I don't like the glove position on Bishop at all on that last Prince goal.
- Jason Millen

Bishop didn't look good on any of those goals. He'll bounce back though.

I actually like the Islanders in that series. Tavares is playing his best hockey and they have a pretty well balanced defense. Tampa is too banged up.

Is it Friday yet?

http://www.usatoday.com/s...yoffs-thank-you/83597980/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/04/27/paul-bissonnette-st-louis-blues-stanley-cup-playoffs-thank-you/83597980/
- fattyboubatty

That's a great article.

That's a great article.
- bcallaway

Every player that comes through STL says they hate to leave

I am proud to be a blues fan when reading things like this because they seem to treat the players no matter the talent level the right way

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/04/27/paul-bissonnette-st-louis-blues-stanley-cup-playoffs-thank-you/83597980/
- fattyboubatty

Is it Friday yet?
- sycsam

I know, right?

Can't wait. LGB!

Every player that comes through STL says they hate to leave

I am proud to be a blues fan when reading things like this because they seem to treat the players no matter the talent level the right way
- sycsam

One of the qualities of the organization that's always been, too. And now two generations in to the history of the franchise we can see it pay dividends.

Why is a guy like Paul Stastny a native St. Louisan? Because his father came to St. Louis at the tail end of his career, played a handful of games with the Blues but liked the area and organization so well, he relocates here long term and raises his family here.

As do the Tkachuks, as do the MacInnis', Brodeurs, etc.

One of the qualities of the organization that's always been, too. And now two generations in to the history of the franchise we can see it pay dividends.

Why is a guy like Paul Stastny a native St. Louisan? Because his father came to St. Louis at the tail end of his career, played a handful of games with the Blues but liked the area and organization so well, he relocates here long term and raises his family here.

As do the Tkachuks, as do the MacInnis', Brodeurs, etc.
- bcallaway

I know we have a lot of games left but do we see the blues try and move up to get Matthew Tkachuk?

One of the qualities of the organization that's always been, too. And now two generations in to the history of the franchise we can see it pay dividends.

Why is a guy like Paul Stastny a native St. Louisan? Because his father came to St. Louis at the tail end of his career, played a handful of games with the Blues but liked the area and organization so well, he relocates here long term and raises his family here.

As do the Tkachuks, as do the MacInnis', Brodeurs, etc.
- bcallaway

An alumni team that could probably keep up with some teams.

I know we have a lot of games left but do we see the blues try and move up to get Matthew Tkachuk?
- sycsam

#Shattenkirk

I know we have a lot of games left but do we see the blues try and move up to get Matthew Tkachuk?
- sycsam

I can't see it. It sounds like he's slated to go now maybe in the top 2 or 3 in the draft.

It also might work better for him as a young'un to play elsewhere in the early parts of his career and make his own name. If a guy like that starts in St. Louis, his every move is scrutinized as compared to his dad. It's only natural.

And it's not really fair to him. It may not have affected a guy like Stastny as much had the Blues drafted him (probably when they should have - thanks Jarmo) because his dad wasn't the Blues icon that Keith Tkachuk is, or Al MacInnis.

Later, if they want to be here, you won't have to do a hard sell on the area, they'll be happy to come back home.

Sounds like Seguin to miss at least the first two games.

http://sportsday.dallasne...-five-days-starts-skating
- Jason Millen

Yes, I wonder if his return is contingent upon the outcome of those first two games. Clearly the Stars are still playing really well in his absence but I think it is very important for us to get off to a hot start this series. Similar to how we took Game 1 against Chicago when Keith was out (even though we played one of our worst games) - these are situations that you must take advantage of to win series.

#Shattenkirk


- carcus

Shattenkirk and our First to Edmonton for their first?

