Eastern Conference

(7) Washington Capitals vs. (1) New York Rangers

Cohen– Rangers win in 7 . X-Factor –> Marc Staal

Philp– Capitals win in 7. X-Factor –> Capitals’ Penalty-Kill

Muscat– Rangers win in 7. X-Factor –> Rangers’ Third Line

Levin– Rangers win in 7 . X-Factor –> Michael Del Zotto

Woodward– Rangers win in 6. X-Factor –> Dan Girardi

(6) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

Cohen– Flyers win in 6. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Philp– Flyers win in 5. X-Factor –> Philadelphia’s Prolific Power-Play

Muscat– Flyers win in 6. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Levin– Devils win in 7. X-Factor –> Patrik Elias

Woodward– Flyers win in 5. X-Factor –> Martin Brodeur’s Ability To Overcome Father Time

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings vs. (2) St. Louis Blues

Cohen–  Blues win in 7. X-Factor –> David Perron

Philp– Blues win in 6. X-Factor –> The Blues’ Defense

Muscat– Blues win in 7. X-Factor –> T.J. Oshie

Levin– Blues win in 6. X-Factor –> Jamie Langenbrunner

Woodward– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –>Mike Richards

(4) Nashville Predators vs. (3) Phoenix Coyotes

Cohen– Predators win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Fisher

Philp– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith

Muscat– Predators win in 5. X-Factor –> Alexander Radulov

Levin– Predators win in 5. X-Factor –>Patric Hornqvist

Woodward– Predators win in 6. X-Factor –> Phoenix’s Secondary Scoring

Stanley Cup Finals

Cohen (Edit)– Rangers Over Predators

Muscat (Edit)– Blues Over Rangers

Philp (Edit)– Capitals Over Coyotes

Woodward (Original)– Rangers Over Predators

Eastern Conference

(8) Ottawa Senators vs. (1) New York Rangers

Cohen– Rangers win in 7 . X-Factor –> Brandon Dubinsky

Muscat– Rangers win in 6. X-Factor –> Ryan Callahan

Philp– Rangers win in 5 . X-Factor –> Henrik Lundqvist/Rangers’ Physicality

Woodward– Rangers win in 7. X-Factor –> Chris Phillips/Filip Kuba

(7) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Boston Bruins

Cohen– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Nicklas Backstrom

Muscat– Bruins win in 4. X-Factor –> Brad Marchand

Philp– Capitals win in 7. X-Factor –> Alexander Ovechkin

Woodward– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Boston’s Power-Play

(6) New Jersey Devils vs. (3) Florida Panthers

Cohen– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Muscat– Devils win in 5. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Philp– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> A Healthy Martin Brodeur

Woodward– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> Florida’s Secondary Scoring

(5) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Cohen–  Penguins win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Muscat– Penguins win in 6. X-Factor –> Marc-Andre Fleury

Philp– Penguins win in 5. X-Factor –> Pittsburgh’s Depth/Matt Cooke

Woodward– Flyers win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings vs. (1) Vancouver Canucks

Cohen–  Canucks win in 6. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Muscat– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Philp– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Woodward– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

(7) San Jose Sharks vs. (2) St. Louis Blues

Cohen– Blues win in 6. X-Factor –> Andy McDonald

Muscat– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Alex Pietrangelo

Philp– Sharks win in 6. X-Factor –> Joe Thornton Exorcising Playoff Demons

Woodward– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Antti Niemi

(6) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (3) Phoenix Coyotes

Cohen– Blackhawks win in 6. X-Factor –> Keith Yandle

Muscat– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith

Philp– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith/Phoenix Defense

Woodward– Coyotes win in 7. X-Factor –> Corey Crawford

(5) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Nashville Predators

Cohen– Predators win in 6. X-Factor –> Alexander Radulov

Muscat– Red Wings win in 7. X-Factor –> Pavel Datsyuk

Philp– Red Wings win in 6. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Special Teams

Woodward– Predators win in 7. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Second Line

Stanley Cup Finals

Cohen– Penguins Over Predators

Muscat– Red Wings Over Penguins

Philp– Red Wings Over Penguins

Woodward– Rangers Over Predators

In a first frame that saw some surprisingly entertaining hockey from two defense-first teams, we saw five goals scored as the Bruins took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission. Boston jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals from Brad Marchand and Milan Lucic. Marchand’s tally was good for his 20^th of the year, as he becomes only the third member of the B’s to accomplish that feat this season (Lucic, Seguin).

Unfortunately for the B’s, things would turn sour quickly for Boston as the Blues would knot the score less than six minutes after the Bruins took a 2-0 lead. Both goals (Chris Stewart and Ryan Reaves) were a result of hard work on the forecheck by St. Louis that caused defensive breakdowns in front of Tim Thomas. Luckily, with less than a minute to play in the frame Boston was able to grab the lead once again as Lucic used some tough forechecking of his own to force a turnover and find a wide open Chris Kelly in front for his 15^th  goal of the season.

The second frame showcased much more of what we expected from these two defensive stalwarts. Posting only 17 combined shots, the two squads played a full twenty minutes of scoreless hockey.

As we entered the third period, play continued much as it did in the second as both teams fought to gain traction and sustain any sort of lengthy offensive possession. Midway through the final frame, Marchand took a beautiful outlet feed from Tyler Seguin and beat Blues’ goaltender Brian Elliott with a brilliant move to the backhand on a breakaway. The goal provided Boston with some solid insurance as they held the Blues off the board for the remainder of the game to secure a 4-2 victory. In the process, the B’s avoided dropping their third straight game as they became the first visiting team to win a game at the Scottrade Center since December.

A win like tonight’s could prove to be a turning point in the season for the B’s, but only if they’re able to build on it and turn it into future success as they continue on their six-game road trip.

Ben’s Three Stars:

1) Brad Marchand (2G/0A , +2 Rating)

2) Milan Lucic (1G/1A, +2 Rating)

3) Chris Kelly (1G/1A, +2 Rating)

What’s Next?

– Up next for the B’s will be two divisional foes as they conclude their lengthy road trip with games in Buffalo and Ottawa on Friday and Saturday. The Blues have a quick turnaround as they will take on the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on Thursday evening.

Thanks For Reading!

“LIKE” Us On Facebook: HockeyIndependent Bruins

Give Me A Shout On Twitter! : @BWoodward_HI

Or You Can E-Mail Me At BWoodward.HI@gmail.com

Teams: Boston Bruins at St. Louis Blues

Records: Boston 35-20-2 (72 Points) , St. Louis 36-16-7 (79 Points)

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Time: 8 P.M. (EST)

TV/Radio Info: NESN (Edwards, Brickley, Funayama) – 98.5 The Sports Hub (Goucher, Beers)

Last Game: Bruins 0 , Minnesota Wild 2 ……. Blues 1 , Chicago Blackhawks 3

Tonight’s Lineup (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS:

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Kelly–Krejci

Pouliot–Camper–Caron

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE:

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER:

Thomas

Rask

Scratches– …… Andrew Bodnarchuk , Josh Hennessy

Injuries:

Nathan Horton (Concussion) – Boston’s top right winger remains sidelined with a concussion he suffered back on January 21. Word this morning had Horton still not being physically capable to skate on his own and No. 18 may not make a return to action this season.

Rich Peverley (MCL) – Peverley will sit out his third consecutive game as he continues to rehab his MCL injury.

Last Time We Met: Blues 2 , Bruins 1 (SO)

– The B’s and Blues last met back on November 6, 2010 at TD Garden. St. Louis got ahead early as former Bruins’ forward Vladimir Sobotka put one past Tuukka Rask in the first period. Gregory Campbell would tie the game late in the third, but the Blues would eventually come out on top when another former Bruin, Brad Boyes won it for St. Louis in the shootout.

Prediction: A St. Louis squad that hasn’t lost to an Eastern Conference foe all season is perhaps the last team the B’s would like to line up against right now. Struggling to reestablish the prolific offense that they enjoyed during their otherworldly run through November and December, the B’s have only netted two goals in their past two games. Now, up against a Blues squad with one of the most stingy defenses in the entire league, the Bruins will face an uphill climb all night long.

Bruins 1 , Blues 3 F

Thanks For Reading!

“LIKE” Us On Facebook: HockeyIndependent Bruins

Give Me A Shout On Twitter! : @BWoodward_HI

Or You Can E-Mail Me At BWoodward.HI@gmail.com

5.) Jackets Fail For Nail

– Without question the worst team in hockey through the first half of the season, the Blue Jackets have been an unmitigated disaster all year long. Entering the season most hockey journalists (including myself) had Columbus pegged for their second post-season appearance in franchise history. However, the aforementioned NHL pundits could not have been more wrong. With the acquisitions of Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski not panning out, look for the Blue Jackets to deal one of the two before the deadline. Purely based on Wisniewski’s massive contract, my guess would be Carter moves on for greener pastures elsewhere. The former Flyers’ standout should bring GM Scott Howson a decent haul and will help them continue to build for the future as they trudge along on the “Fail For Nail” campaign.

4.) Kessel Posts 90 Points, Finally Quiets Critics

– Perhaps the most talked about trade in recent Boston sports history, the Bruins–Leafs swap of September 2010 sent crafty winger Phil Kessel to the epicenter of hockey in exchange for three draft selections. Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli then used those picks to select forwards Tyler Seguin and Jared Knight as well as defenseman Dougie Hamilton. While Seguin has exploded onto the scene in the Hub, amassing 19 goals and 24 assists through 46 games this season Kessel has truly emerged as one of the league’s most prominent scorers. With 51 points (26G/25A) in 49 games, he and linemate Joffrey Lupul (20G/32A) have completely turned the Toronto franchise around, leading them to a top-eight position in the Eastern Conference. In the second half of this season, I believe that Kessel will easily reach the 40-goal marker and surpass his career high of 64 points to finally justify this trade and quiet the throngs of critics who have harassed the Minnesota native ever since he arrived on the scene in Toronto.

3.) Hitchcock, Blues Continue Magical Run

– Without doubt the biggest positive surprise of any team in the league this season has taken place underneath the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The Blues, who struggled mightily to begin the season under former coach Davis Payne, have been given new life since the arrival of veteran bench boss Ken Hitchcock. With no players in the NHL’s top-50 scoring leaders, the Blues’ team-first philosophy has shown through this season, leading them to the fifth seed in the Western Conference — a comfortable eleven points ahead of ninth place Colorado –. Captain David Backes seems to have his team — a seemingly perfect blend of youth and experience — poised for a deep run through the post-season. In the shocker of the season, I can see the Blues becoming this year’s NHL Cinderella story, upsetting a team or two and making it to the Conference Finals this spring.

