blues are 10-13-3 and have averaged less than 2 goals scored per game on the road.
Not to mention they've been struggling to maintain composure and their conpete level against the toughest teams in the league. They face two, Boston and Nashville, back to back this week.
See the problem?
Wrong player. Wrong time. Bad news.
Logic may dictate that for the near future Chris Stewart will get yet another chance to establish himself in on the top two lines. That’s not the case as Vladimir Sobotka will slide up to Backes’ line with TJ Oshie. David Perron will move down to Langenbrunner’s spot with Patrik Berglund and McDonald.
Sobotka’s never ending motor will help keep Backes and Oshie moving. McDonald’s speed and Berglund’s size should create a good amount of space for Perron to work in. Out of those players paying their dues and who are healthy, these two trios are the best options.
What does this mean for Stewart? He has yet to prove reliable enough to take more minutes. Take that as you will for the days leading up the trade deadline. Trying to get a read on what will happen to him is like trying to gauge distance while intoxiacated.
A recall from Peoria is forthcoming. Potentials include Evgeny Grachev, Brett Sterling, Adam Cracknell and Phil McRae. My money is on Grachev or Cracknell. Personally, I’d like to see Cracknell. The Rivermen captain has had a great season (13 goals, 37 points in 51 games) and was an impact player on the 4th line late last season as well. Has the size, speed, smarts and a shot to be an effective role player for Hitch. He can get in two games Wednesday and Thursday before heading back to Peoria for their three game weekend against San Antonio and Abbotsford.
Of trades and rumors
I don’t want to spend a ton of time on this, but let’s talk about the rumors/speculation regarding the Leafs and Islanders.
Interest in Grabovski? Why? They have a second line, European born center with some shooting ability and size. His name is Patrik Berglund. He’s signed for another season at a cheaper rate than what Grabovski will get on the open market come July 1st.
Interest in Luke Schenn? Why? They have a 4th or 5th defenseman who can play a physical defensive game. His name is Roman Polak. He’s signed for 4 more seasons at a rate over a million less than Schenn. Not to mention Polak is a much, much better skater and therefore better suited for the current system in place.
I'm not cutting down Schenn. He can be a very effective player who has room to grow still. However, he isn't ahead of Pietrangelo or Kevin Shattenkirk. There just isn't room for Schenn in St. Louis. Not as long as the Blues prefer to pair a left and right handed shot together.
Interest in Mark Eaton? Why? As I’ve said before, I’m also a Penguins fan. I have much respect Eaton’s contributions to the 2008 and 09 Finals teams. That said he is less effective than Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina. The Islanders may want a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but the Blues aren’t likely to pay that. Why would they for Eaton if they could have for the other two? Eaton fits the veteran depth defenseman with winning playoff experience, but the cost for return feels too low. If the price goes down, why bother selling if you’re Garth Snow?
Ty Rattie Hits New Heights
Ty Rattie may have been taken with the second round at last summer’s draft, but he certainly posses first round skill. In the Portland Winterhawks 7-2 victory Monday night he hit the 50 goal and 100 point marks in just 56 WHL games this season.
There were questions about Portland’s status as a top club without Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter this season. How would the remaining top tier talents response? In chats before the season with Hawks play by play voice Andy Kemper he said Rattie was one of those that needed to step up and fill in for the power players. It appears he has and some.
For those who remember Blues 2007 3rd round pick Brett Sonne’s 100+ point season in the WHL, Rattie’s accomplishment is much different. Rattie didn’t needed to be an overager to make the magic happen.
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