The wild just stole Prosser back BTW
- cuethenoise

Butler has been TERRIBLE. This complicates things unnecessarily. I hope Army can talk Lindbohm into an AHL deal once Gunnar is healthy, if his European contract even allows it.

The wild just stole Prosser back BTW

I don't think Jaskin has a chance this year unless we have some injuries. Hitch alluded to us carrying 8 D this year already so we only really have one spot for a extra forward, which I think will be MPS or Fabri. Here is how I see it:

Berglund Backes Oshie
Schwartz Lehtera Tarasenko
Steen Statsny Lindstrom
Lappy Ott Reaves

with either Fabri or MPS as extra Porter has NO chance here.

Bouw Shatty
Lindbohm Petro
Jackman Cole

with Leopold and as extras. Gunnar will most likely be on IR so Butler will start in that other spot.
- cuethenoise

I think losing Prosser forces them to keep 8 d-men unless a deal can be worked out where Lindbohm is allowed to play in Chicago. If Lindbohm goes back to Finland, they do not have anyone they can call up to play or fill in with any sort of injury or two. Butler has been terrible and I would not trust on the roster at all.

Poor roster management imho with poor timing of when to try and expose Prosser to waivers UNLESS Army did Prosser a favor knowing that the Wild were going to claim him which would be possible. This is the best time to do it if you knew the Wild were going to claim him regardless. Treating a player right does get around and influence free agents.

I think losing Prosser forces them to keep 8 d-men unless a deal can be worked out where Lindbohm is allowed to play in Chicago. If Lindbohm goes back to Finland, they do not have anyone they can call up to play or fill in with any sort of injury or two. Butler has been terrible and I would not trust on the roster at all.

Poor roster management imho with poor timing of when to try and expose Prosser to waivers UNLESS Army did Prosser a favor knowing that the Wild were going to claim him which would be possible. This is the best time to do it if you knew the Wild were going to claim him regardless. Treating a player right does get around and influence free agents.
- stljam

I think the Prosser thing was on purpose. I think it pretty much guarantees that Lindbohm is here to stay at least as the 8th D. And as I said Hitch has already said the guys are trying for the 6, 7, 8th D. Also it is an option in his contract to go back to Fin. He can play in the AHL if he wants to I believe, but would you want to take a pay cut and play in the AHL?

I think the Prosser thing was on purpose. I think it pretty much guarantees that Lindbohm is here to stay at least as the 8th D. And as I said Hitch has already said the guys are trying for the 6, 7, 8th D. Also it is an option in his contract to go back to Fin. He can play in the AHL if he wants to I believe, but would you want to take a pay cut and play in the AHL?
- cuethenoise

The contract problem is likely his Finnish contract, not his Blues contract in that the Finnish contract is likely only released if he is playing for the Blues. He would have to negotiate a buyout of his Finnish contact to play in the AHL which would never work from a money standpoint.

If he didn't have the Finnish contract, I am convinced Prosser is still here and Lindbohm is down in the AHL. Gunnar's health is the big question mark in all of this. If he doesn't play Saturday, look for him to go on IR and Lindbohm definitely has a spot. If he isn't on IR, I still think they carry 8 D as they have no other NHL ready defensemen which is a problem if injuries occur.

How about some good news?

How about some good news?




- stljam

Woah what wing just got Mario'd by the linesman?

How about some good news?




- stljam

here is Lehtera owning!

recap posted. Fabbri hurt (shoulder or wrist). The kid just isn't strong enough yet.

recap posted. Fabbri hurt (shoulder or wrist). The kid just isn't strong enough yet.
- stljam

I don't think it is because he isn't strong enough, it looked like just an awkward hit and was pinned against the boards. NHL strong players get hurt all the time. It's not right to say he got hurt because he isn't strong enough.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is his collar bone, the way he skated back to the bench didn't look good.

He would benefit from bulking up some, but I don't think it is right to just say he isn't strong enough.

How about some good news?




- stljam

Linesman's tryout tape for the WWE? "And off the far ropes... A FLYING KNEE TO THE JAW!!!"

I don't think it is because he isn't strong enough, it looked like just an awkward hit and was pinned against the boards. NHL strong players get hurt all the time. It's not right to say he got hurt because he isn't strong enough.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is his collar bone, the way he skated back to the bench didn't look good.

He would benefit from bulking up some, but I don't think it is right to just say he isn't strong enough.
- carcus

The kid was a rag doll Tuesday night against the canes getting tossed around and knocked down all over the place (I counted at least 6 times and I didn't start counting until I noticed that I thought it was happening too much). I'm not saying the injury was only because he isn't strong enough but the western conference grind would chew this kid up imho until he puts on more muscle and gets a bit stronger on his skates.

I'm not knocking him for it. It really is how it should be as he has to get used to getting hit by 21-35 year olds vs getting hit by 17 year olds, for example.