2.) Sabres, Habs Continue Rapid Fall From Grace

– Mired in the basement of the Eastern Conference, this season simply has not gone the way fans in Buffalo and Montreal had once thought it would. Currently sitting eight and ten points out of the playoff picture, the Sabres and the Habs have been absolute train-wrecks on ice the entire season. In Montreal, things went awry immediately out of the gate and have only been trending downwards since then. In a year that’s seen the departure of both an assistant coach and a head coach, an unheard of mid-game trade and continuous public outcry for a French-speaking bench boss, the city of Montreal has been an absolute circus all year long. In Buffalo, fans and players alike had Stanley Cup aspirations after new owner Terry Pegula’s ill-advised off-season spending spree. Unfortunately for the hockey-mad folks in Western new York, it just hasn’t quite worked out this season as their beloved Sabres sit tied for dead last in the Eastern Conference. What’s worse? GM Darcy Regier is handcuffed by the insanely generous contracts of Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino.

1.) Bruins, Rangers Will Battle For Eastern Conference Crown

– Now I could be getting ahead of myself a bit here but right now all signs are pointing towards an Original Six showdown with a spot in the Cup Finals on the line. Without a doubt the two best teams in the East through the first half of the season, New York and Boston have put together the two best records in the Conference through the first half of the season. Armed with gritty, two-way players who aren’t afraid to put the team before themselves, the B’s and Blueshirts almost mirror one another in terms of playing style. After putting together an instant classic earlier this month at TD Garden, it’d be easy for one to expect three more beautifully played contests between these two squads this season. However, I’m going to take it a step further and say that New York and Boston will once again meet in the Eastern Conference Finals this spring for yet another chapter in the Boston  vs. New York rivalry.

Thanks For Reading!

“LIKE” Us On Facebook: HockeyIndependent Bruins

Give Me A Shout On Twitter! : @BWoodward_HI

Or You Can E-Mail Me At BWoodward.HI@gmail.com

However, something happened on the way to making the NHL more palatable to the masses. You might have noticed that your favorite player or players have been missing in action quite a bit this season.As of Thursday, 51 NHL players have been lost to concussions this season. On that list is the player many believe is the league’s best, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has played in just eight NHL games since suffering a concussion on Jan. 5, 2011.

That list has become a gargantuan story this season, much to the alarm of the league and teams, who have in the past attempted to minimize what independent medical experts have been citing for years: hockey has a concussion epidemic on its hands.

< READ MORE ON CBS New York >

Other pieces on CBS by BD:

HOW PLAYERS, NOT THE ISLES COACH WILL WALK PLANK THIS SEASON

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE? TELL THAT TO NY ISLANDERS FANS! 

GOON:

In our support of the lack of hockey movies, comes this info from the movie company to us.

“We have a great throwback hockey movie coming out and we would love to get your support. Its violent and insanely funny.”

Starring Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill and Liev Schreiber
Written by Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg (SUPERBAD and  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Synopsis
Labelled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of underperforming misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.

The film opens on VOD on 2/24 and In Theatres 3/30

Based from the book “Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey”

www.goonthemovie.com

Official Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/GoonFilm

Some more on the movie comes from Slash Film

HOCKEY LEGENDS PAT LAFONTAINE AND STEVE WEBB TO RIDE 550 MILES FOR W20
FOUNDATION AND COMPANIONS IN COURAGE FOUNDATION

NEW YORK (September 19, 2011) –NHL alumnus Steve Webb and Hockey Hall
of Fame inductee Pat LaFontaine began a 550-mile bike ride this morning
from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in route to the NHL Powered by
Reebok Store in New York City in support of their respective charitable
efforts, the W20 Foundation and the Companions in Courage Foundation. Both
are expected to complete their historic ride on Wednesday, September 21 at
12:00 p.m. ET with a special celebration at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store
in midtown Manhattan.

“The NHL is proud to support these two hockey legends as they embark
on this epic charitable ride. On behalf of the NHL family we proudly salute
Pat and Steve, and wish them the best of luck” said Ken Martin, Jr., NHL
Vice President of Community Affairs.

LaFontaine’s Companions in Courage Foundation is an official
philanthropic partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) and helps to
create “Lion’s Den/NHL Legacy Classrooms” featuring Cisco System’s online
conferencing system, WebEx, which allows young patients to connect to
family, friends, schools and teachers anywhere in the world during a
hospital stay.

The Foundation has now opened 12 Lion’s Den rooms throughout North
America, including two with the NHL in Boston, Calgary and Montreal. The
NHL unveiled the first fully functional “NHL Legacy Classroom” at North
Carolina Children’s Hospital to commemorate the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Plans for an “NHL Legacy Classroom” in Pittsburgh were unveiled during the
2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic to commemorate the outdoor game.

Webb’s W20 Foundation provides young student ice hockey players with
partial academic scholarships to continue the pursuit of their hockey
dreams. Now the organization also highlights athletes as influential agents
of change and creates opportunities for athletes to give back in their
communities. Webb will also commit a portion of the ride’s proceeds to fund
Alzheimer and dementia research in Ontario.

The riders will be joined by a support team that includes Graham
Fraser, founder of Centurion Cycling, host of North America’s premier
series of distance bicycling events.

For more information on how you can support this please visit
www.CiC16.org
or www.w20Foundation.org.  To follow the progress of the ride, fans are
encouraged to visit www.W20Foundation.blogspot.com. ]]> http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/bdgallof/38698/feed/ 0 http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/ http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:49:39 +0000 Fred Poulin http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/?p=38347 Forty-three people have died in a Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger plane crash near the city of Yaroslavl in Central Russia. The majority of victims were members of the local ice hockey team Lokomotiv of the Kontinental Hockey League. The plane crashed on take-off after hitting an air traffic tower at the airport and witnesses are reporting that the plane was reduced to a pile of charred metal. It is also reported that the plane broke off in two and one half fell into water and another one on the ground. So far 31 bodies have been recovered from the river, local rescue services say.

Several of the victims were foreign players for the club. The squad includes players from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Sweden. Among the victims, former NHL players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek, as well as goaltender Stefan Liv who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2000. Former Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon is also among the victims.

Demitra played 847 games in the NHL with the Senators, Blues, Kings, Wild, and Canucks scoring 304 goals and 464 assists for 768 points. He reached the 60-point plateau six times. Demitra played in the KHL last season.

Rachunek played 371 games in the NHL with the Senators, Rangers and Devils notching 22 goals and 118 assists for 140 points. Rachunek has been playing in the KHL since the 2008-09 season.

Salei played 917 games in the NHL with the Ducks, Panthers, Avalanche and Red Wings notching 45 goals and 159 assists for 204 points. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Ducks in 2002-03. Salei played for the Red Wings last year.

Skrastins played 832 games in the NHL with the Predators, Avalanche, Panthers and Stars recording 32 goals and 104 assists for 136 points. He played for the Stars last season.

Vasicek played 460 games in the NHL with the Hurricanes, Predators and Islanders recording 77 goals and 106 assists for 183 points. He played for the Stars last season. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Hurricanes in 2001-02.

The Yaroslavl HC Lokomotiv were Russian Champions in 1997, 2002 and 2003. The squad was to play a match against Mink HC Dinamo on Thursday. Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov was rumored to join Lokomotiv this summer, but chose NHL instead. A very wise decision.

Condolences to the KHL, the friends and families of all involved.

Video of the crashed plane here.

Source: SovSports and Reuters

Follow me on Twitter for more information on this terrible plane crash as the information comes along.

Hello again, and welcome to Part II of my 4-Part NHL season preview.  In part I, I gave you all my Eastern Conference Predictions. In part 2, I will give you my predictions for the Western Conference.  I will approach these predictions a bit differently than I did those for the Eastern Conference. Today, I will give some strengths and weaknesses of each of the 8 playoff teams out west. I will be upfront here in saying that I do not usually follow the Western Conference as much as I do the East, over the course of the season, so many of you may have differing opinions here. Like always, feel free to chime in with your opinions below.

1) Vancouver Canucks

Strengths:

The defending conference champs return in 2011-12 as without a doubt one of the clear-cut contenders for a Stanley Cup. Arguably the deepest team, top to bottom in the entire NHL, the Canucks will once again be lead by former Hart trophy winners Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Ryan Kesler returning to full health will also be a welcome sight for Vancouver’s offense.  Perhaps the biggest strength of the Canucks, will be the retribution factor. The Canucks’ were so close to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup, they could taste it. They always say that a team must learn how to lose, before you can learn how to win;  and in 2010-11 , the Vancouver Canucks sure learned how to lose.

Weaknesses:

Truth be told, there isn’t much to put here. The loss of puck-moving defenseman Christian Ehrhoff will undoubtedly play a role in the Canucks’ success in 2011-12. However, a team that employed 9 NHL-quality defensemen in 2010-11, a replacement should not be hard to find. The only real question mark in Vancouver, is the ability of star goaltender Roberto Luongo to bounce back from a rough finish to the post-season of 2011. But even if Roberto is to falter, young Cory Schneider will be ready and willing to carry the load.

2) Los Angeles Kings

Strengths:

The popular favorite in the West, is without a doubt the LA Kings. After losing out on key free agents Ilya Kovalchuk and Brad Richards over the past two summers, GM Dean Lombardi opted to pull the trigger on a trade sending Wayne Simmonds and  uber-prospect Brayden Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for  former Flyer-captain Mike Richards. Richards should make an immediate impact on the LA roster, and provide perhaps the best 1-2 punch at center, along with all-star pivot Anze Kopitar.

Weaknesses:

While the addition of Mike Richards went a long way to solidifying the Kings 2nd line, the team’s lack of depth after the top 2 lines is perhaps the team’s biggest achilles heel. Beyond Richards, Kopitar, Williams and Stoll, the Kings lack much skill on the offensive end. In order to be successful in 2011-12, the Kings will need improved production from the likes of Kyle Clifford and Brad Richardson.

3) Chicago Blackhawks

Strengths:

The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions are perhaps the deepest team in the entire NHL. Led by stars, the likes of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Pat Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp, the Blackhawks will be back and looking for a return to the Cup Finals. Look for Chicago to once again be near the top in the Western Conference for most of 2011-12.

Weaknesses:

After making some solid depth acquisitions this offseason, the Blackhawks only true weakness entering 2011-12 is the play of young goaltender Corey Crawford. While Crawford did have an excellent rookie season, it is unclear whether or not he can continue his strong play, going forward. The sophmore slump can be a huge issue in hockey, and it will be critical to the Blackhawks success, that Crawford is able to battle through.

4) San Jose Sharks

Strengths:

Scoring. San Jose is one of few teams that can legitimately run 3 very productive offensive units. The addition of Brent Burns will also significantly help out on the back end, and go along way to replacing Rob Blake as an offensive force from the blueline, who retired last summer.

Weaknesses:

The swap of Dany Heatley for Martin Havlat will be sure to pay dividends for San Jose in the post-season , but it is unclear whether or not Havlat can produce at the same rate as Heatley can, during the regular season. However, on a team with Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, Patrick  Marleau and Ryan Clowe, I am sure goal scoring should not be an issue.

