Screen Shots: St. Louis could be singing the Blues again in April
If the Blues are to make the post-season they'll need a few prospects to step up and steady production from veterans like Paul Kariya. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
Adam Proteau
2008-07-24 12:58:32
As regular readers of this website will know, The Hockey News staff recently convened to debate and decide our official standings predictions for the NHL’s 2008-09 season. Other than the completely out-on-a-limb guess that the Red Wings will make the playoffs, there wasn’t much in the way of unanimous consensus regarding any particular team.
I won’t give the entire predictions list away, but let’s just say there are some picks that won’t sit well with certain teams or their fans. That’s just the nature of the beast. But when you’re on the other side of the process, you come to understand the difficulties involved in forecasting the fortunes of teams in a league that’s become far less predictable since the salary cap somewhat evened things out.
Take, for instance, the St. Louis Blues. There’s a franchise I had high hopes for last season, which is why I personally picked them to qualify for the 2008 playoffs.
The Blues began the ’07-08 campaign well enough, building a 14-8-1 record through the first two months. Unfortunately, they then averaged less than four wins per month in the final five months of the regular season – and made head coach Andy Murray the odds-on favorite to be the first coach fired this coming year if that troublesome trend continues.
That doesn’t mean I’ve soured on them, though. They’ve still got dependable veterans such as Jay McKee, Paul Kariya, Andy McDonald and Manny Legace, as well as a tremendous collection of young talent that includes blue-chip defensive prospect Erik Johnson and forwards Brad Boyes, David Backes, David Perron, Patrik Berglund, T.J. Oshie and Lars Eller.
In fact, in THN’s 2008 Future Watch special edition, the Blues had the fourth-best rating of the 30 NHL franchises. So there’s little doubt John Davidson & Co. are on the proper path to constructing a year-in, year-out Stanley Cup contender.
Nevertheless, is it fair to expect them to give Detroit a run for their money in the Central Division next year? (I’ll wait ‘till you’re done laughing out the answer before I continue.)
Is it smart to think the Blues will be better than a Chicago Blackhawks squad that looks primed and ready to make a huge jump in the standings?
Is it rational to assume St. Louis will finish ahead of the Nashville Predators, who still have more or less the same healthy mix of youth and experience that secured a playoff spot for them last year?
Heck, even the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be at least somewhat improved.
And let’s not forget about teams outside of the Blues’ division; if you assume Detroit, San Jose, Anaheim, and Dallas are playoff locks in the Western Conference, are you honestly prepared to say St. Louis will edge out Minnesota, Calgary, Edmonton, Phoenix, and Colorado – not to mention their Central Division foes – for one of the final four post-season berths?
Not if you’re sober enough to legally operate heavy machinery, you’re not.
Now, could the Blues surprise and defy their cynics? Of course they could. However, when it comes to predictions, it’s all about the likelihood of something happening, not the best-case scenario. And to the majority of us here at THN, the likelihood is the Blues will be on the outside of the playoff picture for the fourth consecutive season.
The truth is, a complete reversal of fortune such as the Philadelphia Flyers enjoyed last season is more an aberration than a reasonable expectation. Once you’ve cleared the decks – the way the Blues did during a bumpy change in ownership that began in 2005 – the subsequent restoration project almost inevitably requires years to complete.
All this is just something to bear in mind when our collective and individual predictions are before your eyes. If an August publication such as ours has your team in an uncomplimentary standings slot, it doesn’t automatically signal that we’ve judged them to be bereft of hope and potential.
In the modern-day NHL, all it means is that, with apologies to Cheech and Chong, things are indeed tough all over.
Adam Proteau is The Hockey News' online columnist and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Mondays and Wednesdays, his Ask Adam feature appears Tuesdays in the summer, and his column, Screen Shots, appears Thursdays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
Scott Esposito (Posted 2008-07-29 13:54:08)
Jojo, Your post regarding the Rangers and NY prognistcators is really in poor taste, as well as inaccurate. The Rangers didn't "suck" last year. And not one NY media outlet picked the Rangers to win the Cup. What was written about the Rangers by those who cover the team was essentially: The Rangers have a lot of depth up front and sound goaltending, but need to play sound defense to seriously challenge for the Cup. Anybody with even a half-brain could have pointed out that the 2007-08 Rangers' glaring weakness was on their backline, specifically the absence of a true PP QB and mobile, physical presence. So, please, before you post, check your facts.
