Indeed EK....barring injury or any more suspensions...think we see the same lineup from here on out in this series. If we advance...who knows what Q will do.
- philco28

Agreed.

Jesus, is Miller pulling that crap?

It's going to get interesting if the Blues bow out to the Hawks. If Miller is that pissed, maybe he finds a new home this summer? Elliott is a UFA too.

That could create a black hole in goal for the Blues next season.
- EKolb13

And I would argue that Goaltender wasn't a very weak point before the Miller trade.

I think St Louis gets shaken up quite a bit if/when the Hawks give them a first round exit.

Johnny O is RIPPED.
- CBHawks88

Omfg .

Swoll

Or.... Like my coworker thinks... Oshie over Toews and Kane... He actually said this to me... I wish I was making this up..
- PhilMeister89

TJ, the all star with 5 points in 22 career playoff games is better than 2 guys with the Conn Smythe. Got it

- DarthKane

That is a strong looking human

TJ, the all star with 5 points in 22 career playoff games is better than 2 guys with the Conn Smythe. Got it
- rollpards19

Just ask Dan Bernstein. Backes is better than Seabrook.

TJ, the all star with 5 points in 22 career playoff games is better than 2 guys with the Conn Smythe. Got it
- rollpards19

Apparently....

Just ask Dan Bernstein. Backes is better than Seabrook.
- EKolb13

For reference Kruger had 5 points in 23 games last year, so he's about as productive as our 4th line center.

CANCEROUS
- philco28

Time to step up the pressure

And I would argue that Goaltender wasn't a very weak point before the Miller trade.

I think St Louis gets shaken up quite a bit if/when the Hawks give them a first round exit.
- PhilMeister89

To some extent, yes. Morrow, Roy and Ott will probably be gone. I guess they could promote Jaskin to replace one of them. Then there's Ty "Princess" Rattie at the AHL level. From what I've seen, I don't think that kid is even close to ready yet. Beyond those two, the pickings are slim, at least at the AHL level for them.

For reference Kruger had 5 points in 23 games last year, so he's about as productive as our 4th line center.
- rollpards19

As whiny as Ryan Miller wants to get, the pipe and crossbar bailed him out on two goals as well

So he can point the finger on those two as well...

Looks more like a boxer than hockey player
- Uncheckable21

Thought the same...

To some extent, yes. Morrow, Roy and Ott will probably be gone. I guess they could promote Jaskin to replace one of them. Then there's Ty "Princess" Rattie at the AHL level. From what I've seen, I don't think that kid is even close to ready yet. Beyond those two, the pickings are slim, at least at the AHL level for them.
- EKolb13

Are those all top 6 guys? Also, like mentioned earlier as well possibly Miller and/or Elliot leave too. Do you think Hitch gets a break or is he shown the door?

Are those all top 6 guys? Also, like mentioned earlier as well possibly Miller and/or Elliot leave too. Do you think Hitch gets a break or is he shown the door?
- PhilMeister89

Hell if I know.

If they lose to the Hawks in the first round, that could possibly turn into a soap opera real quick.

Hell if I know.

If they lose to the Hawks in the first round, that could possibly turn into a soap opera real quick.
- EKolb13

I can't wait...

I just want to bring up a point, Wiz, and hear your wise response. But please be under control - I know that you can be emotional if you believe someone has a ridiculous opinion or point - of - view.
Re: Versteeg inclusion in the line up

My concern PREVIOUSLY was echoed by perhaps a larger than 50% majority here on this board. Versteeg was afraid of contact and was avoiding being checked.
So is Morin a possibility over Versteeg? Just asking?
- jhawk59

Actually don't care in 80% of the board says Versteeg sits...I (if coach) play him.

Morin isn't as fast, as schooled in small areas and Morin's biggest weapon is a huge quick release from the periphery not a greasy area scorer.

Versteeg afraid of contact is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
(Almost as silly as Duncan Keith is unable to stop guys in front-remember that one? )

The guy was a defenseman, fearless and has a great stick.

I just don't get why this seems to be an issues since you and everyone know Q doesn't ever change line-ups after wins.

Please me I think Morin's gun could be an asset, but think back about which players he played with during his run...would he, in the playoffs, be playing with those two guys?
(I am not saying who they are b/c if you watched you know who they are..)

I just don't see who sits for him to play...obviously you think it would be simple transition for Saad and Shaw to take on Morin as there wing and he makes an easy transition and things move flawlessly on?

I just don't think Morin can instinctively do the things that the veteran Versteeg does, so there is an attack zone press and the guy in deep is still back up ice in coverage.

I am not gonna rip Morin, because he is a comer, and as Ben Smith did several years ago (THREE SEASON after he makes the team as a regular),Morin may get some ice if there is an injury or a if there is a loss where someone does need sitting. Versteeg has don little to earn banishment in my opinion.

I know many prefer seeing replacement even if guys aren't ready to take the reigns, as in the choirs of Teravainen no matter what opinions to gut the present team to make Cap room for HIM.

I just think your selling Versteeg short, and banking on a future being a present.

Are those all top 6 guys? Also, like mentioned earlier as well possibly Miller and/or Elliot leave too. Do you think Hitch gets a break or is he shown the door?
- PhilMeister89

No way Hitch gets the boot

He nearly handed STL a presidents trophy until they were riddled with injuries to finish the year

They will point to Oshie and others playing injured as well as Backes getting knocked out as the reason STL faltered

Hitch will be around for at least 1 more season IMO

Fell asleep just as the Blues tied it up at the end of the 2nd. Awesome to wake up and see the Hawks pulled out a W in overtime

He did and his penalty is just about served.
- philco28

To reiterate - I love Seabs (in a fan/hockey player sort of way). You rightfully call Sharp Glue Guy and I think Seabs is one of the team's glue guys as well. He's a great teammate and player; and the deal with Backes doesn't change my opinion of him one bit. And I'm glad Brookbank and the rest of the d-men have had his back - I'm sure they want to go 3-0 without him to show they have his back.

Ya, I could never understand why St Louis wanted him so bad... Better them than us though I suppose...
- PhilMeister89

The Central Scouting Service seduces NHL teams into over-projecting with players especially defenseman.

Big + good skater = superstar, and a lot more to it, beside a nice up ice game at the NHL level.

To reiterate - I love Seabs (in a fan/hockey player sort of way)
- mohel

Don't lie, your love for him runs deeper...

Fell asleep just as the Blues tied it up at the end of the 2nd. Awesome to wake up and see the Hawks pulled out a W in overtime
- SotaPopinski

did you just wake up now?

Did I use the term impressive?

Jesus, do you think I'm arguing that Bollig deserves to be in the line-up over someone else? All I was pointing out that Bollig is able to lay a more physically harder hit than Morin. That's all it was.

If you're arguing from the point of who should be in the line-up because of performance, I guess everyone has their opinions.

Regardless of opinion, when has Q actually made a change to the line up that he wasn't forced to make in this series?
- EKolb13

A couple heavy shots affect a game and series more than a bunch of light taps. Bollig lays the wood in a way that affects the other guy. You are right - if Morin goes in for Bollig, the Hawks have more scoring threat, but less heat.

TJ, the all star with 5 points in 22 career playoff games is better than 2 guys with the Conn Smythe. Got it
- rollpards19

I have said it before and will say it again. In the biggest game of their professional lives, both Backes and Oshie were fighting for residence on a milk carton. The only forwards who didn't play like they were afraid of the moment in Canada-USA game were Kane, Pavelski, and Parise.