Randall Ritchey: Blues Earn First Win In Preseason David Backes, Joakim Lindstrom, and Vladimir Tarasenko score for the Blues as they beat the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 3-1.

I don't understand how they missed both goals. I was there and noticed both deflections live and called both goals immediately. Maybe it's the goalie in me but both deflections were obvious with the change in direction of the puck.

The story of the night belongs to Robby Fabbri, who yet again, shows the Blues that despite being 18 years old, he deserves a spot on the roster.

I know I am in the minority but I couldn't disagree more about Fabbri showing he belongs tonight. He got pushed around a lot tonight. Knocked down a number of times, etc. The kid showed he has the hands and vision of a NHL regular but unfortunately showed he doesn't yet have the strength of a NHL regular.

Also, I thought Lindbohm made a lot more judgment mistakes tonight though he did hit a post on a redirection from Tarasenko, lol.

my recap up as well

I think we can go ahead and pencil Mueller onto the cut list.

I tend to agree with jammer on Fabbri. I could see him getting a few regular season games before getting sent back but in the end, his conditioning and his weight will be what holds him back. It's good to know he's that close though. Rattie's got to be pissed.

I think we can go ahead and pencil Mueller onto the cut list.

I tend to agree with jammer on Fabbri. I could see him getting a few regular season games before getting sent back but in the end, his conditioning and his weight will be what holds him back. It's good to know he's that close though. Rattie's got to be pissed.
- fattyboubatty

Looking at the roster for a minute, they only have 14 roster spots for forwards of which 12 spots are taken with Stastny, Oshie, Steen, Backes, Berglund, Lehtera, Tarasenko, Schwartz, Lindstrom, Lapierre, Reaves, and Ott. MPS has the 13th spot as they will trade him before they send him down because he will not clear waivers, leaving only one spot.

With that last spot, will they give it to Fabbri for a short time while Jaskin is told to prove it in the AHL? If so, they have to put Porter through waiver again. I think Mueller is out of the mix and gets sent down Thursday night or Friday morning.

At first, I hoped they would keep Jaskin or Porter as both can play fourth line minutes and style. The fourth line was brutal last night and it cost them a goal. Fabbri displaces someone out of the top 9 (Steen, Oshie, Berglund, Backes, Lehtera, Tarasenko, Schwartz, Lindstrom, and Stastny), putting the wrong fit on the fourth line (see Mueller as a good example of this). Due to player mix and lack of strength and conditioning, I think Fabbri needs to wait a year.

The only idea I think merits consideration to keeping Fabbri is rotating 10 guys through the top 9, in a fairly true rotation with Fabbri getting sit more than the other 9 guys. This would all you to rest guys that are nicked, keep some of the grind down, etc. Of course there is a chemistry risk here though Hitch's pair system might mitigate that anyway.

Either way they go with the two spots for MPS, Jaskin, Porter and Fabbri are acceptable options imho.

I'll be the first to admit that I have not seen Rattie much and that everything I have seen him play has been at least partially a NHL game (preseason or better) but he hasn't been very impressive in what I have seen. I hope he isn't just a minor league points guy. Also, Jaskin looks more like a Berglund style player to me.

how did I miss this gif? just sharing in case you all had not seen it.

Looking at the roster for a minute, they only have 14 roster spots for forwards of which 12 spots are taken with Stastny, Oshie, Steen, Backes, Berglund, Lehtera, Tarasenko, Schwartz, Lindstrom, Lapierre, Reaves, and Ott. MPS has the 13th spot as they will trade him before they send him down because he will not clear waivers, leaving only one spot.

With that last spot, will they give it to Fabbri for a short time while Jaskin is told to prove it in the AHL? If so, they have to put Porter through waiver again. I think Mueller is out of the mix and gets sent down Thursday night or Friday morning.

At first, I hoped they would keep Jaskin or Porter as both can play fourth line minutes and style. The fourth line was brutal last night and it cost them a goal. Fabbri displaces someone out of the top 9 (Steen, Oshie, Berglund, Backes, Lehtera, Tarasenko, Schwartz, Lindstrom, and Stastny), putting the wrong fit on the fourth line (see Mueller as a good example of this). Due to player mix and lack of strength and conditioning, I think Fabbri needs to wait a year.

The only idea I think merits consideration to keeping Fabbri is rotating 10 guys through the top 9, in a fairly true rotation with Fabbri getting sit more than the other 9 guys. This would all you to rest guys that are nicked, keep some of the grind down, etc. Of course there is a chemistry risk here though Hitch's pair system might mitigate that anyway.

