Jason Millen: Blues loss is representative of the season, need to regroup vs the NYR Blues loss is representative of the season, need to regroup vs the NYR

There has been a lot of debate about the goaltending being a large part to blame. I fall on the side that Allen has been a huge problem.

There is difficulty in hockey, to play your heart out, take hits to make plays, bust your arse to cover defensively.....when you continually have goalie letdowns that can ruin many many shifts of doing things well. Eventually, some players will lose faith. Some of those players will slack off, or not go to tough areas, or not be as willing to take a hit.

I really believe it has been a 2 year snowball effect that has led to inconsistent effort and play. Add to that the loss of Fabbri, the quick deterioration of Steen, Sanford gone all year (to a lesser degree), Barbashev starting out of shape. Those players basically were expected to make up a decent second line. Now stastny gone as well, this team just does not have the forward depth.

Future: I really do wonder if Allen should be moved...then can he be moved? I don't think he is terrible (not st. Louis blues Patrick Lalime bad), but I feel like for his and Blues sake....a change of scenery is the right move?

Thoughts?

There has been a lot of debate about the goaltending being a large part to blame. I fall on the side that Allen has been a huge problem.

There is difficulty in hockey, to play your heart out, take hits to make plays, bust your arse to cover defensively.....when you continually have goalie letdowns that can ruin many many shifts of doing things well. Eventually, some players will lose faith. Some of those players will slack off, or not go to tough areas, or not be as willing to take a hit.

I really believe it has been a 2 year snowball effect that has led to inconsistent effort and play. Add to that the loss of Fabbri, the quick deterioration of Steen, Sanford gone all year (to a lesser degree), Barbashev starting out of shape. Those players basically were expected to make up a decent second line. Now stastny gone as well, this team just does not have the forward depth.

Future: I really do wonder if Allen should be moved...then can he be moved? I don't think he is terrible (not st. Louis blues Patrick Lalime bad), but I feel like for his and Blues sake....a change of scenery is the right move?

Thoughts?
- Mph6689

Remember Hutton is a UFA and Husso shouldn't be counted on as an NHL starter next year. Allen would have to be replaced somehow if he is gone. He may be your best option next year.

Remember Hutton is a UFA and Husso shouldn't be counted on as an NHL starter next year. Allen would have to be replaced somehow if he is gone. He may be your best option next year.
- Jason Millen

Thanks,
Hard to believe the Blues will have much chance then next year. Can't see the team psyche altering enough IF Allen is a big problem and is still the #1. A transition year again?

Honestly, would like to get a betterhandle on how much of the problem is Allen, and is it solvable With Allen still here. I have my opinion, but could be swayed

Remember Hutton is a UFA and Husso shouldn't be counted on as an NHL starter next year. Allen would have to be replaced somehow if he is gone. He may be your best option next year.
- Jason Millen

Honestly I would prefer one of those hockey training goalies you tie on to the net

Just wandered over here. Great job on the analysis.

I agree and have said earlier this season what MPH has said. I think that any chance to move Allen should be made. He's essentially a great backup goaltender who is overpaid. He cannot like others the Blues have had over the past six or seven years, be relied upon as a number one.

I am excited about Husso and it makes me wonder a lot why they seem shy to play him at all.

Hutton can be resigned and cheaply at that imho.

Otherwise I am not as worried about next year's team as much as the team we currently see.