Linesman's tryout tape for the WWE? "And off the far ropes... A FLYING KNEE TO THE JAW!!!"
- eggsegan

I could watch that for hours

The kid was a rag doll Tuesday night against the canes getting tossed around and knocked down all over the place (I counted at least 6 times and I didn't start counting until I noticed that I thought it was happening too much). I'm not saying the injury was only because he isn't strong enough but the western conference grind would chew this kid up imho until he puts on more muscle and gets a bit stronger on his skates.

I'm not knocking him for it. It really is how it should be as he has to get used to getting hit by 21-35 year olds vs getting hit by 17 year olds, for example.
- stljam

So, kind of like Oshie?



I wasn't at that game, but he looked great in the Dallas game in KC, and last night ended pretty early so it is hard for me to say anything about that game.

All I am saying is you were talking about him not being big enough or strong enough before Tuesday. There is probably some preconceived judgement from that Tuesday game. Like the guy who sits behind me and hates Jackman and just looks for things to be mad about. Not saying that you are mad or anything at Fabbri, but when you look for things before hand, most people will see them, even if they aren't nearly as bad as you think they are.

Maybe he was thrown around, I don't know. At the same time, pretty much all of our players have been thrown around in games at one point or another. (When they were good enough to be playing in the NHL.)

So, kind of like Oshie?



I wasn't at that game, but he looked great in the Dallas game in KC, and last night ended pretty early so it is hard for me to say anything about that game.

All I am saying is you were talking about him not being big enough or strong enough before Tuesday. There is probably some preconceived judgement from that Tuesday game. Like the guy who sits behind me and hates Jackman and just looks for things to be mad about. Not saying that you are mad or anything at Fabbri, but when you look for things before hand, most people will see them, even if they aren't nearly as bad as you think they are.

Maybe he was thrown around, I don't know. At the same time, pretty much all of our players have been thrown around in games at one point or another. (When they were good enough to be playing in the NHL.)
- carcus

Imho, a lot of oshie's falls are due to him trying crazy skating moves, stuff a lot of guys would never even try (sharpness of angles, deepness of knee bend, etc). Those crazy aggressive skating positions automatically put him with a less center of gravity and make him easier to knock down. Fabbri was getting thrown around when he should have been in a stable/strong position.

Fabbri not being able to absorb the hit, a hit that wasn't a big hit at all, is just more data that supported what I saw Tuesday. Very limited pool of data for certain but lots of data points within the limited data timeline that suggest a conclusion.

Fabbri's hands, vision and hockey IQ looked great Tuesday. He made a poke check, pass play that was the move of a wily veteran, not a rookie. This kid has big upside and reminds me of Perron with some of his vision and hands but I think this kid may have even more potential upside.

Imho, a lot of oshie's falls are due to him trying crazy skating moves, stuff a lot of guys would never even try (sharpness of angles, deepness of knee bend, etc). Those crazy aggressive skating positions automatically put him with a less center of gravity and make him easier to knock down. Fabbri was getting thrown around when he should have been in a stable/strong position.

Fabbri not being able to absorb the hit, a hit that wasn't a big hit at all, is just more data that supported what I saw Tuesday. Very limited pool of data for certain but lots of data points within the limited data timeline that suggest a conclusion.

Fabbri's hands, vision and hockey IQ looked great Tuesday. He made a poke check, pass play that was the move of a wily veteran, not a rookie. This kid has big upside and reminds me of Perron with some of his vision and hands but I think this kid may have even more potential upside.
- stljam

But players get hurt all the time on hits that look harmless. Getting a shoulder/collar bone injury because someone gets you just right is not a sign of him not being able to absorb a hit.

I am trying to remember the Berglund hit that got him injured last year. I don't remember it being a big hit, just the way it goes sometimes. Berglund can absorb a hit, right? Just found it, the hit was harmless, yet he got hurt by it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pIPlPUHy38

But players get hurt all the time on hits that look harmless. Getting a shoulder/collar bone injury because someone gets you just right is not a sign of him not being able to absorb a hit.

I am trying to remember the Berglund hit that got him injured last year. I don't remember it being a big hit, just the way it goes sometimes. Berglund can absorb a hit, right? Just found it, the hit was harmless, yet he got hurt by it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pIPlPUHy38
- carcus

What you are saying is true but my belief is that his odds of it happening are higher due to his relative lack of physical maturity.

FYI Fabbri not on the ice at practice today. Hopefully it isn't anything too serious or long term.

hitch quote on Fabbri -

"I think he's proven that he's more than competitive, but then there's other factors that come in here too. It's a long season, it's a big man's game. Any time you have great younger players like he is, you've got to look out for their careers, not just 'Can he help us?' He's proven he can help us tomorrow, today, yesterday ... but we've got to look out for his career. So there's lots of discussions moving forward."

I wonder if they can IR him. If so, it would free up a roster spot, delay their decision longer, allow Blues doctors/therapists to treat him, allow him to learn from Nelson on nutrition and fitness, be in the meetings to learn the systems more, etc.