Scott Esposito (Posted 2008-07-29 13:45:59)
As a fan of the Original 6 and the city of Chicago, I would love the see the Blackhawks make the playoffs. However, I'm not convinced they will. Toews and Kane need to avoid a sophomore slump; and Toews needs to prove he's fully recovered from last season's injury. Cristobal Huet is not a top 10 goalie and Brian Campbell is basically a 1-way "defenseman." (Although it's admirable and encouraging that Chicago ponied up the money to acquire both.) I truly hope things work out for the best. True hockey fans in Chicago deserve it.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-07-28 19:47:46)
Well, Blues for the Blues, the last time St Louis made it to the final four was 2001. Unfortunately, Roman Turek gave the impression that he couldn't stop a beach ball in an outhouse so the Avalanche cruised to an easy series victory on their way to their second Cup six years. It was nice to see Ray Bourque lift the Holy Grail as his last class act in a career that was full of them, though. MacInnis as coach? An intriguing concept to be sure. I thought the franchise was grooming him for GM after Larry Pleau's retirement, but Doug Armstrong has already been brought in as the heir apparent. Erik Johnson considers MacInnis a mentor, as the youngster has been residing at his home in much the same way Mario Lemieux served as Crosby's landlord in Pittsburgh. I wouldn't mind seeing Al try his hand at coaching this team. Oh, and Northwesterner: as you spin merrily in your own off-kilter orbit, just accept my best wishes this year when you begin your post-graduate courses at the Hogwart School of Wizardry.
Blues for the Blues (Posted 2008-07-28 18:20:59)
Speaking of the 60s . . . when was the last time the Blues were in a Stanley Cup Final? A Stanley cup semi-final?
Blues (Posted 2008-07-28 13:50:46)
Hey, Matt, if you want to debate team histories, fine. Take it somewhere else. This is an article about CURRENT teams, not ones from the 1960's. And in that regard, the Blues, Blue Jackets, etc. beat Toronto hands down. Have fun spinning in circles!
As a Blues fan, I am not sure if we will or won't make the playoffs. We have some of the best young talent in the league, for sure, but will that be enough? And yes, if Murray starts repeating some of his past "mistakes", he would definately be on the hot seat. People here are wondering how good of a coach Al MacInnis would be? ;)
Just my two cents. Blue Jackets WILL make the playoffs this year. They are a good (+vastly improved) team, and want to believe it or not, are in a supportive city.
Craig (Posted 2008-07-28 12:58:47)
Um, Northwesterner, how exactly is the League stronger when the blue Jackets excell? If anything that would be worse, as it would encourage Bettman to stick more teams in slow growth markets.
eldrick (Posted 2008-07-28 10:41:24)
Kariya's wheels were knocked off...2003 Finals...open ice hit by SStevens...how long did Kariya's brain go without Oxygen before he could muster up a breath?....not the same since.
Northwesterner (Posted 2008-07-28 10:26:58)
I hope the Hawks, Jackets, and Blues exceed all my expectations this year as the league is stronger when those markets excell. In the meantime, if several synonyms for the same result (sucking), is your thing, go for it. Keep your thesauruses handy - nothing disguises perennial basement dwelling more effectively than an impressive vocabulary - keep that contrived flair coming Blues fans.
Picard (Posted 2008-07-28 08:11:10)
I agree that the Blues are turning things around - I'm really quite surprised at how good of a job Davidson has done so far - but you can summarize their chances of making the playoffs with one fact: Paul Kariya is their key player. Any time you bank your team's chances on a mercenary who simply gets by life working for the highest bidder, your team is not going to do that well. That's why leadership is so valued, and why guys like Sakic are so respected. Heart and leadership go alot further than a little skill and greed ever will. Kariya started his career so well...where did the wheels fall off?
