Sharks vs Blues First Round Preview: What You Need to Know & Watch For
Take a deep breath, it's not that bad...
Have Sharks fans broken out the Voodoo Dolls already?
The word from today's split practice session is that St. Louis Blues netminder Brian Elliott did not return for the second half of the on ice activities. Head coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters that the Masterson nominee has been nursing an upper body injury for a week and is considered day to day while he takes a few off to get back to normal.
To cover for Elliott the Blues have recalled Jake Allen from the Peoria Rivermen. His presence will allow for practices to continue as is leading up to the first round series opener versus San Jose at Scottrade Thursday night. The impact on the Blues' AHL affiliate is minimal as they're out of action till Friday when they play their final home game of their regular season. That said, they do want Allen back for that game as they're locked in a heated battle, a fourway tie at 82 points with two others close behind with 81, to grab one of the final four Western Conference entries in to the Calder Cup playoffs.
If for some reason Allen cannot make it back the Rivermen may be forced to play 2011 3rd round draft pick Jordan Binnington who just signed an ATO last Friday. Allen's backup, Alex Statlock is out with a broken finger. Far from good news Blues fans who care about what happens three hours north of St. Louis, but precedent will always be give to the needs of the NHL club. Really, there is no other option.
Hitchcock did point out that Elliott is not out of contention to be named the game one starter on Wednesday. Considering on Monday he said that in the playoffs if a player isn't dead, they're "day to day", it's safe to assume that such an assertion is not lip service to calm to masses.
At least at this time there is no need to overreact. Save the energy for when the games actually start.
Question of the Day: Which Blues player can the afford to lose to injury the least in the playoffs?
- Share you thoughts in the comments and I'll share mine tomorrow.
Blues Playoff Randomness
Each day I'll do my best to pass along my own thoughts as well as any news you can use relative to the Blues first round matchup against the Sharks.
- If Ken Hitchcock asked you for your opinion of what lineup should he dress Thursday, what would you tell him? Here are my lines and pairings:
Steen - Backes - Oshie
McDonald - Berglund - Perron
Sobotka - Arnott - Langenrunner
Porter - Nichol - Reaves
Pietrangelo - Shattenkirk | Huskins - Pietrangelo
Jackman - Polak | Jackman - Shattenkirk
Russell - Huskins | Russell - Polak
Brian Elliott
Though some may disagree, I believe the Blues are at their best when they work with a more "Brian Burke" type lineup. Not in the rabid truculence sense, but in terms of line balance. There are two clear lines of electricians and two comprised of plumbers. The top line is all purpose as duct tape. The second unit can bring a secondary offensive punch. The third line isn't a checking line, but more one that is responsible and works hard but can put a puck in the net as well. The fourth trio is like that big meat tenderizer you mom used to decimate steaks in to oblivion with.
On defense assistant coach Brad Shaw will need to play the matchup card perfectly considering the recent lapses and loose play on the backend. Jackman and Polak, who have extensive experience partnered with each other, do the heavy lifting in key defensive situations like own zone faceoffs and late in periods. Pietrangelo and Shattenkrik roll out in offensive zone draws. Russell and Huskins clean up the leavings. The second set of pairs is for instances where the playing the card correctly isn't as life or death.
In goal there is really no wrong answer as both Jaroslav Halak and Elliott have proven they deserve the opportunity to backstop this team through the post season. However, there can be only one and for me it has to be the best performer regardless of playoff experience. From end to end Elliott has been the more consistent netminder. He has earned my support even with today's news.
- The Blues, Fox Sports Mid West, KMOX and other corporate sponsors are putting together a pregame rally on Thursday. Festivities start at 4:00pm at the West Garage Plaza. There will be live music and alumni appearances (aka "say hi to Bobby Plager"). Head out and do your best to make it on TV as the event will be a part of the pregame coverage on FSMW.
- Your "rah rah" fan giveaways are...
Game One: Rally Towels
Game Two: Thundersticks
- Apparently the Blues' Stanley Cup odds according to Vegas is 15/2. Take that how you will and do with it what you will.
- For Illinois side fans, make sure to pick up hard copies of the Belleville News-Democrat. They're adding full page Blues posters to the paper starting tomorrow. Captain David Backes is first up.
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David Perron... a Darkhorse for the Conn Smyth? [Puck Daddy]
In the 57 games David Perron appeared in this season after missing more than a year due to a concussion, sustained playing the Sharks no less, the 23 year old winger has amassed 21 goals and 42 points. Don't forget 9 goals and 12 points in the final 18 games of the season. By recent Blues standards that's an impressive .7368 points per game pace or 60 points projected over 82 games. Had he done just that, Perron would have surpassed team leader David Backes by six points. On a team scoring by committee having one player jump out and lead the charge offensively can be weight that tips the scale in their favor. If the Blues are able to overacheive and bring the Cup to St. Louis, then it stands to reason that Perron's hot streak from the end of the regular season could carry over and lead to so much more. The "darkhorse" aspect is the Blues actually making it that far.
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Ken Hitchcock for the Jack Adams? [Nick Costonika, Yahoo]
No, this article isn't playoffs related, but it does talk about one of the primary reasons the Blues are in them. Therefore, it's relevant. High praise from one of hockey's best national writers. No love for Alex Pietrangelo (Norris), I'm sure Senators fans love his pick, and Backes (Selke). Hard to disagree with him on Dale Tallon and his claim to be the best GM in the league this season... as long as Doug Armstrong is the first runner up.
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Can't get enough of series previews? After reading and reviewing those here on Hockeybuzz, check out this peice from my podcasting partner in crime, Jeff Ponder.[The Hockey Writers]
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Thanks for reading.
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@JTQ_1
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