Yes, I wonder if his return is contingent upon the outcome of those first two games. Clearly the Stars are still playing really well in his absence but I think it is very important for us to get off to a hot start this series. Similar to how we took Game 1 against Chicago when Keith was out (even though we played one of our worst games) - these are situations that you must take advantage of to win series.
- Yeah Boyes

I am wondering if it is gamensship on the part of the Stars

I don't like for people to be hurt but rushing him back to play vs Minny might have cost them in this series

Not the Hawks fault that because of the way the seeding is set up they had to face another top 5 team in round 1.
- SimpleJack

Gotta play whoever is slotted in the bracket. 'Hawks simply didn't have that killer instinct this season. If they did, they'd be in big-D tomorrow. Period.

#Shattenkirk


- carcus

How about Laine? He might be better than Matthews.

How about Laine? He might be better than Matthews.
- Jason Millen

Get any of the top 3 and you should have a great player

Get any of the top 3 and you should have a great player
- sycsam

Think of the opportunity for an amazing goal video/sound clip when Walt Jr puts one up on the board though.

Think of the opportunity for an amazing goal video/sound clip when Walt Jr puts one up on the board though.
- Blue Clam

I hated the way Tom Calhoun would announce Tkachuck's name on goals. I don't want to have to do that all over again.

I hated the way Tom Calhoun would announce Tkachuck's name on goals. I don't want to have to do that all over again.
- bcallaway

Scored by number 7 Keith Tkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaachuk

"Blues were lucky and took advantage of a depleted defense made worse by Keith's 1 game absence. To the Blues credit the second line of Panarin, Kane, and Anisimov all but disappeared, forcing Quenville to go to the line blender. He couldn't roll 4 except in game 6, even though Bowman gave him an abundance to work with at forward. The MIA #4D slot (not really filled well by rookie TVR) was exploited and Crow was tested time after time. Elliott was outstanding especially in games 1 and 3 stopping multiple breakaways by all the Hawk top forwards. HE WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS SERIES! Add Tarasenko's production and timely goals which were absent in prior years. I can only imagine had Sobotka not bolted for the KHL how the last 2 1st round series would have gone.
That said the Blues won by 1 garbage goal on a rookie turnover during a line change, where Brower got 3 whacks at it before it went in.
Dallas will be a better opponent, but I see the Blues winning in 6, now that they have shaken the 1st round elimination jinkx. If the Ducks lose tonite, it will NEVER be easier to win the West than now."

A lot of confirmation bias here. Essentially what you are stating is the Blues aren't really good enough to beat the Hawks it was just luck, the Hawks not having depth on their defense and Tarasenko scoring timely goals....but the realitynis since the first Chicago series most games have been really close and Tarasenko scores lots during thenolaynoffs period and started doing so against Chicago a couple of years back. In a series in which most of the Blues top offensive players were injured I might add. One of the remaining top forwards at the time was playing a dominant game and bothering the Hawks until Seabrook went for his head.

So the truth is both of these teams are very good. The Blues had some tough luck losing to great teams the last few years, except Minnesota when they showed up for only three games of that series.

Against LA or Chicago, despite it being 4-2 in games the series were close and a lot of iron was struck.

I can't see it. It sounds like he's slated to go now maybe in the top 2 or 3 in the draft.

It also might work better for him as a young'un to play elsewhere in the early parts of his career and make his own name. If a guy like that starts in St. Louis, his every move is scrutinized as compared to his dad. It's only natural.

And it's not really fair to him. It may not have affected a guy like Stastny as much had the Blues drafted him (probably when they should have - thanks Jarmo) because his dad wasn't the Blues icon that Keith Tkachuk is, or Al MacInnis.

Later, if they want to be here, you won't have to do a hard sell on the area, they'll be happy to come back home.
- bcallaway

The kid has had to deal with it his whole life and he learned to be a pro at young age. None of it would bother him. He doesn't shirk from big games.

Scored by number 7 Keith kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaachuk
- sycsam

I hated the way Tom Calhoun would announce Tkachuck's name on goals. I don't want to have to do that all over again.
- bcallaway

I was thinking more along the lines of