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-07-27 15:56:24)
Northwesterner, stop with the "Central sucks" nonsense. The Central, at worst, will have 2 teams in the post season (Detroit and Chicago). Nashville has a shot, although, I have to agree with bostongm, Radulovs departure hurts those chances, and if Ellis doesn't repeat last season they have no shot. Columbus, I think, will improve enough to at least challenge for a spot. The only team in the Central that I think will struggle all season is St. Louis, but in the long run it will benefit them. A shot at Hedman or Tavares can only be good, as opposed to going the Leafs route of barely missing/making the playoffs and remaining at the same level of mediocre forever. Also, the Blues didn't sign anyone big this year, but that will work out better for them than last years signing, who isn't worth the money any more.
Jeff (Posted 2008-07-26 23:29:02)
Northwesterner...Chicago sucked two years ago. Last year, they graduated to Not Bad. If they perform as advertised this year, they'll move to Good, with a possibility for a Really Good or Great. Since the demise of Bill "Cups cost too much money" Wirtz, there's really nowhere to go but up. Now, the Islanders? they suck.
Brian Mull (Posted 2008-07-26 18:58:45)
OK, so the Blues suck. Us Blues fans get it. But hey, i'm sure that once the season starts that they have as much chance at beating your favorite teams as anybody else's team would. So shut you pie hole and get the season started!!
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-07-26 14:06:32)
Aaron, when you read a post from the imbecilic cretin element, of which Northwesterner is the obvious poster child, just keep in mind that
SAT scores have continued to decline for the past few decades and nitwits of this boorish ilk are the end result. It's been said before but it's still true: You can't fix stupid!
Aaron (Posted 2008-07-26 12:41:01)
Northwesterner, you have such a great list of verbs there. You should really think about writing for a career. I never would have thought to use the same cheap, easy, immature, ridiculous, childish, inane verb to describe the actions of three different teams like that. Great work and thanks for the insightful input.
Northwesterner (Posted 2008-07-25 17:44:54)
If the teams in the Central had to play more games against the other 2 Western divisions the only teams making the playoffs would be Detroit and Nashville. St Louis sucks. Columbus sucks. The Blackhawks are fun to watch, but at the end of day . . . they suck.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-07-25 14:27:03)
I'll take it one step further than that, Brad. The Blues are the Meg Griffin of the NHL. But it's an unfortunate situation that they've brought on themselves. They didn't make any big splashes in the free agent market but take a look at the last two summers. 2006 Jay McKee at 4 years, $16 million. . .he's spent the majority of the first two years of that contract on IR. Last year it was Paul Kariya at 3 years, $18 million. In the first half of the season, he looked like the Paul Kariya of old. By the last six weeks he looked like old Paul Kariya. So I can understand the reluctance of John Davidson to waste another chunk of Dave Checketts' money. We're landing small fish like Matt Foy and Brad Winchester instead. The team did make a good move in obtaining a quality backup for Legace in Chris Mason, but there are other areas to be addressed. Hopefully, David Perron can continue to improve and youngsters like Oshie, Eller and Berglund (none of whom have one shift of NHL experience) can step up and seize the opportunity that's on the table for them. Erik Johnson anchors the defense and mark it down: in five years this kid will be another Chris Pronger (perhaps not quite as chippy, but certainly as talented and accomplished). Regarding the coach: Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch has stated recently that some members of the team have been grumbling about Murray off the record so he could very well be slowly simmering on the hot seat. Unfortunately, it looks like another long winter here on the western bank of the Mississippi, but the future should be considerably brighter. Oh and as for Marine. . .there ARE people who care about this franchise and the author of this post is definitely one of them. Your superior officer wouldn't be named Sergeant Carter, would he?
Brad Bonham (Posted 2008-07-25 13:44:27)
The Blues are the Jan Brady of the NHL. Nobody notices them. They'd have a better shot at winning if they brought back Bernie Federko.
U.C. Club Level 222 (Posted 2008-07-25 13:39:42)
The Blues may be just as good as the Hawks.
What is in the water in Toronto?