5) Detroit Red Wings

Strengths:

With Captain Nicklas Lidstrom returning for what looks to be like 1 final year in the league, 2011-12 looks like it’ll be Detroit’s last crack at the Cup for  a few years. Look to the Red Wings to rely on top end talent and a bevy of experience to lift them to the top of the Western Conference.

Weaknesses:

Perhaps the only weakness of the Red Wings, is age, and with age, comes a proneness to injuries. Star pivot Pavel Datsyuk missed most of 2010-11 with a wrist injury, but looks to be 100% entering training camp. However, if the Wings want to succeed in 2011-12, they must get key contributions from younger depth players.

6) Nashville Predators

Strengths:

The biggest strength, of a cash-strapped Nashville squad, is none other than the man standing behind the bench, Barry Trotz. Trotz, arguably the best coach in the game, always finds a way to get his Nashville team to over-achieve and get into the post-season.

Weaknesses:

Uncertainty over the futures of the big 3; Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, and Pekka Rinne, will surely cause a stir in Nashville, as the season draws on. It will be up to those 3 all-stars to put away thoughts of contracts and focus on hockey, if Nahville wants to once again be a playoff team, in 2011-12.

7)  Anaheim Ducks

Strengths:

The RPG line is unquestionably the most dynamic scoring line in hockey, and will once again be relied upon to provide most of the Ducks’ offense. The RPG line is perhaps the only line in hockey that can truly carry a team to the playoffs.

Weaknesses:

The biggest knock on the Ducks, is that they are a very top-heavy squad. Beyond the RPG line, there really aren’t many reliable offensive forwards on the Anaheim roster. Also, beyond Lubomir Visnovsky and budding superstar Cam Fowler, there isn’t a whole lot of depth on the Ducks’ blueline. Also, concerns over the health of goaltender Jonas Hiller will be huge in determining the Ducks’ success in 2011-12.

8) Columbus Blue Jackets

Strengths:

The Blue Jackets have finally found a true #1 center to play along side Rick Nash. It is my belief, that given the chance to play with a legit play-making pivot, Rick Nash can be one of the top-5 players in all of hockey. He is mean, nasty, big, strong, has a fantastic shot, and really knows how to finish. He has now been given that opportunity, thanks to GM Scott Howson’s acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Weaknesses:

The biggest issue for Columbus is their depth, or lack there of. There really aren’t many proven NHL defenders on this roster. The addition of James Wisniewski will do wonders for the Jackets’ Power-Play, however, beyond Wiz, I do not see much strength on that blueline.

9) St Louis Blues

10) Minnesota Wild

11) Calgary Flames

12) Edmonton Oilers

13) Phoenix Coyotes

14) Dallas Stars

15) Colorado Avalanche

Thanks For Reading!

Be Sure To Follow Me On Twitter at @BruinsHockey365

The most noticible name missing from the short list is Matt D’Agostini.

Reaction came predictable and quick as the news spread. In a season filled with career best totals for the Habs castoff, “Dags” quickly became a fan favorite. A ray of sunlight through overcast sky of injuries and ownership drama.

Why allow him to walkaway for nothing? It makes no sense!

A valid point. Comparitvely cheap and productive depth is something all 30 NHL clubs can’t afford to lose. Let alone the Blues who are always desperate to maximize return on investment with so little wiggle room in the checkbook.

A stronger sense of desperation also applies to the need to play more than 82 games. Failing to make the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons will not entice buyers to seal the deal and free Dave Checketts from his NHL burden to have his fun in the NBA. Like any good salesmen, he knows sweetining the pot is sometimes needed.

Suppose Doug Armstrong has been given a green light to add more than a Splenda packet in the mix. Think more like a 1lb bag if pure cane sugar.

With every contract to date this off season he’s been able to min/max. Make a minimum investment to maximize return for role filled. Effectively squeezing out every ounce of available funds for the right deal for the right impact player with the right contract comes along.

Increasing payroll above the historical norm is a calculated risk that now appears to be the right time to take. Consensus puts the figure right at the $48.3 million cap floor. The budget is generally expected to top out at $49 million with the flexibility to jump $3 to $4 million above for the “that player”.

To some the proposition of such a scenario is outlandish. Traditionally, the Blues have not invested so much in payroll. With ownership in limbo, why add more debt? The greater the debt to absorb, the fewer who have the capability to take it. Limitations are not advanageous in this case.

While true, professional sports franchises are not cash cows and any perspective owner knows this. Breaking even is the best case scenario for many. No team will do so, at least consistently, without winning. Right now, the Blues aren’t winning. Not even in the Charlie Sheen sense.

Winning trumps investment. Long term growth options are a benefit, not a detraction.

Keep in mind that the year is 2011. Not 2006. Bill Laurie era thinking does not apply. There will be no great sell off of key assets to drive down value. No blue light special deal to buy the Blues. Checketts doesn’t believe that will bring in quality offers and he is right. Instead assets will be added to bring the product available for sale up to a value equal the asking price.

Whether that comes in the form of a franchise player or added quality depth to bolster chances at a playoff berth remains to be seen.

There is a forest through the trees. A method to the madness. A little patience goes a long way because answers are coming soon.

—

According to a tweet from Andy Strickland the Blues and Oshie have agreed to a one-year deal. An announcement is expected later this morning.

St. Louis Post Dispatch beat writer Jeremy Rutherford says the two sides are close.

The financials will determine if there is room to bring back D’Agostini or if the Blues will pursue someone like Anthony Stewart.

(Edit: The Blues have confirmed a one year deal with Oshie. One year at $2.35 million.)

Participants: Fred Poulin, Cris Cohen, Lawrence Duchenski, John Scott Moore, Jeremy Scriven, Alexander Monaghan, Jamie Fraser, Andre Garabedian, WB Philp, Al Cimaglia, Adrian Fung, Gordon Fall, Kevin Vanstone, Su Ring

Round 1
LAWRENCE 1 Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
We believe that Ryan will be an elite player in this league for years to come. He has both the vision and the passing ability to centre our first line and we are happy to bring him into the organization.

JOHN 2 Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are proud to select, from Skelleftea HC in Sweden, Adam Larsson. The Avs most pressing issue besides a net-minder is defense. Larsson is the big man on the blue line that this team needs to be competitive. With newly acquired Erik Johnson and veteran John-Michael Liles, Larsson will complete a core of defense that should last for years. Larsson’s highly rated skating for a 6-3, 200 pound blueliner is just what the team needs. Also noted is his poise and patience with the puck, a good quality to see this early.

JAMIE 3 Panthers
The Florida Panthers select Gabriel Landeskog of the OHL’s Kitchener Ranger. Gritty. Determined. Physical. Tough. Mean. These are characteristics not common to the average Swedish hockey player. Gabriel Landeskog is truly a made in Canada Swede. He’s physical mature player who’s the most NHL ready in the draft. Landeskog is pure leadership material, he’s a difference maker every time he’s on the ice. This past season he scored 66 points (36-30) in 53 games. Here’s Landeskog take on his style “I’m a powerful guy who likes to play rough and tough,” “But I do see myself as a skilled guy but it still comes down to hard work and being gritty and being in your face. That’s what I want to do.”

JAMIE 4 Devils
The New Jersey Devils select 4th overall Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs. Huberdeau an excellent two-way forward recently won the Memorial Cup with Saint John. He draws comparisons to Jason Spezza but with a better defensive hockey mind. Huberdeau has assets that you can’t teach such as vision, his 6’1″ frame and his ability to play under pressure. Truly a great fit for a Devils trap system. Scoring 105 points(43-62) this season in the QMJHL he has the offensive abilities to command at 1st/2nd line duties in the future.

ANDRE 5 Islanders
With the 5th selection of the 2011 entry draft, the NY Islanders are proud to select, from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Sean Couturier. This was a very tough choice. Hamilton, Couturier, Strome, Murphy are all gifted players who can help fill a need for the Islanders and were right there for us, but the feeling was that adding a player of Couturier’s skill set, combined with his size made him a sensible choice. Not only is he a top player, but he also fills a need for size on a relatively small Islander team. He is gifted offensively, but also has displayed a commitment to the defensive side of the ice making him a solid 2-way prospect. Much of his time was spent against opposing top lines — giving him the oppor tunity to dominate at both ends of the ice. He is size speed and skill — all of the tools the Islanders need.

The “knock” on Sean was that he was coasting this season, and does not have the “commit” level that he should. We feel Sean is committed to both ends of the ice, and we are sure he will be a proud part of the Islander family for many years to come. We feel Sean is an excellent player that adds to a dynamic core of players in our development system.

JAMIE 6 Senators
With the 6th pick overall in the NHL 2011 entry draft the Ottawa Senators select Ryan Strome. Ottawa needs help for that 2nd line centre position. Ryan Strome lacks the size of Sean Couturier, but this kid put up 106 points(33-73) with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs. He draws similar skill sets to Patrick Kane. Strome is a player who is at his biggest part of his game with the puck on his stick and will often make opposing defenders look absolutely ridiculous in YouTube highlight reel moments. While many of his goals belong on highlight reels, Strome has a great shot and excellent hockey sense. Make sure to follow Ryan Strome on twitter @strome18

FRED 7 Thrashers (Winnipeg Jets)
The Winnipeg team is proud to select, from the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, defenseman Dougie Hamiilton. His strong and smooth st aking abilities allow him to skate out of trouble in own zone. Can quarterback the power play thanks to great vision and accurate shot. The team also needs more size on defense to complement Dustin Byfuglien. Hamilton scored 12 goals and added 46 assists for 58 pts in 57 games this season. The 6’4” 195 lb rearguard could very well become a top-2 defenseman in a near future.

FRED 8 Flyers from the Blue Jackets
The Philadelphia Flyers are proud to select from Djurgarden of the Swedesih Elite League, centre Mika Zibanejad. After trading two quality centers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on Thursday, the Flyers need to restock their middle lane with top-end prospects. A very intelligent two-way player with a great shot, Zibanejad has an above-average sense of hockey and anticipation. He uses his 6’2”, 190 lb frame to his advantage and his strength to battle pucks along the boards. He is not afraid to play physically and likes to initiate contact. He has excellent faceoffs skills and great skating abilities. He draws some comparisons to Ryan Kesler and Mike Fisher.

FRED 9 Bruins from the Maple Leafs
The Boston bruins are proud to select from the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, defenseman Ryan Murphy. An exceeding talented puck-moving defenseman, the diminutive Murphy draws comparisons to Ryan Ellis and former NHLer Brian Rafalski. In 63 games last season, the offensive defenseman scored an impressive 26 goals and 53 assists for 79 points. A good fit for the Bruins as the team really needs a power play quarterback, Murphy is an outstanding skater and puck carrier a la PK Subban. He is very agile, possesses soft hands and boasts a hard and accurate slapshot. The 5’11, 175 lb will be a steady fixture on the Bruins’ blueline for years to come.

