We are doing it without Steen AND Tarasenko.

Is Kane practicing or anything yet?
- WhatAboutBawb

Kanei s close he has been practicing and taking one timers

I would suspect he is back for round 2 for sure and maybe in round 1

This.

Backes is a (very) good player and I totally agree, he falls into that category of a guy you love on your team and hate as an opponent.

That said, is he good captain? Good captains win the big games and lead and help their coach get the most out of their team. I think on that score, thus far he 's failed, in part because he loses it and resorts to dirty after the whistle stuff and sets a poor example for the rest of his team.

Much was made of Toews losing it in round 2 in 2013—but he reined it in and the rest is history.

Compare the Skins on the wall of two captains—both who've played on very talented teams at eveyr leavel. Toews has them. backes doesn't. maybe this is his year. Honestly, i don't think it is for Toews.

Backes does WAY too much after the whistle crap. Doesn't matter who you're a fan of. Maybe this is the year he takes his leadership to another level.

A Blues-Jets first round will put that to the test, because guys like Byfuglien and Ladd know how to press Backes' buttons. and they will.
- John Jaeckel

John is right in his assessment.

Backes - good player. Poor captain.

I thought he would be an outstanding captain, the best for StL since Brian Sutter. But I've been disappointed in him from a leadership standpoint.

Right now Alexander Steen is probably the best candidate to be a leader on the ice and in the room.

And probably down the road - Jaden Schwartz.


I do love the fact that days after a game, a previous opponent's fans are still chirping about Backes. This I love.

This.

Backes is a (very) good player and I totally agree, he falls into that category of a guy you love on your team and hate as an opponent.

That said, is he good captain? Good captains win the big games and lead and help their coach get the most out of their team. I think on that score, thus far he 's failed, in part because he loses it and resorts to dirty after the whistle stuff and sets a poor example for the rest of his team.

Much was made of Toews losing it in round 2 in 2013—but he reined it in and the rest is history.

Compare the Skins on the wall of two captains—both who've played on very talented teams at eveyr leavel. Toews has them. backes doesn't. maybe this is his year. Honestly, i don't think it is for Toews.

Backes does WAY too much after the whistle crap. Doesn't matter who you're a fan of. Maybe this is the year he takes his leadership to another level.

A Blues-Jets first round will put that to the test, because guys like Byfuglien and Ladd know how to press Backes' buttons. and they will.
- John Jaeckel

Backes is in a lot of after the whistle stuff. He does go over the line a lot. But to a certain point, a team is going to respond to the captain straddling said line.

In my opinion, Toews has started to go down the Crosby path. He isn't anywhere close to Crosby, but he has noticeably complained more often. I'd rather see him push buttons the way Backes does more than complain. That is how you lead your team, by example. You take on the mindset that you have to beat both the opposite team and the refs, rather than complain about how something was called. Obviously, the Hawks can't put a full game together and maybe this is what gets them going, if Toews steps up that way...

I guess in that case, Toews needs to be a little more like Backes and get his team fired up, and Backes needs to be a little more like Toews and stay out of some of the after the whistle stuff and there you have a perfect Captain in my opinoin. As a Hawks fan, it's scary to compare the two in this way haha. I'm sure my Blues counterparts are cringing as well.

Backes is in a lot of after the whistle stuff. He does go over the line a lot. But to a certain point, a team is going to respond to the captain straddling said line.

In my opinion, Toews has started to go down the Crosby path. He isn't anywhere close to Crosby, but he has noticeably complained more often. I'd rather see him push buttons the way Backes does more than complain. That is how you lead your team, by example. You take on the mindset that you have to beat both the opposite team and the refs, rather than complain about how something was called. Obviously, the Hawks can't put a full game together and maybe this is what gets them going, if Toews steps up that way...

I guess in that case, Toews needs to be a little more like Backes and get his team fired up, and Backes needs to be a little more like Toews and stay out of some of the after the whistle stuff and there you have a perfect Captain in my opinoin. As a Hawks fan, it's scary to compare the two in this way haha. I'm sure my Blues counterparts are cringing as well.
- pspork

I can definitely see where you are coming from. They both play opposite styles but are effective in their own right most of the time.