Section325L (Posted 2008-07-25 12:58:22)
I thought the Blues started out very strong last year and they beat the Preds pretty good in the first few games. Very suprised they fizzled out like they did. The Hawks will be very good as well as the Wings. I think the Jackets over-spent for some of their off season free agents, and they will be as good as far as LeClaire will carry them. Mason and Legace will be a good goalie rotation for the Blues. As far as dominating the Blues and Jackets like we have done in the past.......it may not happen this year. But never count out the Preds.......we are still in Nashville and we will find a way to make the playoffs. Go Preds!
Gary Oswald (Posted 2008-07-25 12:05:25)
I agree that it'll be tough for my Blues to make the playoffs again. However, there is a well thought out plan on how to rebuild the team and a commitment to not deviating from that plan which gives me optimism. For too many years under too many different regimes, this club simply reacted with knee jerk trades and signings which made following them entertaining but did not give them a realistic chance of going deep into the playoffs. Kudos for Davidson and company for giving us renewed hope.
KCMONARCH (Posted 2008-07-25 11:02:33)
I have been a loyal Blues fan since 67 so am obviuosly bias. I do agree with much of this article as it was written with the sensitive Blues fan in mind. The Blues appear to have a built deep defense for 08-09 and can only hope Nikita Filatov doesn't become another Ovechkin for Columbus. He was the draft pick I was hoping for to give the Blues a more threatening offense. Can't wait for the battles in the Central to begin.
BILL (Posted 2008-07-25 01:24:35)
COLUMBUS WHAT A JOKE. DEVELOP YOUR OWN TALENT INSTEAD OF FREE AGENCY AND MAYBE YOU CAN HANG WITH THE BIG BOYS, NASHVILLE IS YOUR DADDY AND BY THE WAY, YOURE ATTENDANCE IS SLOWLY GOIN DOWN, MAYBE A MOVE TO KC SOON?
Mitchell (Posted 2008-07-25 00:14:00)
Chicago will. 2nd round exit
Ozzy (Posted 2008-07-25 00:00:13)
Chicago won't make the playoffs. St.louis and columbus won't make the playoffs either. Toronto will though
Cid from Indiana (Posted 2008-07-24 23:38:38)
I'm not a Blues fan, but I can't help but notice if they were in the Northwest, they'd stand a solid chance of getting in the playoffs, but with the bulk of their games coming against tough Central foes, not a chance this year. The real question is has Andy Murray learned from his L.A. experience and can he grow this team past the "we oughta be tough this year" stage and take it to a higher level? I'd give him a pass for this year, but next year, Davidson has to see some results.
Stampede (Posted 2008-07-24 21:56:25)
I like the look of the Blues. Love the under-rated steal of Mc Donald. Davidson has some good things going and I look forward to seeing them compete in the years to come. Will they make it this year? Probably not. But I don't think it is because they are a weak team but with Detroit and Chicago (slightly better) ahead of them there will not be enough room in the tough West playoff picture. Order- Detroit, Chicago, St Louis, Nashville, Columbus. Western conference- Detroit, Dallas, Flames, San Jose, Anaheim, Edmonton, Chicago, Phoenix. Of course we all know making predictions is pretty useless but, as evidence as having to read pieces like this, we are all desperate for HOCKEY!
Felix MacLean (Posted 2008-07-24 19:04:22)
The Central is deceptively strong. Consider, for example, that the Red Wings were only about a .500 against teams in their own division. And the Predators, after losing most of their scoring punch, probably gave the Wings their biggest panics during this year's Cup run. While agree that the Blues probably won't make the playoffs this year, I also agree that they have the potential to be a strong team again. If the Blues were in the Eastern Conference, they would probably be a more legitimate contender for a playoff spot.
Matt (Posted 2008-07-24 18:46:22)
Scott S, my whole point was that Columbus doesn't have any respect in this league because you haven't won anything, no divisions, no conferences, not even a single playoff game since it was founded. Regardless of whether or not Toronto is an older team, its an insult that you compare the respectability of a franchise with a highly storied past to a team that might as well not even exist in the league because it hasen't done anything important. And as for the other teams you mentioned, yes, Columbus is more pathetic than all of those team because they've never proved otherwise by winning anything. But I will admit Atlanta is pretty much at your level.