Either way they go with the two spots for MPS, Jaskin, Porter and Fabbri are acceptable options imho.

I'll be the first to admit that I have not seen Rattie much and that everything I have seen him play has been at least partially a NHL game (preseason or better) but he hasn't been very impressive in what I have seen. I hope he isn't just a minor league points guy. Also, Jaskin looks more like a Berglund style player to me.
- stljam

I have not see them play yet. I have seen Rattie play at every level. The kid has got the knack. Hitch said it correctly that wherever he goes the puck follows him near the goal. He also said his defensive game needs work.

I read into that as a conditioning issue as well. We have seen it before where a player puts the gas on in the offensive zone and putters his way on a back check or is gassed. See Stewart and many times Berglund. Though Berglund's size let him cheat a bit with reach plus he is a very sound positional player.



If Fabbri has impressed this much so far maybe the Ek rumor has some credence.


Honestly though Magnus is in a similar position to Cole imo. Cole was good enough last year to step in and play especially over Jackman. Magnus is not perfect but not many Blues players were perfect as kids but he has some great tools and he competes. There is little reason to get down on him. I do not understand why people do not like his wrap arounds. Sure he may not score on them directly but they create a scramble or get you a face off.

One thing I have noticed the Blues seem to lack is speed. Some of it was always having old players in the mix. But Magnus has tremendous speed.

As for the fourth line lose Lapierre. Porter is far better. He tilts the ice more favorably and is a better penalty killer. He also has more tenacity on the puck.

Would be nice if we were trying to land JVR

I have not see them play yet. I have seen Rattie play at every level. The kid has got the knack. Hitch said it correctly that wherever he goes the puck follows him near the goal. He also said his defensive game needs work.

I read into that as a conditioning issue as well. We have seen it before where a player puts the gas on in the offensive zone and putters his way on a back check or is gassed. See Stewart and many times Berglund. Though Berglund's size let him cheat a bit with reach plus he is a very sound positional player.

If Fabbri has impressed this much so far maybe the Ek rumor has some credence.

Honestly though Magnus is in a similar position to Cole imo. Cole was good enough last year to step in and play especially over Jackman. Magnus is not perfect but not many Blues players were perfect as kids but he has some great tools and he competes. There is little reason to get down on him. I do not understand why people do not like his wrap arounds. Sure he may not score on them directly but they create a scramble or get you a face off.

One thing I have noticed the Blues seem to lack is speed. Some of it was always having old players in the mix. But Magnus has tremendous speed.

As for the fourth line lose Lapierre. Porter is far better. He tilts the ice more favorably and is a better penalty killer. He also has more tenacity on the puck.
- BluemanGuruu

My concern is that the "knack" is a lot easier in juniors and the AHL and that it isn't enough in the NHL. My other concern is that I'm beginning to wonder if there ever will be a fit here, if Hitch already has his mind made up on him so to speak (not completely but the impression is there and my sense is that it isn't a great one).

The cap issue makes a deal with Toronto tough unless it is Berglund and prospect for Kadri and prospect. Perhaps you could do a Berglund/Rattie for JVR and lesser prospect type deal but I just don't see that happening. Is that upgrade enough to warrant giving up on Rattie now?

My concern is that the "knack" is a lot easier in juniors and the AHL and that it isn't enough in the NHL. My other concern is that I'm beginning to wonder if there ever will be a fit here, if Hitch already has his mind made up on him so to speak (not completely but the impression is there and my sense is that it isn't a great one).

The cap issue makes a deal with Toronto tough unless it is Berglund and prospect for Kadri and prospect. Perhaps you could do a Berglund/Rattie for JVR and lesser prospect type deal but I just don't see that happening. Is that upgrade enough to warrant giving up on Rattie now?
- stljam

Answer: Yes

JVR is the man.... Rattie might be one day and that is a big might.

TARASENKO LOOKS GREAT

Canes played terrible.

Shocking lack of energy after High-tempo practices and games previously.

Of course, E.Staal was back in the line-up again, soooo

Peter Mueller and Nate Prosser are on waivers

What's up everyone. Haven't been here in a while, but with hockey season coming back I wanted to talk some hockey.

I am liking what I see in fabbri. Most kids his age arent physically mature for the nhl, but maybe a few regular season games can help the kid out and let it go from there

My concern is that the "knack" is a lot easier in juniors and the AHL and that it isn't enough in the NHL. My other concern is that I'm beginning to wonder if there ever will be a fit here, if Hitch already has his mind made up on him so to speak (not completely but the impression is there and my sense is that it isn't a great one).

