WildHBcommunity: Control of the Series at Stake Game 4 Wild Wednesday
This St. Louis Blues Group is Known for Early Exits Will History Repeat
I think that the ghosts of playoffs past are certainly playing a factor in the mentality of this current St. Louis Blues group despite the offseason additions and huge boost from the youngsters. Ken Hitchcock has to be feeling the pressure right now no matter how well his team has performed during the regular season under his supervision.
This Blues team seems to be all or nothing with regard committing to their system and escaping the nonsense that comes from overly emotional physical play and tough guy rodeo antics ala "Laugh At Ott". I have a healthy respect for how talented this roster is for St. Louis but if they can not hold it together mentality especially in a hostile environment, this series will return to the Scottrade Center with their cup hopes on life support.
I have been really puzzled by how little David Backes and Paul Stastny have affected the action in two losses this series. Whenever people talk about the Blues and what it takes to compete in the Western Conference, it begins and ends with matching up against those large skilled pivots. Backes is the leader of this bunch and Stastny is the hometown hero returning to supplement a roster group capable of winning a cup.
Instead Jori Lehtera has been the most effective and productive centermen for the Blues. Lehtera is a Finn and has been plugged in right between both young phenoms Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz. Lehtera has been killing the faceoff dot this series in addition to feeding the puck to his talented wingers from all angles.
The defensive corps for the Blues has been leaky at times which has allowed hardworkers to be rewarded for the Minnesota Wild. A perfect example of this was that Zach Parise goal in game 3 to put them 2-0. It is very clear that Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo are the most capable of eliminating the Wild's opportunities and getting the puck moving the other way but that has been few and far between in both losses.
Between the pipes Jake Allen has to be feeling the pressure to defend his territory with Brian Elliott looming large in the mind of fans as being the true #1 guy. Allen no doubt has the talent and pedigree to step it up and steal a game but if he falters tonight his post season could be over as quickly as it begun.
The Minnesota Wild Needs Killer Instinct in Pivotal Series Controlling Game
I wrote before the playoffs began that the Blues would be the best round one matchup in my opinion because of how much would be gained confidence wise by defeating a team of their stature and makeup. I really believe that this current group for Wild is capable of defeating any team in a seven game series but obviously we all know where my loyalties lie.
What has been very clear is that the Blues are very susceptible to lose their focus and control of their emotions when things are not working the way they expect them too. The Wild at different points this season have used their 200 foot effort 5 skater involved fore check and back check system to take control of games. Last game was a clear example of that Mike Yeo positional disciplined system that has allowed for this current group to render elite sniper types like Tarasenko and create lose your mind frustration from Backes.
I was so proud of the way Mikael Granlund played in game 3, I had called into question his play with the puck in my last blog. Granlund was dynamic in game 3 and his line with Zach Parise and Jason Pominville was far and away the best on the ice. Granlund must return in game 4 aggressive with the puck on stick whether that means shots on goal or creating offensive opportunities.
I was also so impressed with Sean Bergenheim and Justin Fontaine during game 3, they teamed with Kyle Brodziak on the 4th to create turnovers and chaos against the Blues. Bergenheim destroyed a couple Blues with body checks which really announced his presence in the lineup and i am sure solidified his role. Fontaine has chemistry with about every Wild forward on the roster. Fontaine has been a catlyst for secondary scoring all season long and his place in the Wild lineup creates advantages because he can handle the puck and never shy with his shot!
Wild Wednesday Show Right Now From Bennett's Chop and Rail House!
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Just My Take, Tony Dean
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