Randall Ritchey: Blues Shutout By Ducks, Lindbohm Sent Back To Chicago The Blues were shutout last night by Frederick Andersen and the Anaheim Ducks. The offense dried up with the losses of Paul Stastny and Jori Lehtera.

There was a bright spot in the game however. Petteri Lindbohm had a very strong game and was the Blues best defensemen in the game. Making smart plays in the defensive zone, and jumping up in the offensive zone.

Lindbohm was sent back to the AHL this morning, meaning Carl Gunnarsson is likely ready to return to the line up.

I disagree, Cole should stay Jackman should be in the box. The game has out evolved him for the most part. Esp, if the Blues want to play a "puck possession game".

I'm guessing that Ryan Miller's return will closely resemble Wayne Gretzky's return trips to the STC.

How has Jori Lehtera looked for you guys so far? What kind of point production do you expect from him assuming he stays healthy?

How has Jori Lehtera looked for you guys so far? What kind of point production do you expect from him assuming he stays healthy?
- Nucker101

He has looked great. He is going to put up good numbers playing with Schwartz & Tarasenko. Would not surprise me at all if he gets around 50 points.

I'm guessing that Ryan Miller's return will closely resemble Wayne Gretzky's return trips to the STC.
- bcallaway

Yeah, lots of boos coming his way....

Really disappointing game. What's going on with Oshie? He needs to get himself going

There is still a chance Statsny will be ready to go by Thursday night against the Canucks. If not, he would already be on IR, retroactive to Saturday after the game.

Cole needs to keep playing. Give him 20 or 30 games in a row. Clearly still has potential, and Blues need to let him work through the rookie mistakes. Playing him for a game or two then benching him for a month clearly doesn't help his development.

Last night sucked, but the broadcast made it sound like quite a few players were out there despite having the flu. Hopefully everyone is healthy and ready to go by Thursday.

There is still a chance Statsny will be ready to go by Thursday night against the Canucks. If not, he would already be on IR, retroactive to Saturday after the game.

Cole needs to keep playing. Give him 20 or 30 games in a row. Clearly still has potential, and Blues need to let him work through the rookie mistakes. Playing him for a game or two then benching him for a month clearly doesn't help his development.

Last night sucked, but the broadcast made it sound like quite a few players were out there despite having the flu. Hopefully everyone is healthy and ready to go by Thursday.
- Antilles

At some point that excuse goes out the window. He's already played 118 regular season games, yet he still looks much the same as he did three or four years ago. You watch Lindbohm, you could tell his game needs a little polishing but he looked much more poised on the ice and made quicker, smarter decisions. Those are the things that, if Cole hasnt made much improvement on by this point, I have a hard time believing are going to get that much better.

I think the team had food poisoning. They said it was the flu but when multiple guys come down with it in that short of period you have to think it is something else.

They could not do the things they normally do and it was more than missing two of their centermen.

There was a sluggishness about them that was more than playing their second game in less than twenty-four hours.

So I am not at all concerned about that game. The officiating was questionable as well. Nothing went right. They were sluggish in an abnormal way. Something was up. Yet they still battled. I hate to say it but Lindbohm looked better than Jackman and Cole.

No big deal. Normally I would be upset by a game like that but again I think there was food poisoning.

At some point that excuse goes out the window. He's already played 118 regular season games, yet he still looks much the same as he did three or four years ago. You watch Lindbohm, you could tell his game needs a little polishing but he looked much more poised on the ice and made quicker, smarter decisions. Those are the things that, if Cole hasnt made much improvement on by this point, I have a hard time believing are going to get that much better.
- fattyboubatty

he was developped improperly and he has a lot to offer. Better than Jackman but does need some work.

There is still a chance Statsny will be ready to go by Thursday night against the Canucks. If not, he would already be on IR, retroactive to Saturday after the game.

