Paul Kariya remains in Colorado where he continues skating in preparation to return to NHL action this post-season.
One Blues official told me he is skating “like a rocket” as he rebuilds his strength following surgery on both his right and left hips.
I have had multiple Blues players tell me Kariya has passed the necessary tests to receive clearance to play, but we all know the intensity and physicality of play in the playoffs is at a completely different level.
The tune of the Blues all along has been when Kariya says he’s ready then he will start practicing with the team in preparation to play.
I know the Blues packed several of Kariya’s sticks before making the trek up north and several players told me they expected him to be available in at least one of the opening games in Vancouver.
The Blues are smart not to say when they expect him back because they don’t want to put themselves in position to be wrong and get the fans hopes up. It serves little purpose to make any type of promises when the club is uncertain when he will play.
If there is one clear advantage Vancouver has over St. Louis it is obviously the offensive production Vancouver gets from their defense.
Vancouver has four D-men who registered at least 25 points on the year led by Kevin Bieksa who totaled 11 goals and 43 points. When you include Willie Mitchell’s 23 points the Canucks top 5 defenseman totaled 35 goals and 153 points during the regular season.
The six D-men the Blues will open the series with combined for 99 points and only 12 goals this season led by Carlo Colaiacovo’s 30 points, 29 of which were in a Blues uniform.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea if the Blues switched Colaiacovo and Oshie so the one time shot becomes an option on the power play. With Colaiacovo being a left shot he can’t get off the one timer playing on the left side. He is forced to stop the puck which allows the opposing forwards to catch up to the play and cut off the shooting lane.
The Blues power play is doing well the way it is but they would possess a much greater threat up top if the Blues D-men were a threat to shoot the puck.
It would be nice to see the D slide down every once in a while as well but it’s clear they prefer to keep the strong side high.
A big key for St. Louis will be how effective the Blues shutdown line of Jay McClement, B.J. Crombeen, and Alex Steen do going head to head with the Sedin twins and Alex Burrows.
These three combined for 5 goals and 8 assists for Vancouver in the four games played between these two teams this season.
I’m sure this line will see plenty of the Sundin, Demitra, Kesler line as well although Keith Tkachuk is likely to draw this assignment at first.
The Blues and Vancouver are two of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs. These are two of the best teams over the last 30 games, neither team is stumbling in and both cities are energized after missing the playoffs last season. The last three seasons for St. Louis.
Both the coaches and their teams are very familiar with each other, there are very few secrets this time of year.
The Blues have little to lose heading into the playoffs considering no one expected them to be here and the organization is way ahead of the game.
I would happily disagree with those who suggest St. Louis is just happy to get in. Say that to veteran players such as Keith Tkachuk and Jay McKee and tell me if the team isn’t expecting to win some games.
It sounds obvious but the series simply comes down to who plays best.
Rink Rats!
Colorado forward Paul Stastny will not participate in the World Championships for team USA as he continues to recover from injury.
Atlanta D-man Ron Hainsey will represent USA in the worlds.
Former Tampa Bay GM Jay Feaster is a strong candidate to become the next GM in Colorado.
Don’t be surprised if Tony Granato is re-assigned in the Colorado organization and the club turns to Patrik Roy.
Blues Clues!
There is a rumor that Toronto forward Lee Stempniak could be in attendance for an upcoming playoff game in St. Louis.
Blues Buzz will broadcast live from Johnny Mac's this Thursday night from 6-7. The show can be heard on 590 the fan KFNS and www.kfns.com
The entire Blues organization has benefited from Manny Legace playing in Peoria. He’s gotten the team in the playoffs and just as important allowed future Blues like Jori Lehtera, Aaron Palushaj, and Alex Pietrangelo to gain valuable experience playing in the AHL.
Is it strange having Jeff Cowan who is property of Vancouver playing for the Peoria Rivermen during the playoffs?
Aaron Palushaj weighed in at just over 170 pounds in Peoria which will nearly make it impossible for him to play in St. Louis next season. He needs to get much stronger before he transitions into the NHL.
Carlo Colaiacovo’s twin brother Paulo is a goalie who has professional experience playing over in Europe and the CHL. He took Belleville to the Memorial Cup back in his junior days. Could the Blues give this kid an opportunity to attend a Blues minor league camp next fall? He's won two CHL championships as well as two championships in Europe. He had a deal with Phoenix before having knee surgery just before this season.
All Blues games in round one will be televised on either FSN or KPLR channel 11. The VS games will be blacked out locally.
The Blues will share gate revenue with the NHL in the playoffs but will be getting additional playoff revenue through their local television deal.
Blues talks involving a trade for Chris Mason began last April even though the trade wasn’t executed until late June.
Good to see Scott McKay and the good people from Stifel Nicholas enjoying the Blues final home game last Friday. Stifel Nicolas sponsored the Blues team poster which was handed out as part of fan appreciation night.
I’m told Yan Statstny has been unbelievable for Peoria since being sent down. He made Chris Porter a much better player since arriving in Peoria.
Pietrangelo played for Peoria the other night after getting up at 4:00 am and traveling all day. Word is he showed great skill poise with the puck.
After hitting the wall promising prospect Jonas Junland has turned it back on. Pretty impressive rookie season for the D-man scoring 13 goals.
James Livingston has been sent back to the OHL.
T.J. Fast will be assigned to Alaska today.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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