CRIS 10 Wild
The Minnesota Wild take, from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Sven Bartschi. The Wild, after being a defense-first team under Jacques Lemaire their first 7 seasons and losing Marian Gaborik to Free agency in 2009, this team needs offense. Havlat with 22 goals was their leading scorer this past season and no other Wild hit the 20-goal plateau. Bartschi, and excellent skater possesses good passing and stickhandling skills and a good, quick shot. He will need to work on the defensive side of his game, though.
JOHN 11 Avalanche from the Blues
With the 11th pick the Colorado Avalanche are proud to pick Duncan Siemens of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. The 6’3″, 192 lbs defenseman is just too good for the Avs to pass up. Despite needs on offense, the big D-man will be an asset to the Avs in the future and possibly forming a formidible defensive core for years. Naming Scott Stevens as his favorite player, Siemens will lay a hit and even fight. But better yet he is a shutdown defenseman with mobility.

SUE 12 Hurricanes
With the 12th pick, the Carolina Hurricanes are proud to select Joseph Morrow of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. We like Morrow for his strong skating, great speed and talented two-way game. He has the uncanny ability to see the entire ice and create smart plays and scoring chances.
He’s also very strong on both the power play and penalty kill and uses his size to every advantage on the ice. He played a key role in helping the Winterhawks clinch the WHL’s US Dvision and Western Conference titles during the regular season and helped propel the team to the WHL Championships, which they lost to the Kootenay Ice.

SUE 13 Flames
With the 13th pick, the Calgary Flames are pleased to select Mark McNeill from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. McNeill can play Center but he also has experience at Right Wing. He’s big, smart and an accurate shot, whether it comes to scoring or passing. His size also makes him strong defensively- this kid is not afraid to go after the puck. McNeill led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since the 2006-2007 season.

ALEXANDER 14 Stars
With the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars take Rocco Grimaldi, Center, USA Under-18-USHL. After losing a great player like Brad Richards, we felt our organization took the best player available and added a great deal of skill. If not for his size, Grimaldi likely could have gone in the top 10 as he displays an excellent amount of agility, top speed and overall skill. In addition, we find Rocco to be a hard-working, determined individual who can eventually play on our top line. Picking at number 14, we are quite pleased to select a player of his stature.

CRIS 15 Rangers
With the 15th pick the New York Rangers select from the USHL Tyler Biggs. He brings a size (6′ 2″, 210) that most of the forwards in the Rangers’ system do not possess. He’s willing to hit opponents and fight when necessary. While not overly impressive from an offensive standpoint (19G, 12 A in 55 games) and not speedy, his size and strength should provide more room for offensively skilled teammates he could be paired with to be free to do their thing.

The second part of the mock draft will be posted later today. Stay tuned!

Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick, and....3rd round pick...(Opens Envelope) Name 3 things traded for Jeff Carter!

This year, once again with the assistance of my good friend Andrew R (and some Bitches Brew…..both the beer and the music), I sat down to do my NHL Mock Draft.  As per usual, trades were considered, and by a phenomenal stroke of luck we called Carter to Columbus for Voracek and the 8th pick….so we’re ready to go.

This was fun and challenging, as always, but especially this year, because it’s such a fluid draft and people are seriously all over the place.  I’ve seen guys ranked top 10 in some drafts and out of the 1st round in others.  I’m sure some of these picks will sound stupid, but I’m sure I’ll be wrong a lot….but hey, nobody thought Dylan McIlrath would go before Cam Fowler last year.

Without further ado, here we go…

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

I think there are a few question marks about Nugent-Hopkins, specifically his size and willingness to go to the dirty areas, but despite this the Oilers think he’s too good to pass up at #1.  They hope he and Taylor Hall form a dynamic duo for years to come.

2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, W, Kitchener (OHL)

We agonized over this pick, but we thought at the end of the day the Avalanche would be seduced by the size, heart, grit, and NHL readiness of Landeskog.  He’s a Chris Stewart type – the kind of player you hold on to, and never trade, come hell or high water!  Wait….what?

3. Florida Panthers: Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Dale Tallon is a well-known fan of big players, and he overlooks the “analysis paralysis” in the scouting community to jump on Sean Couturier.  Back-to-back 96-point seasons (despite having mono at the start of this year), experience at the WJC, winning the Mike Bossy Award, and his size (6’4) make him the right move for the Panthers.

4. New Jersey Devils: Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

The Devils, by most accounts, should have lost their 1st round pick this year in the Kovalchuk chicanery.  Instead, they won the draft lottery, and Lou Lamoriello looks like the cat who ate the canary after Larsson falls to him at 4.  He had a sub-par year in the SEL by most standards, but Larsson’s talent and hockey sense will make him the best Devils blueline prospect since Scott Niedermayer.

5. New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

I can already hear the Dougie Hamilton fans sharpening their knives, but hear me out.  In addition to resembling Mr. Burns (according to Niagara fans), I believe Strome is the best long-term fit for the Islanders.  He projects as a top center with playmaking ability and creativity, and the Islanders justify this pick by citing his higher projection.  At the end of the day, when you pick 5th, you want the guy who will be the better player down the road, not the biggest positional need or the guy who will calm Josh Bailey’s nerves about being replaced.  I’ve had a hunch about Strome for a while, and I will not back off from it like I did last year with Nino Niederreiter.

Here’s a Strome highlight reel goal:

Highlight Reel Goal From Strome

6. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Huberdeau, C, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Huberdeau slips to Ottawa despite his incredible playoff run with the Memorial Cup champions, and Bryan Murray is glad he did (especially since Brian Burke is nowhere to be seen and can’t take the pick out of spite).  Huberdeau projects as a flashy offensive player, and he’ll be a good one for Ottawa.

7. Winnipeg Not Yet Jets: Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

Gary Bettman was much like the father in this famous Simpsons scene recently:

The NHL has indeed gone back to Winnipeg, and they bring this hulking (6’4) d-man with them.  Hamilton is a smart player who will be a good fit on this team.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (From Columbus): Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

I had this as a mock trade, and now it’s a real trade.  Siemens is big (6’3), mean, and a hard hitter….just the kind of kid the Flyers love.  They pick him over my other option here, Mika Zibanejad, and hope Chris Pronger’s influence helps him become a star.

9. Boston Bruins (From Toronto): Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Fresh off their Cup win, the Bruins add Ryan Murphy, whose suspect D is more than balanced out by skilled offense.  He could be a true difference-maker on the Bruins PP for years to come, and they could always hide him with a defensive d-man in even strength situations to mask his weakness.

10. Minnesota Wild: Nathan Beaulieu, D, St. John’s (QMJHL)

The Wild step up to grab mobile but raw D prospect Nathan Beaulieu, whom some scouts have ranked above Hamilton, continuing a run on defense in this part of the draft.  Beaulieu is a few years away but the Wild fans will cheer this one tomorrow night at the Xcel Energy Center.

11. Colorado Avalanche (From St. Louis): Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University (NCAA)

The Avalanche have their forward and possible future captain in Landeskog.  Now, playing with house money, they feel like they can reach just a bit for the hulking (6’7) defender Oleksiak, and give him time to develop at his own pace that he might not have received if he were a team’s top pick.  He may leave Northeastern to play major junior next year; let’s keep an eye.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Mika Zibanejad, President of Iran C/W, Djurgarden (SEL)

Zibanejad finds a home with the Carolina Hurricanes, who still need depth at every position and grab the best player available.  Some teams have him ranked top 5, but he slips due to being 2nd choice for a few of the teams above (Islanders, Winnipeg, Flyers, Avalanche).  The Canes are glad to have this tough, hard-nosed player, and their fans will be as well.

And I ran......I ran so far away....

13. Calgary Flames: Joel Armia, W, Assat Pori (FIN)

The Flames go for the home run by picking Armia, one of the more talented Finnish forward prospects in the last 10 years.  There are some questions about his work ethic, but the Flames love his talent too much to let him slip away.

14. Dallas Stars: Sven Bartschi, W, Portland (WHL)

The Stars jump on The Other Swiss Winterhawk, Sven Bartschi, who was a force of nature in this year’s Memorial Cup playoffs.  Some are surprised to see him slip so far, but he was again second choice for many teams, and the Stars practically pinch themselves on the way to the podium.

15. New York Rangers: Nicklas Jensen, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

The Islanders have a Dane, and now the Rangers have one too. Jensen’s hockey sense is off the charts, and the Rangers, after targeting D in the first round in previous years, think he’s the right move at 15 this year.

16. Buffalo Sabres: Oscar Klefbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

The Sabres go for the BPA with Oscar Klefbom, a mobile, agile, and incredibly smart Swedish defenseman.  He has the potential to be the steal of the 1st round at this slot.

17. Montral Canadiens: Rocco Grimaldi, F, US NTDP

The Canadiens have trouble finding a forward taller than 5’3, and this does not get better with Grimaldi, who would be the shortest player in the NHL should he make it (yes, even smaller than Nathan Gerbe…who is a gnat).  However, he may be the most skilled player in the whole draft, and you can’t doubt his will to make it.  The Habs will look for size elsewhere….or not…

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough (OHL)

Puempel is a pure goal-scorer, and the Blackhawks go for the home run in continuing the rebuild of their farm system.  There are questions about his consistency, but Puempel is a great call here.

19. Edmonton Oilers: John Gibson, G, US NTDP

The Oilers have many goaltenders in the system, including Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, but none project as a solid #1 goaltender.  Therefore, with Nugent-Hopkins in the fold, the Oilers jump up and take Gibson, hoping he will stabilize the crease for years to come.

20. Phoenix Coyotes: Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

McNeill is strong in the corners, kills penalties well, and generally drives hard to the net.  The Coyotes have some danglers in the system, and McNeill projects as a strong, safe pick….they’re glad to have him.

21. Ottawa Senators (From Nashville): Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)

Ottawa is also playing with house money after nabbing Huberdeau at 6, and they can afford to take a flyer on Brandon Saad.  Saad will either be a home run power forward or a groundout, but with Huberdeau hogging all the attention as a top pick the Senators can let the Pennsylvania native find himself without a lot of pressure.

22. Anaheim Ducks: Joe Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)

Joe Morrow rocketed up the draft board due to his hockey sense, tenacity, and offensive potential.  The Ducks grab him and hope he’ll anchor the blueline for years alongside Fowler and Sbisa.

23. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP

Even though the Penguins absolutely deplore violence in all its forms, they can’t resist another boom or bust type in Biggs.  He has size and a great net-front presence, and they hope he develops into his full potential.

24. Detroit Red Wings: Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SEL)

This is almost too easy.  Smooth-skating, intelligent but raw d-man out of Sweden?  The Red Wings live for picks like this.  Brodin oozes talent and potential, and in Detroit he may have the best chance to harness them.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Flyers): David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

At a time, the hulking Musil was rated a potential top 5 pick in this draft.  His performance steadied, and he fell amid concerns his ceiling is not as high as originally thought.  He still plays a mean game and has offensive potential beyond that of his father, Frank, and he’s just truculent enough to fit Brian Burke’s bill.