Backes is in a lot of after the whistle stuff. He does go over the line a lot. But to a certain point, a team is going to respond to the captain straddling said line.

In my opinion, Toews has started to go down the Crosby path. He isn't anywhere close to Crosby, but he has noticeably complained more often. I'd rather see him push buttons the way Backes does more than complain. That is how you lead your team, by example. You take on the mindset that you have to beat both the opposite team and the refs, rather than complain about how something was called. Obviously, the Hawks can't put a full game together and maybe this is what gets them going, if Toews steps up that way...

I guess in that case, Toews needs to be a little more like Backes and get his team fired up, and Backes needs to be a little more like Toews and stay out of some of the after the whistle stuff and there you have a perfect Captain in my opinoin. As a Hawks fan, it's scary to compare the two in this way haha. I'm sure my Blues counterparts are cringing as well.
- pspork

I agree, Toews has been complaining to referees much too often this season IMO

I agree, Toews has been complaining to referees much too often this season IMO
- Hossa1881

I guess maybe they think that is part of their role in standing up for their mates.

Steve Yzerman was the biggest, whineyest thing I ever saw and he's regarded as the best Captain ever in the history of mankind......

He complained about everything.

So if you remove backes as Captain who would be your choice for Captain of the Blues?

Schwartz? Steen?

No real good options other than Backes at this point IMO
- sycsam

Oshie. There's no quit in that kid. I think J-Bo wore a letter in Florida and Calgary too.

So if you remove backes as Captain who would be your choice for Captain of the Blues?

Schwartz? Steen?

No real good options other than Backes at this point IMO
- sycsam

Pietro, Oshie, maybe JayBo?

I agree, Toews has been complaining to referees much too often this season IMO
- Hossa1881

No argument. Whole team has, but it starts with him.

Oshie. There's no quit in that kid. I think J-Bo wore a letter in Florida and Calgary too.
- Sandus

Give me a break.

Oshie - no way. Still too much of a knucklehead. I wouldn't follow him anywhere.

J.Bo - seriously? Thy guy never speaks. How would that work?

I agree with this. Sometimes he does a little too much after the whistle but most of those times are protecting the net or standing up for a teammate. I think he is a great captain. He leads by example when the team isn't playing well and holds players accountable. He hasn't had the supporting cast Toews has had for those two cups. He also started great in the playoffs last season, until we all know what happened. Is he better than Toews? No.But they play different styles and both have a ton of heart. He's still been a captain of every team he's played on, besides the Olympics,even then I still think he was the captain. Just didn't wear the C. I think that proves he does a fine job wearing the C here.
- Corey Harvey

Agreed on 2010, not as sure about 2013, where he had Handzus, Rozsival, Bollig, Carcillo.

I think it is indisputable, the Blues lack of postseason results under Backes' captainship puts the light of scrutiny squarely on . . . Backes' captainship. Any idiot can hold others accountable. It takes a leader to hold himself accountable in all situations.

Until the Blues—who have been loaded the last few years, as much talent as anyone in the league—make a meaningful run or win a Cup, they are the canucks of a few years ago. talented underperformers with a lack of on-ice leadership.

But, personally, unless the Hawks get it together or get Kane back (or both), I think the Blues are the team to beat.

Unless . . . they get the Jets in round 1.

Give me a break.

Oshie - no way. Still too much of a knucklehead. I wouldn't follow him anywhere.

J.Bo - seriously? Thy guy never speaks. How would that work?
- bcallaway

You know better than I, I'm just guessing there. You say Steen, I'll buy that.

Give me a break.

Oshie - no way. Still too much of a knucklehead. I wouldn't follow him anywhere.

J.Bo - seriously? Thy guy never speaks. How would that work?
- bcallaway

I can't remember the last time I heard Joe Sakic string more than two sentences together.

That Lidstrom guy sure was quiet too.