The cap issue makes a deal with Toronto tough unless it is Berglund and prospect for Kadri and prospect. Perhaps you could do a Berglund/Rattie for JVR and lesser prospect type deal but I just don't see that happening. Is that upgrade enough to warrant giving up on Rattie now?
- stljam

If it were JVR then yes. It is that simple yes.

I wonder if Fabri isn't driving the shake up.

Mueller was placed on waivers. Sad to hear but then again you have to fit in. I do not recall him being so slow in the past.

I had the same thoughts as well. There only three players I like on the Maple Leafs as an upgrade on the Blues. I thought Kadri but do not know where he would then fit. But he is awesome.

One weakness of Hitch is that he is stubborn on his take on players. Then again Magnus is a tough fit on this team.


I just wish there was a way to get Jcob Truba on this team. He really impressed me last year. I know it is off line and nearly impossible but man is he that good. He reminded me of a better skating version of Chopper.

Peter Mueller and Nate Prosser are on waivers
- cuethenoise

And Lindbohm's contract situation forced the Blues hand to Prosser's expense.....dang.. Hope he clears for depth.

Canes played terrible.

Shocking lack of energy after High-tempo practices and games previously.

Of course, E.Staal was back in the line-up again, soooo
- PepinoPamplemousse

C'mon. I thought Cam Ward played very well. The rest of the team...... well not so much.

Btw, how did Jaskin avoid a boarding call on that hit? How did none of the other Canes go after him either?

I wouldn't want to be a Canes fan these days.

If it were JVR then yes. It is that simple yes.

I wonder if Fabri isn't driving the shake up.

Mueller was placed on waivers. Sad to hear but then again you have to fit in. I do not recall him being so slow in the past.

I had the same thoughts as well. There only three players I like on the Maple Leafs as an upgrade on the Blues. I thought Kadri but do not know where he would then fit. But he is awesome.

One weakness of Hitch is that he is stubborn on his take on players. Then again Magnus is a tough fit on this team.


I just wish there was a way to get Jcob Truba on this team. He really impressed me last year. I know it is off line and nearly impossible but man is he that good. He reminded me of a better skating version of Chopper.
- BluemanGuruu

I dont know about Kadri, he just doesn't seem like the kind of guy Hitch and Armstrong would go for. I hope they're talking JVR but I dont know that Toronto would be willing to part with him considering the chemistry he has with Kessel.

Berglund is about the only guy I would be willing to part with in the top 9. If they're looking to upgrade speed wise, he's probably the slowest guy up there.

Randall

Do you read these at all or just post and move on? Just curious.

C'mon. I thought Cam Ward played very well. The rest of the team...... well not so much.

Btw, how did Jaskin avoid a boarding call on that hit? How did none of the other Canes go after him either?

I wouldn't want to be a Canes fan these days.
- stljam

No idea.

Nobody wants to get hurt in a preseason game, I suppose. Wouldn't surprise me to see someone else wearing the C in the near future if that game was any indication of what the Canes are going to be this year.

If it were JVR then yes. It is that simple yes.

I wonder if Fabri isn't driving the shake up.

Mueller was placed on waivers. Sad to hear but then again you have to fit in. I do not recall him being so slow in the past.

I had the same thoughts as well. There only three players I like on the Maple Leafs as an upgrade on the Blues. I thought Kadri but do not know where he would then fit. But he is awesome.

One weakness of Hitch is that he is stubborn on his take on players. Then again Magnus is a tough fit on this team.


I just wish there was a way to get Jcob Truba on this team. He really impressed me last year. I know it is off line and nearly impossible but man is he that good. He reminded me of a better skating version of Chopper.
- BluemanGuruu

Trouba was looking like an absolute beast out there last year. I think the only concern with him is that his style of play lands him in injury trouble before he really fills out that frame.

Guruu, carcaus and others...need an opinion.

I put up a little informative blog. do you guys want stuff like this or just focus on the bigger, more complete ones? I.e., I don't want to take the time to do these if they are not seen as a value add.

Guruu, carcaus and others...need an opinion.

I put up a little informative blog. do you guys want stuff like this or just focus on the bigger, more complete ones? I.e., I don't want to take the time to do these if they are not seen as a value add.
- stljam

I like reading your stuff, but forget about them regularly.

In all honesty, one like you just wrote doesn't interest me much. Usually can find info on the lineups and such in other places.