26. Washington Capitals: Alexander Kochlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

This is another almost no-brainer, as we know the Capitals LOVE their Russians.  Kochlachev oozes skill and pure offense, making him a potential home run pick this late in the draft.

27. San Jose Sharks: Mark Schiefele, C, Barrie (OHL)

The Sharks pick Schiefele as best player available, slightly ahead of J.T. Miller from the US NTDP.  Schiefele has discipline, playmaking ability, and  great net-front presence, making him a good complement to the current crop of prospects in the South Bay.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Connor Murphy, D, US NTDP

Murphy is a big, competitive 2-way winger who will do a little bit of everything for Steve Yzerman’s club in Tampa.  He’s best available for them.

29. Vancouver Canucks: Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

He’s big, he’s smooth, he’s poised with the puck, and he’ll be a great fit in Vancouver.

30. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston): Zach Phillips, C/W, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Toronto closes out the pick by making it a trio from the Memorial Cup champions.  Phillips is a smart player with great puck skills and an ability to score.  Good fit for what they’re building in Toronto.

Following those two have been defensemen Nikita Nikitin, forwards TJ Hensick, Chris Porter, Vladimir Sobotka and prospect Sebastian Wannstrom.

Scott Neer / TSN Photography

Nikita Niktin agreed to a one year, one way deal worth $600,000 on June 9th. In his first season in the NHL the Omsk, Russia native appeared in 63 games between St. Louis (41) and the Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen (22). Between the two clubs Niktin totaled 4 goals and 23 points. The 25 year old defenseman was a Restricted Free Agent.

Heading in to next season’s training camp “N64″ will most likely be fighting Ian Cole for the 6th spot on the defensive depth chart. Assuming the 7th position goes to a Darryl Sydor type signing. The one way nature of the contract suggests Nikitin will likely win the contest.

TJ Hensick signed a two year valued at $1.2 million if he can stick with the NHL roster. In the AHL the salary drops to $105,000 in 2011-12 and $300,000 in 2012-13. The 25 year old Lansing, Michigan native split time between St. Louis and Peoria last season. Registering just 1 goal and 3 points in 13 games with the big club, but leading the Rivermen with 21 goals and 69 points in 59 games.

The deal is more addressing needs with the Blues minor league affiliate than depth concerns in St. Louis. Hensick was an outstanding producer in the AHL, but shying from contact and slow decision making at the NHL level kept him from taking advantage of two opportunities on Davis Payne’s scoring lines. That said, the carrot of another chance to break in to the NHL is there.

Gritty forward Chris Porter made as many trips down I-55 as Hensick, but he capitalized on the opportunity. Agreeing to a one year, two way deal paying $600,000 in NHL salary and $105,000 in the AHL. The Toronto, Ontario native has tallied 4 goals and 9 points in 51 career NHL games. All of which have been with the Blues. In 2010-11 he registered 3 goals and 7 points in 45 games.

Porter may have been given on year less than his Peoria teammate, but his path to minutes in St. Louis is much clearer. Porter will likely fill the 12th forward role if Armstrong is unable to acquire veteran experience on the bottom two lines. If free agents are to be had, Porter will likely be the first on recall when injuries strike.

Scott Neer / TSN Photography

Super Tweener Vladimir Sobotka agreed to a three year, $3.9 million deal basically the same day as Polak, but paperwork hold ups delayed the official signing till June 15th. The escalating salary goes from $1.2 million (11-12), to $1.3 million (12-13) and finally $1.4 million (13-14). An AAV of $1.3 million. In 65 games with the Blues last season Sobotka totaled 7 goals and 29 points. In 199 career NHL games the Trebic, Czech Republic native has amassed 13 goals and 51 points.

Sobotka really filled a void for the Blues with his effective play up and down the lineup. As either the 3rd or 4th center and as one of the two scoring line left wingers. As needs dictated, Sobotka responded. In kind the Blues were willing to commit to the one who made checking specialist center Jay McClement expendable. Sobotka’s salary is a slight raise over McClement’s. There is also a heavier expectation to contribute offensively.

Sebastian Wannstrom

On Thursday June 16th the Blues announced the signing of 2010 2nd round pick Sebastian Wannstrom to a three year Entry Level Contract (ELC). The 20 year old Gavle, Sweden native spent most of the 2010-11 season with Brynas of the SEL. Amassing just a pair of assists in 45 games. In 15 games total of international play for Sweden he totaled 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists).

Wannstrom will spend at least another season maturing in the SEL before making the across he pond. Once he does the likely destination is Peoria to acclimate himself to the North American game. Don’t let the numbers fool you. Scoring in Europe is not the same as scoring in the US and Canada. There is plenty of skill as well as defensive competence to fashion a top 9 winger on a NHL roster. The Swedish article that broke the story cited Wannstrom’s 2011 WJC performance as catching the Blues attention. In 6 games he tallied 2 goals and 5 points as one of Sweden’s top performers.

Next on the List?

The list of those to re-sign is gradually dwindling. Key names to take note of are: TJ Oshie, Matt D’Agostini, BJ Crombeen, Ben Bishop, Ryan Reaves, Tyson Strachan and Adam Cracknell.

The Oshie / D’Agostini dynamic is the key to the plans for draft day and beyond. Both likely fall in to the same spot on the roster, the second or third right winger. Armstrong loves to deal from strength. A situation worth monitoring, but further discussion is best left to another blog where it can be addressed in proportionate detail.

Scott Neer / TSN Photography

There is a very good chance that Bishop is the next to come to terms. He is a local boy who wants to play in St. Louis and has paid a good bit of his dues in Peoria already. He is seeking a one way deal to keep him in his “hometown”. The Blues may not be willing to commit unless the salary comes down. A deal similar to Nikitin’s is a likely compromise. Though a two way deal is not totally out of the question.

Note that UFAs Cam Janssen and Ty Conklin were left off the list. Per a report by Andy Strickland neither will be returning. At least as players. A large contingent of fans argues that Janssen is actually better served working in the Blues PR and Marketing departments.

Bishop would fill Conklin’s role and Reaves is very likely the 13th forward in St. Louis to replace Bam Bam Cam.

The Czech Republic native was drafted 180th overall (6th Round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In 227 career games with the Blues he has amassed 49 points and 143 penalty minutes. Polak represented Czech Republic at the 2010 Winter Olympics. One of three Blues players to represent their country in the Vancouver games.

According to the Blues official website, General Manager Doug Armstrong had this to say regarding Polak:

“We believe Roman is one of the top defensive defensemen in the league who plays against the opposing teams best players night after night,” said Armstrong. “He’s one of our top penalty killers who is just reaching the prime of his career and we’re happy to have him in the fold for the next five years.”

A five year term may look excessive on the outside, especially given the type of contracts Armstrong has given to young 20-somethings while GM. However, its a delightfully slick move. As Polak has done something others haven’t.

Established himself.

In his first full campaign he steadily rose through the depth chart as injuries decimated the defensive core. Eventually earning an audition on the top pairing with Barret Jackman. The two became a very successful shutdown pairing and the backbone of the effort late in the 2008-09 season that gave the Note a playoff berth. His solid play continued through 2009-10 and in to 2010-11 till Sidney Crosby’s skate carved in to his wrist. Severing a tendon which required surgery to repair.

His less than standard level of play in his return is the last impression in most minds. But that is not the Polak that signed on for half a decade of service today. The 2008 to October 2010 version is who will come to camp in September. The bull dog defender with the speed of a greyhound.

Such a contract should give an indication to where the Blues feel Kevin Shattenkirk fits in to next season’s plans. Not to say that he is expendable now that Polak has been taken care of. More so that roles for 2011-12 have likely been defined.

The contract puts Polak in correct comparative territory with Douglas Murray of the San Jose Sharks. A player capable of eating 20+ minutes a game but more because of defensive assignments and penalty killing duties. The setup Polak thrived in for two seasons. When Shattenkirk arrived he was given significant ice time, played around the 20 minute mark, which showed some gaps in his defensive game.

Insulating Shattenkirk with reduced even strength minutes and increased power play time (where he was at his best) is the likely course of action.

When the Blues struggled to win games following the purge trades of late February it was due to inadequate defense. Testing Shattenkirk was a necessary evil to gage his abilities. Now that his current limits are known Polak can resume taking the more difficult assignments at even strength. Allowing Shattenkirk to be more creative against weaker match ups.

It will be interesting to see how the remaining holes on the blue line are plugged. The Blues strongly favor mixed pairs. A left handed and right handed shot paired. An offensively skilled defenseman with a defensive minded one. Could this open the door to move Carlo Colaiacovo? A player who’s salary may price him past the role he is best suited (3rd pairing offensive specialist) and force a trade. If Armstrong spends just a little more in payroll could Ian Cole or (the rights to) Nikita Niktin be part of a package to land an upgrade to the veteran presence and keep Colaiacovo?

With more RFA’s to sign and the draft looming, its too difficult to tell what Armstrong will do to address needs. One hole was for sure filled today. Polak will be solidifying the Blues defensive efforts for years to come.

Hear more thoughts from Armstrong in an audio clip on the Blues website.

-

In other Restricted Free Agent news, reports indicate forward Vladimir Sobotka has agreed to, but is yet to sign, a three year deal worth an expected $3.9 million ($1.3 million AAV).

Sobotka was acquired from the Boston Bruins for prospect defenseman David Warsofsky last summer. In his first season with the Blues, the Czech Republic native registered 7 goals and posted 29 points in 65 games.

Sobe was a super sub for the Note. Freely moving up and down the left wing and center positions. Primarily considered and utilized as a energy and/or checking line center, Sobotka moonlighted on the top line with David Backes throughout the season.

Three years feels a little long for a role playing forward, but his ability to step up in to the skill lines and show chemistry (and produce) make the bet worth taking. His hockey sense and understanding of game flow and where to be and when is one of the strongest on the team. Having plug and play skaters like him is how teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins survived dramatic personnel losses. Building more depth in that direction is always a positive.

-

While the Berglund deal was rumored and covered by the media over the last few weeks, the news today came as a surprise. Which RFA becomes the focus next is anyones best guess, but may offer a glimpse in to the off season plan.

The short list includes:
TJ Oshie
Matt D’Agostini
BJ Crombeen
Ryan Reaves
Nick Drazenovic
TJ Hensick
Nikita Nikitin
Ben Bishop

Speculation persists that D’Agostini is looking for / will most likely get a 1 year contract. Given that Sobotka’s salary nearly doubled, the same can be expected for the former Hab. Anywhere from $1.5 to $2.0 million would be a fair one year price. If the deal goes to a two year term, $3.0 million total, say $1.3 and $1.7 respectively, would be a reasonable price.