Nothing against you. Just sick of hearing Backes is the dirtiest player to ever play the game. He plays on the edge and rarely crosses the line.
- Corey Harvey

Backes crosses the line more than most. I would state without hesitation he is one of the dirtiest players in the league. Always trying to injure other players. One would think he would of got the message when Seabrook paid him in spades. You don't drill someone like that if you respect them. I've refereed over 1000 hockey games and those (Backes) types of players are the corksoakers that I have tossed the most, and with pleasure. Last thing I'm interested in is waiting on the ice for the ambulance to arrive. Backes will get what's coming to him if he doesn't smarten up. He has the skills to be an excellent player and Captain but right now he's just a cheap shot a-hole

Backes crosses the line more than most. I would state without hesitation he is one of the dirtiest players in the league. Always trying to injure other players. One would think he would of got the message when Seabrook paid him in spades. You don't drill someone like that if you respect them. I've refereed over 1000 hockey games and those (Backes) types of players are the corksoakers that I have tossed the most, and with pleasure. Last thing I'm interested in is waiting on the ice for the ambulance to arrive. Backes will get what's coming to him if he doesn't smarten up. He has the skills to be an excellent player and Captain but right now he's just a cheap shot a-hole
- Joinable

Yawn

next

Backes crosses the line more than most. I would state without hesitation he is one of the dirtiest players in the league. Always trying to injure other players. One would think he would of got the message when Seabrook paid him in spades. You don't drill someone like that if you respect them. I've refereed over 1000 hockey games and those (Backes) types of players are the corksoakers that I have tossed the most, and with pleasure. Last thing I'm interested in is waiting on the ice for the ambulance to arrive. Backes will get what's coming to him if he doesn't smarten up. He has the skills to be an excellent player and Captain but right now he's just a cheap shot a-hole
- Joinable

Full disclosure: Not a Blues fan, hate David Backes' cheapness on the ice. Met him in person, very humble and likable guy, great human being.

You are so off base it's not even funny.

Cooke
Abdelkader
Torres
Lucic
Carcillo
Marchand

All dirtier players than Backes. I could probably add a few more to the list too. Hell, he's not even the dirtiest player on his own team. Is he a cheap shot artist? Absolutely. One of the dirtiest players in the game? Hardly.

And to wish a guy a career ending injury because you don't like his game? Real class move there. You must referee men's league.

I can't remember the last time I heard Joe Sakic string more than two sentences together.

That Lidstrom guy sure was quiet too.
- Sandus

They weren't overly demonstrative, but they were extremely involved at giving direction on the ice, and I would think off the ice as well. JBo is painfully introverted. He would be more comparable to that other Blues' captain whose name shall not be uttered.

Add to that, both of those guys were still one of the best players on their team (and in the league) at the time. JBo's best days are past and his play has been a very bid disappointment this season.

Jackman would be a better captain that Bouwmeester.

You know better than I, I'm just guessing there. You say Steen, I'll buy that.
- John Jaeckel

Money is on Schwartz

Backes crosses the line more than most. I would state without hesitation he is one of the dirtiest players in the league. Always trying to injure other players. One would think he would of got the message when Seabrook paid him in spades. You don't drill someone like that if you respect them. I've refereed over 1000 hockey games and those (Backes) types of players are the corksoakers that I have tossed the most, and with pleasure. Last thing I'm interested in is waiting on the ice for the ambulance to arrive. Backes will get what's coming to him if he doesn't smarten up. He has the skills to be an excellent player and Captain but right now he's just a cheap shot a-hole
- Joinable

Wont even be the dirtiest guy playing tonight but you keep grinding your axe.

Full disclosure: Not a Blues fan, hate David Backes' cheapness on the ice. Met him in person, very humble and likable guy, great human being.

You are so off base it's not even funny.

Cooke
Abdelkader
Torres
Lucic
Carcillo
Marchand

All dirtier players than Backes. I could probably add a few more to the list too. Hell, he's not even the dirtiest player on his own team. Is he a cheap shot artist? Absolutely. One of the dirtiest players in the game? Hardly.

And to wish a guy a career ending injury because you don't like his game? Real class move there. You must referee men's league.
- Sandus

I agree with you for the most part although he may have done a few dumb things, that obviously were never suspension worthy, I wouldn't call him a cheap shot artist. He's a big boy and if he really honestly was intending to injure an opposing player, he would be able to do it. It is pretty contradicting that Hawk fans , not all of them, think Backes is so dirty but love Andrew Shaw.

Money is on Schwartz
- Gerk

I wouldn't mind seeing Jaden as the next captain. He may need a few years but he has the potential.

