Word is USA hockey is currently contacting American born players who have NOT been selected to the USA roster for the 2010 Olympics.
There will be some players whose names made the USA short list and have been subjected to drug testing over the last several weeks that will not make the club.
So far things look rather strong for three St. Louis Blues players hoping to represent the United States in Vancouver.
T.J. Oshie, Erik Johnson, and David Backes have not heard from USA hockey as of this morning which is obviously a good sign when evaluating their chances of being named.
Blues goaltender Ty Conklin's chances of making the team were slim but his name was added to the list early this season. Conklin was notified earlier this week that he did not make the club.
Blues Clues!
There's a strong chance Blues forward Andy McDonald misses tonight's clash vs. Vancouver because of the flu.
Daid Backes will take McDonald's spot on a line with Keith Tkachuk and Brad Boyes.
Word is Paul Kariya is feeling better after suffering a head injury last Sunday vs. Buffalo.
Derek Armstrong will play his first NHL game this season tonight and play with Cam Janssen and Brad Winchester.
Look for Armstrong to make his presence felt early in the game. He's been very frustrated this season spending more time than he thought he would in the Peoria. The Swine Flu as well as injuries have certainly contributed to his lengthy stay.
Armstrong by the way does not need waivers even on a regular callup because he doesn't earn more than $105,000 in the AHL. He will need waivers to be sent back to the AHL if he spends either 30 days or plays in 10 NHL games whichever comes first. His 30 day/10 game clock does not begin until he's taken off of emergency waivers.
Erik Johnson returns to the lineup after being scratched Tuesday night vs. Nashville.
Blues tough guy D.J. King hopes to be cleared to return to the lineup after seeing the Doctor this afternoon. He's missed several weeks with a broken bone in his hand.
What a great opportunity for Roman Polak to represent his native Czech Republic in the Vancouver Olympics. He has quietly elevated his game in recent weeks.
Andy Murray had assistant equipment trainer Ray Halle roller skate around the Blues locker room while burning sage in an effort to destroy any evil spirits that might be contributing to the Blues struggles at home.
Yesterday's story....
What else do you say right about now? It’s rather simple when evaluating the St. Louis Blues. When you don’t play 60 minutes and struggle in your own end it’s pretty hard to win in the NHL.
At least one player has admitted to me that it’s become a mental issue for the Blues when playing at home. One could look at this as an excuse but at least he’s being honest here.
According to Andy Murray the Blues save % at home this season is somewhere around 86%. That won’t get it done.
I don’t know about you but I’m pretty burnt out discussing the Blues woes at home. What else is there to say? If the Blues miss out on the playoffs we will all know why.
On to Erik Johnson….
Yes that was the Blues “franchise player” in street clothes watching the Blues once again disappoint the home fans.
I don’t have any real issue with Johnson sitting out. He’s admitted that his recent play has been below standards.
That doesn't mean he wasn’t steaming mad at the decision for him not to dress. In my opinion he should be mad, if he wasn’t something would be wrong.
From what I’m being told scratching Johnson was an “organizational decision” as opposed to the usual coaching decision. Obviously Andy Murray made the final call but he certainly had the support of Blues management.
Having Johnson sit out a game was a perfect opportunity for the 21 year old to sit back and watch the game from the pressbox. Oh wait he didn’t, instead he worked out during the game with Blues Strength and Conditioning coach Nelson Ayotte which is customary for Blues players who don’t play during home games.
There's a lot to be gained by sitting out a game and watching from the pressbox. Having an opportunity to see the natural flow of a game as well as how certain situations develop gives a player a perspective obtained obly by watching from high above. Why this opportunity wasn’t taken advantage of is puzzling. Having him workout during the game as opposed to actually watching and learning makes no sense.
I remember when Joel Quennville was the Blues Head Coach it was mandatory for players who didn’t dress to watch the game from the pressbox.
Under Murray Blues players who don’t play watch the games fromm the pressbox when the team is on the road.
Regardless, Johnson’s play for one reason or another has dropped off in recent weeks and it’s hard to argue he didn’t deserve to take a seat for a game. His offensive production has taken a dip and his play defensively has shown little progress. Johnson tells me he needs to improve his play away from the puck. In other words it’s about details. Little things such as understanding proper body positioning, marking your man, and showing better awareness are areas he’s admitting the need to improve.
I’m not about to make a big deal out of Johnson sitting out one game. He’s basically played 1 ½ years in the NHL and is returning from a very serious knee injury that forced him to miss an entire year of NHL action. I don’t care how much experience you have, that’s a difficult situation to overcome and at some point one would have to assume not playing for a full year would eventually take its toll.
The idea of sitting Johnson out didn’t happen overnight. This has been a well thought out process that could have been happened several games ago. If Johnson approaches the situation like a professional sitting one out can be beneficial if handled properly. There is nothing wrong with sitting back and recharging the batteries and taking time to refresh.
You could make the case that Johnson is slightly worn out. He spent the entire summer on the ice in preparation for the season and probably worked harder than any other player on the Blues roster during the off-season. His minutes may be a little high for a player who sat out all of last season.