As for a current roster respectability, Columbus has improved and has some good players and they might be beat out an Atlanta in that regard, but who cares, the only thing that matters is results and theres no way Columbus is making the playoffs this year, they're not even close, weak defense, bad offense, you've got a decent goaltender and Nash. Umberger might have a career year, but Commodore is a 5th or 6th defenseman, you expect too much of your recent additions.
Rob P (Posted 2008-07-24 18:22:38)
Columbus will thump the Preds next season. There is a new regime in Columbus with Howson and Hitch, and they were finally able to flush the failures of the previous administration (MacLean) and add their stamp to the team this summer. They shed softness and weakness (Zherdev, Brule, Tarnstrom, Vyborny and Fedorov/Foote whose hearts were never in it and ate up a ton o' salary) and added strength, character, heart and full out effort in Commodore, Umberger, Torres and Tyutin. Look out, I think they will surprise many of you.
Joe (Posted 2008-07-24 16:43:26)
In Columbus' defense, they will beat out Edm (most teams will) and Nashville. Nashville probably won't be around in the next couple years.
Phoenix is always a wait and see. The Jackets will do better than people think. not well, but better.
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-24 16:35:04)
Joe you may be perhaps the only person to actually say something correct against the Jackets, except that that era is past. Howson can draft and has. Voracek and Filatov (if we can ever get him out from under russian control) are the real deals. Voracek especially is quite amzing after oacking on 20 pounds of muscle over the last year.
Gordon (Posted 2008-07-24 16:32:01)
Scott, relax. seriously. the bluejackets just are not good enough to beat out Calgary, Nashville, Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, Minnesota, Phoenix and I would even say St. Louis to make it into one of the last four spots.
Joe (Posted 2008-07-24 16:26:55)
I'm not a fan of Columbus or Toronto, But did'nt Columbus just get rid of a bunch of high draft picks because they were not doing anything?
Columbus just really does not know how to Draft. (Exeption of Nash)
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-24 16:13:20)
In response to Matt. Oh yes of course you are absolutely right sir. The Blue Jackets don't have thirteen stanley cups. The Blue Jackets also haven't had a hundred years to accumulate them. Its been sixty years since their last stanley cup. As for the playoffs, its true toronto has been to the playoffs a few rtimes in the last eight years... and utterly failed when they did. Oooo and its soooo hard to make the playoffs in the East too, I mean heck last year the islanders and atlanta made it. Pfft give me a break. Now they face a rebuilding project nearly two decades in the making because they rushed it and tried to force the playoffs. Ooooh yeah, I reeeaaaalllly respect them. The have history but no present and very little future. As far as us being the most pathetic team in the NHL, so that makes us worse than Atlanta, St Louis, Florida, and the Islanders? Ha! We'll see whose right come April, and it won't be you sir. Now please I don't expect respect, simply for people to stop dumping us whenever we're mentioned in an article.
Lorne Blouin (Posted 2008-07-24 15:38:57)
I wouldn't take the pre-season rankings too seriously. THN had Montreal pegged at finishing 13th last year in the East. They only missed by 12 spots. I do agree with the assessment about the Blues missing the playoffs due to the rationale given in the article. With this in mind, the Stanley Cup is not awarded in August...don't get too uptight.
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-24 15:27:52)
Did you actually watch those games Mr. Wallace? I'll agree that on the win-lose side of things Nashville appears dominant. However if you actually watched those games you'd see that except for a chosen few, most games simply became a brutally physically staring contest. The jackets simply lacked toughness and blinked first, they've changed that. Things are going to be different this year. I'm not saying the Blue Jackets will be Nashville's "Daddy" as you so eloquentally put it, but, the win-lose record will definitly be more even. I'd like to see little miss Tutu pierrouet around cheap shotting people when he has big Mike Commodore, Fedor Tyutin and RJ Umberger to tangle with. One fight with one of those players and he won't be so cocky anymore.
Matt (Posted 2008-07-24 15:26:42)
Hey Scott, your Blue Jackets will get as much respect as Toronto after they win 13 cups. So..... never? Exactly. Your team is the most pathetic team in the NHL, at least the Leafs have made the playoffs serveral times in the last 8 years. You guys keeping working on it but it ain't going to be this year, or next.