Cole needs to keep playing. Give him 20 or 30 games in a row. Clearly still has potential, and Blues need to let him work through the rookie mistakes. Playing him for a game or two then benching him for a month clearly doesn't help his development.

Last night sucked, but the broadcast made it sound like quite a few players were out there despite having the flu. Hopefully everyone is healthy and ready to go by Thursday.
- Antilles

I agree.

Really disappointing game. What's going on with Oshie? He needs to get himself going
- Yeah Boyes

He was actually really good last night. But obviously too many players had some illness going on.

Only the rookie and JayBo looked any good on defense last night.

So it was not just Jackman being Jackman nor Cole making mistakes but Petro's passes and plays were way off and slower decision making than normal.

Saw that from a number of forwards who looked far slower than normal.

Definitely going with food poisoning.

You would think these guys would get over all the flu spreading by now. When you go to basic training there is a yuk bug beyond all yuk bugs. There is no question of if you will get sick but when and how bad. After that you rarely see a soldier get sick and often we sleep in far closer proximity than any hockey players.

Allen getting the start on Thursday.

I wonder if he has a great game if he will play on Saturday against the Hawks? Or if it is already decided that Elliott plays that game....

Allen getting the start on Thursday.

I wonder if he has a great game if he will play on Saturday against the Hawks? Or if it is already decided that Elliott plays that game....
- carcus

It might be that. It might be on a night the Blues were not very good he was not very good either. He was not terrible against the Ducks by any means but not much more than good. He was great in LA.

Allen looked very good against Phoenix. Having a goaltender who can move the puck on this team would be awesome.

Where has everyone gone? Is there another site up?

Where has everyone gone? Is there another site up?
- BluemanGuruu

HF?

HF?
- Nucker101

I hope to god that has not happened.

Sorry boys but my work schedule and hockey schedule (my playing) has usurped my time lately and i won't even be able to watch thursday's game due to conflicts. Already sold the tickets.

Hope to post 2 blogs this weekend, definitely will have one on the game, would like to do a preview style and i still want to get the longer term one done on the hypocrisy that is the nhlpa.

I hope to god that has not happened.
- BluemanGuruu

Article today in the paper with two interesting tidbits: Petro and Bouwmeester will be paired back together for at least the next two games versus Vancouver and Chicago, with Cole and Shattenkirk, Jackman and Leopold making up the other pairings. Translation - Cole didn't do well as a top pairing guy with Petro.

Secondly, Ott's role changing to more offensive responsibilities in the absence of Stastny.

Honestly, what in the world does Hitchcock see in Ott that I'm missing?

If you're looking for offense from him, you're out to lunch IMO......

Article today in the paper with two interesting tidbits: Petro and Bouwmeester will be paired back together for at least the next two games versus Vancouver and Chicago, with Cole and Shattenkirk, Jackman and Leopold making up the other pairings. Translation - Cole didn't do well as a top pairing guy with Petro.

Secondly, Ott's role changing to more offensive responsibilities in the absence of Stastny.

Honestly, what in the world does Hitchcock see in Ott that I'm missing?

If you're looking for offense from him, you're out to lunch IMO......
- bcallaway

Jack in the Box tacos sound good for lunch.....

Everyone knows Hitch likes to move up a vet if there is a short term injury. Maybe it is just wishful thinking, but this tells me that Stastny will be back soon since they aren't bringing up Rattie or Jaskin.

Jack in the Box tacos sound good for lunch.....
- carcus

With hot sauce and a side order of Egg Rolls.

I just wanted to wish our Canadien brothers well and hope that they are staying safe. Our thoughts are with the RCMP, the family and friends of the fallen soldier and all of those affected on this sad day.

Rough week or so for the RCMP.

With hot sauce and a side order of Egg Rolls.
- bcallaway

Jesus Christos! That is a lot like the bacterial disturbance that's floating around the Blues locker room.

for those that missed it - Canadian anthem in Pittsburgh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvRe0wD9n4k

http://www.youtube.com/wa...E&feature=player_embedded