I think Schwartz is great captain material; just give him a few more years to mature even further. That said, I don't think you take the C from Backes; he's a great captain.

Also, it's really reaching to blame the lack of post season success solely on Backes. In a team sport, he's just 1 guy; he can't win the game on his own. In recent years, this team has been greater than the sum of its parts. They've hung with the best with far less talent to draw from; a combination of heart and Hitch's system. This year, I think we've got the raw talent up front, but like many, I do have some questions about goaltending.

The Hawks are loaded with talent. I don't fault the Blues for losing to them in the playoffs.

Looking forward to seeing how things shake out this year.

I agree with you for the most part although he may have done a few dumb things, that obviously were never suspension worthy, I wouldn't call him a cheap shot artist. He's a big boy and if he really honestly was intending to injure an opposing player, he would be able to do it. It is pretty contradicting that Hawk fans , not all of them, think Backes is so dirty but love Andrew Shaw.
- Corey Harvey

Don't have to have suspension worthy actions to be a cheap shot artist. There are many cheap shots that aren't suspension worthy. Doesn't make you any less of a cheap shot artist because you don't get suspended.

Whether anyone likes to admit it, MOST NHL players never try to seriously injure anyone. Are they trying to ring their bell? Absolutely. Break some fingers, give some bruises, etc? Absolutely. Give a guy a career ending injury? That's not their intent.

However, you have idiots like Carcillo, Cooke, Raffi Torres, etc. that are just reckless. These are the guys that are not in the most players category in the above paragraph.

Backes always has poop going on behind the play. Most of it is from behind whoever he is mugging. That's why it's so cheap. Is Shaw cheap? Yes. But he does it to your face (mostly). He's the small one that should want to mug you from behind to make up for his size. Backes is a big boy. Funny thing is, Shaw picks on guys twice his size, while Backes resorts to picking on guys half his size (Kane, Shaw, etc.). That's why he's categorized as a cheap shot artist.

Don't have to have suspension worthy actions to be a cheap shot artist. There are many cheap shots that aren't suspension worthy. Doesn't make you any less of a cheap shot artist because you don't get suspended.

Whether anyone likes to admit it, MOST NHL players never try to seriously injure anyone. Are they trying to ring their bell? Absolutely. Break some fingers, give some bruises, etc? Absolutely. Give a guy a career ending injury? That's not their intent.

However, you have idiots like Carcillo, Cooke, Raffi Torres, etc. that are just reckless. These are the guys that are not in the most players category in the above paragraph.

Backes always has poop going on behind the play. Most of it is from behind whoever he is mugging. That's why it's so cheap. Is Shaw cheap? Yes. But he does it to your face (mostly). He's the small one that should want to mug you from behind to make up for his size. Backes is a big boy. Funny thing is, Shaw picks on guys twice his size, while Backes resorts to picking on guys half his size (Kane, Shaw, etc.). That's why he's categorized as a cheap shot artist.
- pspork

Don't have to have suspension worthy actions to be a cheap shot artist. There are many cheap shots that aren't suspension worthy. Doesn't make you any less of a cheap shot artist because you don't get suspended.

Whether anyone likes to admit it, MOST NHL players never try to seriously injure anyone. Are they trying to ring their bell? Absolutely. Break some fingers, give some bruises, etc? Absolutely. Give a guy a career ending injury? That's not their intent.

However, you have idiots like Carcillo, Cooke, Raffi Torres, etc. that are just reckless. These are the guys that are not in the most players category in the above paragraph.

Backes always has poop going on behind the play. Most of it is from behind whoever he is mugging. That's why it's so cheap. Is Shaw cheap? Yes. But he does it to your face (mostly). He's the small one that should want to mug you from behind to make up for his size. Backes is a big boy. Funny thing is, Shaw picks on guys twice his size, while Backes resorts to picking on guys half his size (Kane, Shaw, etc.). That's why he's categorized as a cheap shot artist.
- pspork

Getzlaf, Perry, Doan, Toews, just a few examples of not so small players that Backes has fought or "picked on." They are top players on their respective clubs and it's Backes' job to shut them down. If he can goat them into a fight that's 5 less minutes without a top player on the ice.