Johnson is learning on the fly how to play the toughest position in the game. It’s obvious he’s blessed with natural ability, but learning how to best use those skills is a process. There’s a fine line of knowing when to lug the puck up ice or attempting the long stretch pass through three or four sticks versus just making the safe, simple, easy play. There is a risk, reward factor when dealing with a player of his caliber combined with inexperience. Improving on picking his spots and knowing the right time to try and make certain plays is something Johnson needs to work on. The adage has always been to allow the puck to do the work for you.
There’s a reason why the Blues made this kid the first overall pick back in 2006 and the coaching staff can’t be afraid to let him play his game. With that being said I understand he needs to be smart in terms of making quality decisions. At the end of the day he brings a dimension other players on the Blues roster don’t and he can’t be afraid to make a play or a mistake for that matter.
The last thing Johnson needs to be worried about is living up to the expectations that come with being drafted first overall. The only thing he should be concerned with is improving and becoming a better NHL player.
Too often this season Johnson tries to do too much and it looks like he’s trying to set the world on fire when he touches the puck.
Anyone who’s paid attention the Blues the last few years understands he’s not the only young player to hit a bump in the road or deal with some growing pains. Alex Pietrangelo, Patrik Berglund, and David Perron have all had their share of adversity in their short careers.
Considering it’s not even January and the club has already lost 13 games on home ice, the issues surrounding this club go well beyond a 21 year old hitting a wall. There is absolutely no reason he doesn’t return to the lineup Thursday night when the Blues play Vancouver.
Rink Rats!
New Jersey D-man Paul Martin is expected to return in about four weeks from a forearm injury and should be able to play in the Olympics. He had surgery about one week ago.
Look for the Czech Republic to name their Olympic roster on Wednesday.
Every NHL player hoping to play in the Olympics have had to notify USADA of their whereabouts everyday since October 15th. USADA can show up any day to administer random drug tests to the players.
Word is Mathieu Schneider’s unhappiness bouncing in and out of the Canucks lineup led to him being placed on waivers.
Can anyone really argue Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller isn’t the best goaltender in the NHL?
Blues Clues!
The Blues looked at signing Schneider this summer but it appears they have no interest in claiming the veteran D-man.
D.J. King hopes to return to the Blues lineup any day now. It will be interesting to see how the Blues handle having both Cam Janssen and King in the lineup.
Don’t expect an extension on Johnson to be announced anytime soon. After missing last season it’s still a little early before the Blues determine what they feel his number should be moving forward.
I’m told to expect Paul Kariya to miss some time after taking an elbow to the head last Sunday. A concussion has been speculated, if that’s the case he will need to pass several tests before being cleared to return.
Peoria radio broadcaster Brendan Burke and Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star have put together a weekly web tv show. This is a link to a recent episode http://rivermen.net/news/current/index.html?article_id=2107
Cam Janssen will join me for Blues Buzz Wednesday night at Johnny Mac’s sporting goods on Watson Rd. The show can be heard on the Fan 590 beginning at 5:30.
It was nice catching up with goaltender Patrik Lalime last Sunday. The guy had as rough of a time as it gets here in St. Louis and it’s a great story that he’s played well enough to stay in the league. One of the true good people I’ve covered.
He told me the Blues don’t put enough on the goaltender and don’t force them to make second and third saves off of rebounds.
Both Alex Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo will be free agents following this season. Both players had strong games in Tuesday’s loss to Nashville and are making decent cases to be re-signed beyond this year.
.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
[email protected]
More to come,
Andy Strickland
[email protected]
What else do you say right about now? It’s rather simple when evaluating the St. Louis Blues. When you don’t play 60 minutes and struggle in your own end it’s pretty hard to win in the NHL.
At least one player has admitted to me that it’s become a mental issue for the Blues when playing at home. One could look at this as an excuse but at least he’s being honest here.
According to Andy Murray the Blues save % at home this season is somewhere around 86%. That won’t get it done.
I don’t know about you but I’m pretty burnt out discussing the Blues woes at home. What else is there to say? If the Blues miss out on the playoffs we will all know why.
On to Erik Johnson….
Yes that was the Blues “franchise player” in street clothes watching the Blues once again disappoint the home fans.
I don’t have any real issue with Johnson sitting out. He’s admitted that his recent play has been below standards.
That doesn't mean he wasn’t steaming mad at the decision for him not to dress. In my opinion he should be mad, if he wasn’t something would be wrong.
From what I’m being told scratching Johnson was an “organizational decision” as opposed to the usual coaching decision. Obviously Andy Murray made the final call but he certainly had the support of Blues management.
Having Johnson sit out a game was a perfect opportunity for the 21 year old to sit back and watch the game from the pressbox. Oh wait he didn’t, instead he worked out during the game with Blues Strength and Conditioning coach Nelson Ayotte which is customary for Blues players who don’t play during home games.