I think Fabbri deserves a shot. I would put Porter on waivers and send down Jaskin to start the year. I don't see the need for him up with everyone healthy anyway. Fabbri had had a great camp, and IMO has earned at least a few games to look at how he performs in real games. I think it would be great for him, even if he had a tough time as it would teach him where he needs to get to. I think it was very beneficial for Petro, and I think it would for Fabbri as well.

I like reading your stuff, but forget about them regularly.

In all honesty, one like you just wrote doesn't interest me much. Usually can find info on the lineups and such in other places.
- carcus

What I started doing was clicking on the team logos on the top...ours for example gives you mine and RR's.

I was trying to figure out if the Wild info was enough of a value add over say JR only doing the Blues lineup

I think Fabbri deserves a shot. I would put Porter on waivers and send down Jaskin to start the year. I don't see the need for him up with everyone healthy anyway. Fabbri had had a great camp, and IMO has earned at least a few games to look at how he performs in real games. I think it would be great for him, even if he had a tough time as it would teach him where he needs to get to. I think it was very beneficial for Petro, and I think it would for Fabbri as well.
- carcus

Either call on Fabbri could be right. I'd bet money Porter will be on waivers but they are likely waiting until all the teams make their last cuts to help ensure he goes down. So it comes down to Jaskin or Fabbri for the last spot and to me this is where the Blues have to make a mental judgement call, not a physical judgement.

You can argue either way on who should stay based on play/physical tools (top 9 already set, needs to get stronger, has more skill, outplayed and earned it, etc). I think the difference hinges less on this and comes down to which of the two options is better in the long run for the team:

1) Keep Fabbri for the 9 games and recall Jaskin when that is done. This allows Fabbri to see the real pace of play of the NHL, see how hard pros work, etc. It allows Nelson time to really put Fabbri on a plan and work with him for both nutrition and working out. It shows Fabbri that we reward work and performance. It also sends a message to Jaskin which is good and dangerous. Will it be interpreted as you better keep working or someone else will take your spot and he is motivated to work harder? Will it be interpreted as I did everything they asked and they screwed me over so I better look for another team where I will get a legitimate opportunity? There is a lot more here but that is a simple start. Part of this depends on how the messages are communicated but more of it depends on the person receiving the message.

2) Return Fabbri to juniors right before the deadline and keep Jaskin - Does this motivate Fabbri to work harder and get bigger and better? Does it Fabbri slide the way of a petulant kid because he feels like he outplayed Jaskin but they played favorites? Does Jaskin get the message that he almost got his spot taken by Fabbri and continue to work hard to improve? Does Jaskin appreciate how close he was to losing his spot or does he think he got the spot Army promised to him last spring and relax? Again, there is a lot more here but that is a simple start and again part of this depends on how the messages are communicated but more of it depends on the person receiving the message.

Either call on Fabbri could be right. I'd bet money Porter will be on waivers but they are likely waiting until all the teams make their last cuts to help ensure he goes down. So it comes down to Jaskin or Fabbri for the last spot and to me this is where the Blues have to make a mental judgement call, not a physical judgement.

You can argue either way on who should stay based on play/physical tools (top 9 already set, needs to get stronger, has more skill, outplayed and earned it, etc). I think the difference hinges less on this and comes down to which of the two options is better in the long run for the team:

1) Keep Fabbri for the 9 games and recall Jaskin when that is done. This allows Fabbri to see the real pace of play of the NHL, see how hard pros work, etc. It allows Nelson time to really put Fabbri on a plan and work with him for both nutrition and working out. It shows Fabbri that we reward work and performance. It also sends a message to Jaskin which is good and dangerous. Will it be interpreted as you better keep working or someone else will take your spot and he is motivated to work harder? Will it be interpreted as I did everything they asked and they screwed me over so I better look for another team where I will get a legitimate opportunity? There is a lot more here but that is a simple start. Part of this depends on how the messages are communicated but more of it depends on the person receiving the message.

2) Return Fabbri to juniors right before the deadline and keep Jaskin - Does this motivate Fabbri to work harder and get bigger and better? Does it Fabbri slide the way of a petulant kid because he feels like he outplayed Jaskin but they played favorites? Does Jaskin get the message that he almost got his spot taken by Fabbri and continue to work hard to improve? Does Jaskin appreciate how close he was to losing his spot or does he think he got the spot Army promised to him last spring and relax? Again, there is a lot more here but that is a simple start and again part of this depends on how the messages are communicated but more of it depends on the person receiving the message.
- stljam

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.