They ruled out Gunnarson for the season opener. With Prosser gone, it's looking like Lindbohm will at least get a chance to start the season with the big club.

It appears that Cole isn't exactly grabbing that spot on the bottom pair despite being penciled in earlier. Judging by Hitch's comments, it appears Jackman is locked into the 5 spot on the left side and Cole, Leopold, and Lindbohm are fighting for 6,7,8.

I'm interested to see if Armstrong makes any deals in the next few days. The emergence of Fabbri may make it easier for him to deal a left wing or even a guy like Rattie. There are plenty of teams that would put him on their starting roster opening night.

They ruled out Gunnarson for the season opener. With Prosser gone, it's looking like Lindbohm will at least get a chance to start the season with the big club.

It appears that Cole isn't exactly grabbing that spot on the bottom pair despite being penciled in earlier. Judging by Hitch's comments, it appears Jackman is locked into the 5 spot on the left side and Cole, Leopold, and Lindbohm are fighting for 6,7,8.

I'm interested to see if Armstrong makes any deals in the next few days. The emergence of Fabbri may make it easier for him to deal a left wing or even a guy like Rattie. There are plenty of teams that would put him on their starting roster opening night.
- fattyboubatty

Would love to see a rotation of Cole, Jackman and Leopold - playing 2 of 3 every night based on hot hand, matchups, regression, progression, etc. Keep Jackman and Leopold relatively fresh and hope Cole learns and progresses. This would be after Gunnar is healthy. In the meanwhile add Lindbohm and do 3 of 4 and see if Lindbohm displaces Cole (which he may already be doing).

Sad day in St. Louis all.

ST. LOUIS • A fan at Thursdays night's St. Louis Blues game died after falling from an escalator in the Scotttrade Center, officials said.

The victim was a woman, 34, who fell off an escalator on the second floor of the building at 1401 Clark Avenue, police said. She died at St. Louis University Hospital. Her name was not released.

Police said the homicide unit was notified but that the incident appeared to be an accident.

The Blues were playing the Minnesota Wild in a pre-season game.

Would love to see a rotation of Cole, Jackman and Leopold - playing 2 of 3 every night based on hot hand, matchups, regression, progression, etc. Keep Jackman and Leopold relatively fresh and hope Cole learns and progresses. This would be after Gunnar is healthy. In the meanwhile add Lindbohm and do 3 of 4 and see if Lindbohm displaces Cole (which he may already be doing).
- stljam

Yeah, I havent gotten the chance to see Lindbohm play but Hitch made some interesting comments about how he played better the feistier the game got. That's my one knock on Cole, when the pressure is turned up, he tends to bow to it.

I know you've seen at least one or two games, have they played Lindbohm on the right side at all?

Yeah, I havent gotten the chance to see Lindbohm play but Hitch made some interesting comments about how he played better the feistier the game got. That's my one knock on Cole, when the pressure is turned up, he tends to bow to it.

I know you've seen at least one or two games, have they played Lindbohm on the right side at all?
- fattyboubatty

I've seen 3. I only remember seeing him on the left, other than temporary switches of course, but I wasn't paying specific attention to it.

Cole was not as good last night as in the first game we saw.

I've seen 3. I only remember seeing him on the left, other than temporary switches of course, but I wasn't paying specific attention to it.

Cole was not as good last night as in the first game we saw.
- stljam

I know they've had him with Pietrangelo on the lineups. If he sees any regular season action, that's probably where he'll be as Hitch said he's basically been filling in for Gunnarson.

Just a couple years ago we were so thin on the left side, now we don't have enough righties. Leopold has been around long enough I would say he could probably handle the right side on the bottom pair. I dont know about Jackman though, he has a hard enough time handling the puck on his fore hand much less having to be on his back hand all night.

I know they've had him with Pietrangelo on the lineups. If he sees any regular season action, that's probably where he'll be as Hitch said he's basically been filling in for Gunnarson.

Just a couple years ago we were so thin on the left side, now we don't have enough righties. Leopold has been around long enough I would say he could probably handle the right side on the bottom pair. I dont know about Jackman though, he has a hard enough time handling the puck on his fore hand much less having to be on his back hand all night.
- fattyboubatty

I haven't been to any preseason games so I have not seen anyone play yet. I will take Jackman over Leopold anyday. Maybe because I like Jackman defending our net, YES I know he should not touch the puck and cannot help scoring at all. He is a BRUTE in our end and can defend well. As a 5-6 dman I pick him over Cole, Butler, or Leopold. Cole I was pulling for last year but mistakes and lack of playing time has made me think other wise. Jackman has been nothing but the player he is. You either love him or hate him it seems like.

Gunnarrson will probably end up pairing with Shatty leaving 4 to fight for the bottom 2. Prosser, I think Army knew minny wanted him back but Prosser only wanted a 1 way with Minny. Now they have him on a 2 way which is what they wanted with him.