Expect the Oshie trade rumors to run wild if D’Agostini does sign before fan favorite number 74.

A few UFA forwards may sign soon as well. Specifically Chris Porter and Adam Cracknell. Two depth forwards who had respectable seasons with the Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, and filled their 4th line positions well in the last month or so of the season. Likely earning similar spots for 11-12 should they chose to stay in St. Louis.

Keep an eye on Bishop signing. If he does as Andy Strickland suggests, takes a one year, one way deal around $500,000 the free agency plan is likely to spend on improving depth and experience simultaneously. At both forward and in the “top 4 defenseman” position opening created by the departure of Eric Brewer. If they go the veteran backup route again, someone like a Johan Hedberg per se, they will add skaters “on the cheap”.

-

Thanks for reading. As always, you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter: @618_STLBlues & @BlueNoteZone.

True North announced that they have bought the Atlanta Thrashers and will bring “Canada’s Game” home to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fans in the frozen north are elated to have NHL hockey back after over a decade without. But Thrasher fans are losing their team. Inept ownership and management withstanding, no fan base deserves to lose “their team”

At least Gary Bettman wants you, the money spending puckheads of North America, to think.

Many of which reside in St. Louis and bleed blue for their Blues. One of several other NHL franchises currently in ownership transition. Who absorb today’s news and wonder if a Game Plan LLC doesn’t find a buyer for Dave Checketts and TowerBrook Capital Partners soon, that they will be the next “to not lose their team”.

As the great fantasy writer Robert Jordan wrote, ” The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills and we are only the thread of the Pattern”.

With the inconsistencies in issue handling by the league, specifically comparing Phoenix to Atlanta, there is only hope that should the Note end up on the Wheel of Relocation that ownership groups from Hamilton, Seattle or Saskatchewan are not chosen over league intervention.

If Jordan’s words are taken in one direction, that what will be will be and no mortal soul can prevent it, then a bumpy ride await those who live and die with the 44 year old club. However, threads do not always go where they were intended. One finished product has slight variations from its predecessor and the next to follow will have its quirks.

Bottom line is, there is no stopping the process, but the outcomes can be different with.

What does this mean?

The Blues are not the Coyotes, nor are they the Thrashers. There is tremendous fan support in St. Louis. Whether or not big ticket promotions and fuzzy math are used to create and determine sellouts, there are sellouts. Not just when the big fish come in to the little pond. The Blues sold out all 41 home games this past season. in 2009-10 they were at 98.6 capacity.

Support just isn’t in the seats, its on couches too. In November 2010 they broke a 10 year old record with a 5.6 HH Rating in St. Louis. Their figures throughout the season continued to be the strongest in years. In April the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported as such.

The Blues fizzled again, continuing their long string of malaise. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2004, haven’t won a postseason series since 2002 and were out of realistic Stanley Cup contention for more than a month. They don’t even have a marquee player — no Blue was in the top 38 in scoring in the league.

But still their fans proved to be a resilient bunch, not only turning out in droves for home games but sending the team to its best TV rating ever on cable/satellite.

Also impressive: The rating was fifth-best rating by any U.S.-based NHL team, and the four above them made the playoffs.

According to The Nielsen Co., 3.1 percent of homes in the market tuned in on average to Blues telecasts on Fox Sports Midwest, the second year that outlet has been the sole provider of the team’s local TV coverage. The previous record was 2.9, set in 1995-96 — when the Blues began utilizing cable. Games then were on Prime Sports, FSM’s predecessor.

There is a relative ease of access that certainly helps.

The business end of the Blues is a fairly well run machine. The staff fans are in contact with, primarily sales reps, are very easy to deal with. Combine a solid staff with the glutton of ticket offers and folks are generally willing to buy.

There are no endlessly congested highways leading to long drive times for Blues fans. They aren’t making a hike to Glendale or fighting Atlanta’s infamous traffic. They’re driving relatively efficient interstates and taking the Metro Link light rail system that is designed to funnel commuters in to downtown (from Illinois as well). Mind you it drops off riders right across the street from the Scottrade Center. No long, unsafe walk required.

While Fox Sports Mid West has had its squabbles with a few important Satellite/Cable/Telco providers, the network is on almost everyones basic package and most standard HD packages.

If someone wants to see the Blues its very easy process.

Surely the league loves the support found with a mid market club struggling to make the playoffs. Imagine what could happen if they actually made the second season on a consistent basis. So long as support stays strong there is little chance that the wheel lands near the Thrashers outcome. Just as long as the foot doesn’t come off the gas pedal of fan support.

Blues Sign Berglund to Two Year Deal

According to the Blues official website, stlouisblues.com, Restricted Free Agent Center Patrik Berglund has agreed to a two year contract extension.

The deal appears for an AAV of $2.25 million. Paying $2.1 in 2011-12 and 2.4 million in 2012-13. He will still be a RFA at the conclusion of the contract.

Any speculation on dealing Berglund is now dead. However, talk of trading TJ Oshie will likely heat up. At least among fans and media. Especially if the conversation hasn’t begun by the draft.

In an interesting change of operating procedure, the Blues will make the media conference call available online tomorrow.

Fans will be able to watch Berglund’s media conference call live on Wednesday at noon at stlouisblues.com. Fan questions for Berglund can be submitted by clicking here and may be asked during Wednesday’s conference call.

In three seasons with the Blues the Vesteras, Sweden native has appeared in 228 games. Registering 56 goals and 125 points. Last season he set career highs in Goals (22) and Points (52). In the recently concluded 2011 IIHF World Championships Berglund tallied 8 goals and 10 points in 9 games. A key figure in Sweden’s Silver Medal effort.

As first reported by Seren Rosso on Twitter and then by Chesnokov, Vladimir Tarasenko has elected to stay in the KHL for the 2011-12 season.

Anticipation has been building in St. Louis for the arrival of the captain of the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship’s U-20 Gold Medal Russia squad since he was selected 16th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The rare blend of size, speed, power, finesse, deft hands, a high work ethic and will to win have the blue bleeding faithful salivating over the potential gamebreaker to be. Comparisons to top 2 picks Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin only fanned the flames.

Such high evaluation is not a fan creation. The front office has the same feelings, although far less gushy, for the one called “Tank”. Former Assistant GM and Amateur Scouting Director Jarmo Kekalainen convinced then GM Larry Pleau (and GM in waiting Doug Armstrong) at the draft to trade their 2009 1st round pick, David Rundblad, to Ottawa to take Tarasenko. A notable shift in personnel philosophy for an ownership era where prospect acquisition had been at a premium. Add in the comments made by Armstrong throughout the the second half of the season pointed to the Blues taking all (legal) means possible to bring Tarasenko over and reading between the lines is very easy to do.

Tarasenko is something special.

Given the organization’s desire and the pro-NHL” comments made by Tarasenko around the draft and subsequently throughout the 2010-11 season, his arrival in St. Louis appeared to be a foregone conclusion. Still, confirmation was needed. Last week Chesnokov reported that the decision would be made after a vacation following the World Championships.

Time was taken. The decision was made to stay close to home for one more year.

However, the outcome was not for trying on the part of the Blues. As Chesnokov tweeted Tuesday morning:

Sibir GM tells SovSport the Blues made an “exclusive offer” to Tarasenko “like no other…guaranteeing he’d play.”

(*For the record, Armstrong has denied this report.)

While there has been an obvious shift in team building under Armstrong’s watch as the Blues transition out of their deep rebuild, such an offer is a 180 degree flip from the standard set with previous highly touted first round picks like Erik Johnson, Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Patrik Berglund and Lars Eller were given no such offer, that is known of, to encourage their defection from the SEL. The same can be said of TJ Oshie and Ian Cole from the NCAA ranks. There is really no precedent set for that type of offer

Tarasenko’s importance to the Blues off season plans is now very apparent.

Volva was to be a key acquisition. Representing more than just a number of goals and points added to next season’s projections. He would bring a high talent level to the depth chart. As injuries showed throughout the 10-11 season, the Blues simply do not have enough NHL level skill in their available resources to compete for a playoff position. Tarasenko offered a cost effective option allowing more payroll dollars to be spent on other areas of need. Putting the Blues in a much stronger position to survive the ups and downs of the 82 game marathon at a critical juncture in the franchise’s history.

All worries aside, overreaction is premature and irresponsible. Armstrong likely moves to “Plan B” to address his needs. If any GM in the Blues history has exuded the confidence that he can make a big pitcher of lemonade, Army is that man. What he will do is a discussion for another blog.

No, Tarasenko is not a “bust”. Nor is he “Filatov v2.0″. There is no fault for staying for an additional season with Sibir. He agreed to a two year contract with the club his father coaches. The 11-12 season will fulfill that contract and allow him to walk away with clean hands. As for the heavily rumored out clause, there may have such strict requirements that the best decision was to wait for its expiration.

Concern over Tarasenko’s development is understandable, but founded in stereotypical misconception. He will continue to compete against some of the top talent in the world. He is no worse off in the KHL than he is taking bus tours across North America in the AHL.

Without more contractual details surfacing, there is just no way to discern if Tarasenko wasn’t able to extraicate himself from his contract or if he was “lying” about his dream to play in the NHL.

Chesnokov offers one more nugget of info in a tweet that may shed some light on what may come to pass after next season.

Sibir GM to Sovsport about the Blues’ offer to Tarasenko: “We had no idea the Blues wanted [Tarasenko] to come so bad. But it’d be better for him to play 1 more year in Russia before moving to the NHL.“

Sounds like an expectation of eventual loss for one hockey club and gain for another across the globe.

In other prospect news

Speculation at the conclusion of the regular season pointed to Colorado College forward and the Blues top selection in the 2010 draft, Jaden Schwartz, jumping out of the NCAA ranks and heading up to the WHL. A definitive answer seems to have come Monday morning. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that Schwartz confirmed via text to the Gazette Sunday that he will return for his sophomore year.

Speaking of Tarasenko’s club Sibir, they have added another Blues prospect. Finnish playmaker Jori Lehtera.

News of Lehtera’s defection from Lokomotiv to Sibir for the final season of his two year KHL contract came just one day after Tarasenko’s decision delaying announcement. Fueling tinfoil hat conjecture that Lehtera’s acquisition is meant to cover the loss Tarasenko. Tuesday’s announcement has proven such speculation false.

Many in St. Louis wrote off the former SM-liiga scoring champion when he chose Russia over the US. While, potentially hasty in hindsight, there is no information suggesting a change of heart. Unless Lehtera has a “break out” season. There doesn’t appear to be a Ville Leino scenario to play out.

—

Thanks for reading. As always you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter: @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone.

For all those invested in the St. Louis Blues, they’ve got that feeling.