There's a lot to be gained by sitting out a game and watching from the pressbox. Having an opportunity to see the natural flow of a game as well as how certain situations develop gives a player a perspective obtained obly by watching from high above. Why this opportunity wasn’t taken advantage of is puzzling. Having him workout during the game as opposed to actually watching and learning makes no sense.
I remember when Joel Quennville was the Blues Head Coach it was mandatory for players who didn’t dress to watch the game from the pressbox.
Under Murray Blues players who don’t play watch the games fromm the pressbox when the team is on the road.
Regardless, Johnson’s play for one reason or another has dropped off in recent weeks and it’s hard to argue he didn’t deserve to take a seat for a game. His offensive production has taken a dip and his play defensively has shown little progress. Johnson tells me he needs to improve his play away from the puck. In other words it’s about details. Little things such as understanding proper body positioning, marking your man, and showing better awareness are areas he’s admitting the need to improve.
I’m not about to make a big deal out of Johnson sitting out one game. He’s basically played 1 ½ years in the NHL and is returning from a very serious knee injury that forced him to miss an entire year of NHL action. I don’t care how much experience you have, that’s a difficult situation to overcome and at some point one would have to assume not playing for a full year would eventually take its toll.
The idea of sitting Johnson out didn’t happen overnight. This has been a well thought out process that could have been happened several games ago. If Johnson approaches the situation like a professional sitting one out can be beneficial if handled properly. There is nothing wrong with sitting back and recharging the batteries and taking time to refresh.
You could make the case that Johnson is slightly worn out. He spent the entire summer on the ice in preparation for the season and probably worked harder than any other player on the Blues roster during the off-season. His minutes may be a little high for a player who sat out all of last season.
Johnson is learning on the fly how to play the toughest position in the game. It’s obvious he’s blessed with natural ability, but learning how to best use those skills is a process. There’s a fine line of knowing when to lug the puck up ice or attempting the long stretch pass through three or four sticks versus just making the safe, simple, easy play. There is a risk, reward factor when dealing with a player of his caliber combined with inexperience. Improving on picking his spots and knowing the right time to try and make certain plays is something Johnson needs to work on. The adage has always been to allow the puck to do the work for you.
There’s a reason why the Blues made this kid the first overall pick back in 2006 and the coaching staff can’t be afraid to let him play his game. With that being said I understand he needs to be smart in terms of making quality decisions. At the end of the day he brings a dimension other players on the Blues roster don’t and he can’t be afraid to make a play or a mistake for that matter.
The last thing Johnson needs to be worried about is living up to the expectations that come with being drafted first overall. The only thing he should be concerned with is improving and becoming a better NHL player.
Too often this season Johnson tries to do too much and it looks like he’s trying to set the world on fire when he touches the puck.
Anyone who’s paid attention the Blues the last few years understands he’s not the only young player to hit a bump in the road or deal with some growing pains. Alex Pietrangelo, Patrik Berglund, and David Perron have all had their share of adversity in their short careers.
Considering it’s not even January and the club has already lost 13 games on home ice, the issues surrounding this club go well beyond a 21 year old hitting a wall. There is absolutely no reason he doesn’t return to the lineup Thursday night when the Blues play Vancouver.
Rink Rats!
New Jersey D-man Paul Martin is expected to return in about four weeks from a forearm injury and should be able to play in the Olympics. He had surgery about one week ago.
Look for the Czech Republic to name their Olympic roster on Wednesday.
Every NHL player hoping to play in the Olympics have had to notify USADA of their whereabouts everyday since October 15th. USADA can show up any day to administer random drug tests to the players.
Word is Mathieu Schneider’s unhappiness bouncing in and out of the Canucks lineup led to him being placed on waivers.
Can anyone really argue Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller isn’t the best goaltender in the NHL?
Blues Clues!
The Blues looked at signing Schneider this summer but it appears they have no interest in claiming the veteran D-man.
D.J. King hopes to return to the Blues lineup any day now. It will be interesting to see how the Blues handle having both Cam Janssen and King in the lineup.
Don’t expect an extension on Johnson to be announced anytime soon. After missing last season it’s still a little early before the Blues determine what they feel his number should be moving forward.
I’m told to expect Paul Kariya to miss some time after taking an elbow to the head last Sunday. A concussion has been speculated, if that’s the case he will need to pass several tests before being cleared to return.
Peoria radio broadcaster Brendan Burke and Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star have put together a weekly web tv show. This is a link to a recent episode http://rivermen.net/news/current/index.html?article_id=2107
Cam Janssen will join me for Blues Buzz Wednesday night at Johnny Mac’s sporting goods on Watson Rd. The show can be heard on the Fan 590 beginning at 5:30.
It was nice catching up with goaltender Patrik Lalime last Sunday. The guy had as rough of a time as it gets here in St. Louis and it’s a great story that he’s played well enough to stay in the league. One of the true good people I’ve covered.
He told me the Blues don’t put enough pressure on the goaltender and don’t force them to make second and third saves off of rebounds.
Both Alex Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo will be free agents following this season. Both players had strong games in Tuesday’s loss to Nashville and are making decent cases to be re-signed beyond this year.
.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
[email protected] 
St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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