On Wednesday evening reports surfaced that Principal Owner Dave Checketts would be stepping aside to do the right thing. Post the “For Sale” Sign at the corner of 14th and Clark since he was unable to secure the investors to replace departing Majority Owner TowerBrook Capital Partners. Confirming what many assumed to be the eventual outcome. That a 100% stake in the St. Louis Blues, Scottrade Center and the Peoria Rivermen would hit the market.

The reports proved to be true.

In an instant there was an explosion of reaction. Apprehension, frustration, anger, fear. The whole spectrum of emotion flooded message boards, social media, blogs, radio shows and MSM articles. As stated back on March 7th, such sentiments had driven the mood with the fan base since the long awaited ownership update from Jeremy Rutherford on March 5th. The entire scenario was a long time coming. That doesn’t leave anyone feeling any better.

Instead of the closure that everyone hoped for based on Checkett’s self described time lines, they’re left asking what’s next?

To an extent, we already know because this is a road recently traveled. The Blues were up for sale barely five years ago. All the questions posed since Wednesday have all be asked and answered once. All the emotions confronted and dealt with. They key difference this time around, to obtaining a long term owner versus a gap filling, better than the alternative owner, is that the Blues are in an infinitely stronger position in the hockey world in 2011 than they were in 2006.

Checketts inherited a franchise in shambles. The Laurie era left the team with debt on the books and on the depth chart. Few fans filled the seats or watched on TV. The entire operation had to be reconstructed from the ground up. Two key figures were enlisted to tackle the task. John Davidson assumed the position of Team President of Hockey Operations and took over the direction of the on ice product. Peter McLoughlin became CEO of St. Louis Blues Enterprises and took over the business end of the venture. Mike McCarthy may now be the CEO, but McLoughlin’s tenure is where all the positive change has come from. Checkett’s ability to allow Davidson and his CEO’s develop, enact and manage their action plans have made all the difference.

The presumed rise in the standings has yet to occur, but Davidson has amassed one of the deepest groups of untapped talent and potential. Not just self described, but a consensus among pundits and industry professionals around the league. Alex Pietrangelo, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaroslav Halak are the long term names to bank on. Not Peter Cajanek, Eric Boguniecki, and Peter Sejna. According to Forbes reports the Blues have gone from a revenue of roughly $66 million in 2005-06 and value of $150 million to an estimated revenue in the $78-$80 million range with a team value of $165 million in late 2010. Fuzzy math there may be, but sellouts are announced routinely at Scottrade.

Detracting variables have been converted in to selling points. The heavy lifting is over and done with. The fans came back are as energized and engaged as ever. The cupboards are stocked as well as any home on the block. All the House of Payne needs is a good buyer. Someone who can pay the bills and absorb a little debt to get the team up climbing up the standings while waiting for playoff dollars to come in. A money man is all that’s asked for.

What about the short term needs of the business? The chances that the ownership situation is resolved before the draft or even July 1st are slim to none. General Manager Doug Armstrong will need to continue his retooling of the lineup without the requisite funds to ensure success. There will certainly be some give and take. Instead of holding on to all of the young Restricted Free Agents, one or two could have their rights moved in order to bring in more established replacements.

The future of Matt D’Agostini, Vladimir Sobotka, Nikita Nikitin and Roman Polak may be cloudier now than this time last week. All could be part of packages for a veteran upgrade. Carlo Colaiacovo could be on his way out as well. The third pairing, power play specialist is fighting Nikitin, Ian Cole and Kevin Shattenkirk for ice time and role. All three of which make (or could make) half as much as his $2.5 million salary for 2011-12. Would a team with the need and payroll space to add a one year deal for power play help?

Key RFAs TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund’s contracts will have to be longer in term if they want to reach a given value.

If there was any question that Ben Bishop would ascend to Halak’s backup, it’s been answered. An older, more costly addition is much less likely with no wiggle room.

Tarasenko has a much better chance to start next season in St. Louis as his dent in the budget would be less than a more experienced “top 9″ forward free agent.

Davis Payne has a better chance at returning behind the bench. Even if management wanted to take the coaching staff in a different direction, to bring in an “established” presence, the money won’t be available. Payne has familiarity and paycheck size on his size.

For those worried about what happens past 2011-12, don’t. The whole process is far too fresh to contemplate the franchise leaving (Checketts has said he “will not let that happen”), the NHL stepping in (ie. Phoenix) or the City of St. Louis getting involved (like Glendale). The status quo remains in effect till a buyer is found. The same programs funneling in the crowds and breaking even will stay constant. Hopefully the projected growth of the young core comes to fruition and further strengthens the product for purchase.

For now, we wait to see history play out. The story could go either way. Repeating dark chapters or blazing a new path in a new era of St. Louis Blues hockey.

-

As always you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter: @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone

After taking a 1-0 lead in the 1st period on Jeff Halpern’s 11th goal of the year, the Canadiens stopped playing and the Blues took control of the game, which they tied on David Backes’ 24th goal of the season, after Andy McDonald won an offensive draw. Backes’ shot went through Carey Price, who looked weak on the play. Then, 1:06 in the 2nd frame, the same McDonald fooled Price after being left alone in the slot.

After that, both teams played uninspired hockey and both Halak and Price made a few key saves, but they weren’t really challenged. Finally, former Hab Matt D’Agostini sealed the deal late in the 3rd period, redirecting mid-air a perfect pass by Andy McDonald over the glove of Carey Price. TJ Oshie added an empty-netter in the 4-1 win.

Both Brian Gionta and James Wisniewski ended the night with a dreadful -3 plus/minus ratio. As for the Blues, the McDonald, Backes-D’Agostini line finished the night with a combined +9 ratio and six points. Halak made 27 saves to earn his 21th win in a Blues uniform.

Two days later, after a good practice, the Canadiens were far more prepared to face the Penguins at Consol Energy Center in a matinee. Tomas Plekanec and Michael Cammalleri scored important goals in the first minute of the first two periods to stun the Penguins in front of their home fans. Travis Moen put the game out of reach and the Habs in front 3-0 6:51 into the second period on a great passing play with his new linemates, Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez.

Cammalleri played one of his best games of the season, finishing the afternoon with 1 g and 1 a and a +2 rating in 18 minutes of play. Rearguard Roman Hamrlik and James Wisniewski were on the ice for all Montreal goals and ended the game with a +3 rating each.

Carey Price earned his 8th shutout of the season for the Bleu Blanc Rouge, stopping 26 shots, none of which being overly difficult to stop and the Canadiens played a strong road game, avoiding turnovers and the sin bin.

Price is now leading the NHL with 33 wins, tied with Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings. He’s also 2nd in the league with 8 shutouts, only one behind Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.

With the win, the Canadiens now comfortably sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 38-24-7 record, good for 83 points in 68 games. They hold a seven-point lead on the Sabres and the Rangers ranked 7th and 8th respectively. But what’s even more important, is that they trail the division leaders, the Boston Bruins, by only two points, after the latter dropped a 4-2 against the lowly New York Islanders on Saturday.

The Habs now enter a very important week, as they will face teams that are just in front or behind them in the rankings. First, they will host the Washington Capitals at Bell Centre on Tuesday and their red-hot rookie goalie Braden Holtby. Holtby has won his past four games, after he came in relief of Michael Neuvirth on March 7th. Holtby has a 8-2-2 record this season with a great .931 save % and a 1.95 GAA.

Alex Ovechkin has also caught fire lately, scoring seven goals and adding ten helpers for 17 points in his last 13 games. The Caps currently have 90 points, only one behind the Conference leaders, the Philadelphia Flyers.

Then, two days later, the Lightning come into town to face the Habs. The Bolt have lost six of their last seven games and are only two points ahead of the Canadiens in the rankings. They have recently lost the Southeast division lead to the above Capitals.

Finally, the Canadiens will visit the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Friday. A team against which they had great success in the past.

Around the team:
Newly-acquired defenseman Brent Sopel has missed the past two contests with a broken left hand. He will try to play with a cast in the next few days, but he skated alone.
Veteran Mathieu Darche was also back on the ice today, still suffering from a groin injury. He will try to avoid surgery and play through the ailment, but no timetable has been set for his return.
Jaroslav Spacek is still at least 3-4 weeks away from a return and don’t expect him back into the line-up before the 2nd round of the playoffs, should the Habs win one round.
Max Pacioretty is obviously out for the season with a concussion and a cracked vertebrae following the vicious Zdeno Chara hit.

Expected forward lines:
Cammalleri – Plekanec – Halpern
Moen – Gomez – Gionta
Kostitsyn – Eller – White
Pyatt – Desharnais – Pouliot

Expected defence pairings:
Hamrlik – Wisniewski
Gill – Subban
Mara – Weber

Goaltenders:
Price
Auld

All adjectives correctly describing the mood in St. Louis Blues nation. As if the injuries, trades, more injuries and seemingly heartless efforts on the ice weren’t enough for the always emotionally charged fan base to deal with, they woke to another reminder on Saturday morning that the root cause of their pain won’t be fixed by the doctor any time soon.

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch delivered an update on the Blues ownership situation as promised. For the last 6 to 8 weeks the Blues most prominent beat writer had mentioned on more than one occasion that managing (and minority) owner Dave Checketts (of SCP Worldwide) would have to answer questions if another “soft deadline” passed in his bid to obtain new investors to replace divesting majority investor TowerBrook Capital Partners (TCP). The first such date was the end of 2010. Just before that time table passed Checketts offered that the ownership group was 95% complete and would be presented at the Board of Governers meeting during the All Star festivities. No proposal was brought before the league.

Checketts has yet to comment after a month of waiting, but a few tidbits of information have been made available.

Fellow minority owner Tom Stillman has made a bid to purchase the Blues outright from SCP and TCP. As described by Rutherford, “His investment group includes a couple of “heavy hitters,” according to sources, and also has strong St. Louis connections.” Though his connections are strong, the bid has been rejected by Checketts since it fell below the estimated value of the franchise. The search continues for investors to allow for TCP’s divestiture.

Local radio personality and hockey blogger Andy Strickland chimed in Saturday as well. Adding that Stillman may have St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III and former Blues forward Jim Campbell in his corner. Also confirming the rejected offer and stating that SCP/TCP are looking for a buyout in the Buffalo Sabres range of $189 million.

What can be gleaned from these updates (from which I am condensing and suggest both be read in their entirety)?

- Checketts is having understandable difficulty lining up investors to sign checks as a silent partner in a venture not likely to break a profit.

- TCP has a large influence in the process since they are the controlling stake and have put no timetable on their departure. Other than they intend to as soon as Checketts can reorganize.

- If the ownership group truly was 95% complete as of December 30th, there appears to be a falling out between Checketts and Stillman. To what level, is unclear. If it was not 95% complete, then a whole other can of worms opens.

- The current financial landscape is not a “seller’s market”, therefore SCP and TCP are not comfortable selling out completely unless their preferred value is met.

- Buyers will want in at a low price of entry to pad losses they are for sure to encounter. Meaning the preferred value will not likely be met soon.

Basically, everyone is caught between a rock and a concrete wall. The team cannot be sold for the desired amount and finding an influx of financial support to elevate the franchise above it’s current level looks to be improbable.

The cause for concern is palpable.

If one axiom has been proved to be true over the last few seasons, a cap floor scraping payroll budget (of say $44 to $45 million) will not cut it in the NHL. A team just cannot compete under that condition unless they’re lucky enough to avoid the injury bug from October to April. There just isn’t enough depth to a lineup constructed on such a tight allotment of funds. No change to the ownership situation means the team stays as is. Waiting (hoping better describes) for someone to catch lightning in a bottle and carry the team to new heights.

Color the blue bleeding supporters who’ve sold out virtually ever home game this season (and countless others in the previous two) skeptical. The same song and dance they’ve seen and heard before. The wait and see mantra can only sedate the taste for blood for so long. The call for change is strong. One method has been tested and has failed to deliver. Time to start keeping up with the Jones’.

Doug Armstrong has certainly looked like the one to proliferate new ideas and bring the train out of the tunnel. Many believe he still can (myself included), but are forced to question if he will have the tools available to continue his transformation of the Blues. This latest round of ownership news suggests he won’t. Even with his purging of Brad Boyes salary, he’ll barely be able to work in the raises due to RFAs Roman Polak, TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka Matt D’Agostini while still addressing the remaining seven holes in the lineup that must be filled.

The lack of wiggle room likely puts on hold any plans to add veteran leadership, which will come at a premium starting July 1st. Andy McDonald and Barret Jackman are excellent starting points for an older core of personalities in the locker room. They are as well respected as any battle tested warrior. However, they have proven to be not enough of a counter balance against the youthful dominance demographically. Don’t forget that many older players seek contracts that stabilize their family. How much of a deterrent will an unstable ownership group be? Too much for the kind of players the Blues need to court.

Will Armstrong be able to fully realize his vision what he wants the Blues to be on the ice? Certainly all of his wheeling and dealing in the last few weeks was aimed at making this summer all about obtaining the personnel that he thinks can win games and compete for a playoff birth. A plan in jeopardy because he may not be have clearance to pay the players he acquires with all of the trade capital he has amassed.

Perhaps the most important question comes back to the fans. Will they continue to support this team if they see further stagnation? Can the consistent negative PR be overcome with more heavily discounted ticket programs? Will fans continue to buy in to that philosophy?

Sadly, all roads lead to more questions without answers.

The Checketts regime is greatly appreciated for keeping a tradition alive in St. Louis. Because of him, hockey persevered in the gateway city. No one expects him to take a loss, but at what point does his involvement producing diminishing returns. If the product on the ice can’t win becuase the funding isn’t available, the crowds will dwindle. Lowering the value to greater depths. Sometimes taking the best offer is the best thing to do. Looking like that mark has been hit.

-

As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter.

NHL clubs made 16 trades involving 35 players today prior to the 3 p.m., ET, trade deadline. Following is a list of the transactions:

• Anaheim traded C Maxim Lapierre and C MacGregor Sharp to Vancouver for C Joel Perrault and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Atlanta traded RW Niclas Bergfors and LW Patrick Rissmiller to Florida for RW Radek Dvorak and Carolina’s 5th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft (previously acquired).
• Atlanta traded G Drew MacIntyre to Montreal for D Brett Festerling.
• Atlanta traded LW Fredrik Modin to Calgary for Calgary’s 7th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Boston traded D Jeff Penner and RW Mikko Lehtonen to Minnesota for G Anton Khudobin.
• Carolina traded LW Sergei Samsonov to Florida for D Bryan Allen.
• Chicago traded C Ryan Potulny and a 2nd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft to Ottawa for D Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th-round pick in 2012.
• Colorado traded D Kevin Montgomery to Edmonton for D Shawn Belle.
• Columbus traded D Rostislav Klesla and LW Dane Byers to Phoenix for LW Scottie Upshall and D Sami Lepisto.
• Columbus traded LW Tom Sestito to Philadelphia for C Michael Chaput and RW Greg Moore.
• Edmonton traded RW Dustin Penner to Los Angeles for D Colten Teubert, Los Angeles’ 1st-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft and a conditional 3rd-round pick in 2012.
• Florida traded D Dennis Wideman to Washington for C Jake Hauswirth and Washington’s 3rd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Florida traded LW Chris Higgins to Vancouver for D Evan Oberg and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft.
• New Jersey traded C Jason Arnott to Washington for C David Steckel and Washington’s 2nd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• St. Louis traded LW Brad Winchester to Anaheim for Anaheim’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Toronto traded C John Mitchell to NY Rangers for the Rangers’ 7th-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.

There also were three waiver claims today:

• Atlanta claimed C Rob Schremp from NY Islanders.
• Calgary claimed D Brett Carson from Carolina.
• Ottawa claimed G Curtis McElhinney from Tampa Bay.

Trade Deadline Activity Since 1979-80

Season Date Trades Players
1979-80 March 11, 1980 3 5
1980-81 March 10, 1981 12 22
1981-82 March 9, 1982 5 11
1982-83 March 8, 1983 1 1
1983-84 March 6, 1984 2 2
1984-85 March 12, 1985 4 7
1985-86 March 11, 1986 8 14
1986-87 March 10, 1987 5 9
1987-88 March 8, 1988 8 12
1988-89 March 7, 1989 9 21
1989-90 March 6, 1990 10 16
1990-91 March 5, 1991 14 33
1991-92 March 10, 1992 11 22
1992-93 March 22, 1993 9 14
1993-94 March 21, 1994 18 35
1994-95 April 7, 1995 19 32
1995-96 March 20, 1996 13 21
1996-97 March 18, 1997 18 35
1997-98 March 24, 1998 19 38
1998-99 March 23, 1999 21 30
1999-00 March 14, 2000 12 23
2000-01 March 13, 2001 17 31
2001-02 March 19, 2002 17 35
2002-03 March 11, 2003 24 46
2003-04 March 9, 2004 20 32
2005-06 March 9, 2006 25 40
2006-07 February 27, 2007 25 44
2007-08 February 26, 2008 25 45
2008-09 March 4, 2009 22 47
2009-10 March 3, 2010 31 55
2010-11 February 28, 2011 16 35

As the trade deadline approaches lots of rumors are flying around, some of which are just plain weird.

Brad Richards offering to sign a one-year contract extension to allow the Stars more time to sort out their ownership situation and they turned it down? I doubt Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk would’ve turned that down! If anything he would’ve pounced on that like a pit bull on a steak. Now if the suggestion had been Nieuwendyk made that offer and Richards spurned it, that would make much more sense.

Why are some folks still trying to tie Tomas Vokoun to the Philadelphia Flyers? They currently have (counting LTIR) just over $2 million in available caps pace, and Vokoun this season is earning a cap hit of $5.75 million, meaning it would take moving considerable salary to get it done.

Even if you take the cap conundrum out of the equation, Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher have played very well, plus the Flyers still have Michael Leighton, last year’s playoff hero, in the minors if they need to call him up during the playoffs. Their current tandem has given them no reason to seek a goaltending upgrade.

Ales Hemsky to Phoenix? According to reports the Coyotes can’t afford to take on much salary at the deadline since, of course, their ownership situation still hasn’t been fully sorted out.

Sure, they could offer up equal salary for Hemsky to the Oilers, but that would also mean moving perhaps two key players, which could have an adverse impact upon the Coyotes team chemistry.

All reports suggest if the Coyotes make any deadline deals it’ll be for affordable additions, which Hemsky wouldn’t be.

The Buffalo Sabres jumping into the bidding for Brad Richards or trying to acquire Paul Statsny? OK, I know they’ve got new ownership willing to spend, but what would be the point of trying to go after those two this late in the season, especially when Richards has a “no-movement” clause and probably won’t agree to go to Buffalo, even as a rental player.

Seems like the recent critical comments of the Avalanche’s management made by Statsny’s Hall of Fame father Peter for that recent four-player swap with St. Louis for Erik Johnson at the expense of Chris Stewart plus swapping goalies with the Senators is the root of the trade rumors swirling about Paul.

Sure, it’s possible the Avs could trade Paul Statsny, but his $6.6 million per season contract for three more years could be as good as a “no-trade” clause. Players carrying salaries over $5 million per season rarely get moved by the trade deadline.

Scott Gomez for RJ Umberger? OK, who in Montreal is gobbling acid for breakfast?

Thankfully, folks, the trade deadline is near, and these wild rumors will soon come to an end. After that, we’ll have a few months grace until June and the end of the playoffs, after which I’m sure we’ll hear lots more nonsense heading toward the June Entry Draft and the opening weeks of free agency.

Happy Deadline Day!

Former Blues Forward Brad Boyes - Image via TSN Photography (BlueNoteZone.com)

It’s not just bad weather blowing around St. Louis. The trade winds have kicked up once again around 14th and Clark as Doug Armstrong sends another prominent rebuild era fixture packing. Trading right winger Brad Boyes to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2nd Round pick in the 2011 draft.

The Blues obtained the former Maple Leaf first round pick in a deal with the Boston Bruins back in 2007. Sending offensive defenseman Dennis Wideman in return. In the between time Boyes has accumulated 108 goals and 232 points in 326 games. In 2007-08 he set a career high mark in goals (43) and in 2008-09 a career high in points (72). Much like the Note, he has fallen upon hard times since the epic dash to the 2009 playoff birth. Scoring just 26 goals in 143 games (.18 Goals/Game). A far cry from his previous pace 76 goals in 164 games (.46 Goals/Game).

Given the growth of TJ Oshie and the acquisition of Chris Stewart a log jam was created on the wing and Boyes became expendable. His slippage in level of play and production certainly increased his chances of being moved, but this has been a move a long time coming. Not just in the context of this season’s trade deadline, but in general.

When Boyes agreed to a 4-year, $16 million contract in 2008, he became the go to guy. Bringing offensive skill at a manageable financial burden. Giving the Blues room to grow and supplement the lineup. It would also mean that in due time, he would be a tradeable asset. As key rebuilding pieces like Oshie, David Perron, Patrik Berglund and Lars Eller (at the time) developed in to legitimate professionals and took over key roles, Boyes could be moved to restock the prospect cupboard that was so diligently built over the last 5 years. The contract just so happened to have one year left when Oshie and Berglund’s ECLs expired.

His value may have dwindled down to warranting just a second round pick coming as compensation for his services, but the other “unintended consequence” remains intact. The Blues are no longer on the hook for his remaining $900,000 (roughly) this season and his $4 million for 2011-12. Savings that can be used to offset losses today and retain (and even add) needed personnel for tomorrow.

The Blues aren’t done yet. Monday will likely bring another move or two. Who will that be? We’ll just have to wait and see what tricks Army has up he sleeve.