JW Cole (Posted 2008-07-24 15:24:43)
I agree with the author. The Blues might have a real good shot at the playoffs in the East, but not in the super tough western conference. I believe the Wings, Sharks, Stars, Ducks and Flames are likely locks for the playoffs leaving just three openings for next season. Tough.
Frederick Bartsch (Posted 2008-07-24 15:22:23)
Hey Jojo- You sound like the typical DETROIT fan? And NO insult to Detroit fans, but I have underwear with a higher I.Q than you! Keep you (four letter comments) to yourself!
Marine (Posted 2008-07-24 15:21:25)
Blues stink! Why are we wasting time talking about a team noone cares about?
walter wallace (Posted 2008-07-24 15:14:18)
get real scott nashville owns the bluejackets,we have been the blue jackets daddy for 8 years and that is not going to change!
Jojo (Posted 2008-07-24 15:13:15)
YOUR- N.Y. RANGERS...suck...they were predicted to win the SC or get to the finals by a bunch of N.Y. retards...Check out the Sporting News forecast that had Pens/Wings with the Pens winning it. THat was a pretty accurate prediction except that they predicted the wrong team to win it.
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-07-24 14:57:37)
Predictions are just that, predictions or what if. Last year when MY N.Y. RANGERS signed Drury and Gomez, they were picked to make the Stanley Cup finals if not win the CUP! Well as we have seen, NOT!The standing will be what they will be, all of this business of trying to pick who will finish where is nothing but NONSENSE! Enough, lets get the season started, as I am BORED!
James C. Lindsay (Posted 2008-07-24 14:52:24)
I think Adam's comments regarding the Blues are sober and realistic, however I must beg to differ regarding his conclusion. The Central Division is looking extreme tough top to bottom next year and the Blues need to mature fast to make it to the playoffs. Still, part of the fun of sports, especially hockey is the unpredictable and I am prepared to say that I think the Blues will definitely be in the playoffs next year. It will be tough, but what is on paper does not always translate to wins. If this was true, the "experts" would predict the winners everytime. No, there is always an X-Factor and I predict it falls to the Blues! Go St. Louis!
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-24 14:10:17)
"Heck even the lowly Comlubus Blue Jackets seem at least somewhat improved"? Thanks for the backhanded compliment. Those who don't have the Jackets in the playoffs will be shocked by the time April rolls around. Columbus gets about as little respect as Toronto, maybe even less since we're seen by most as an inferior hockey market to them. St Louis will stay on the bottom, sorry Blues fans but I'm honestly not that impressed by your lineup beyond your first line and top defense pairing. Columbus' lineup isn't that impressive talent wise either but they have the muscle and team toughness to make up for it. Same with Nashville. Chicago is quite the opposite, tons of speed and skill but little toughness. Detroit is.. Detroit, end of story. Prediction for the divisions finish (rank in the conference in parentheses): Detroit(1 or 2),Chicago(6), Columbus(8), Nashville(10), St Louis(12
GoKingsGo (Posted 2008-07-24 13:54:28)
I agree on everything but the finishing order. I see columbus moving up with the additions they made this offseason. Maybe not by much, but I can see them getting ahead of Nashville in the standings with Radulov going A-wall.
bostongm (Posted 2008-07-24 13:11:22)
They stopped winning when their 1st line stopped producing. This team relied too much on their 1st line. The play-offs they wont make. In order of the division :Detroit,Chicago,Nashville,St.Louis,Columbus. The west sure is very tough to come out of. Chicago should place in the 7th spot. Nashville will take the 9th spot. Radulov bolting will do them in.
Jeff (Posted 2008-07-24 13:10:00)
Two bits of proof that offseason predictions of the following season don't mean much: San Jose Sharks (picked by lots 'n lots of folks to raise the cup) and Philadelphia (Thought to spend at least one more year in the basement, not get to the Eastern Finals.) Who knows what will happen in St. Louis? There's some great teams on paper that will flounder this year, and some teams everybody picked as patsies will make people look at them a little closer. That's the great thing about this game.
Advertisement
Which was the best outdoor NHL game?
"Our give-a-crap level was like at zero."
- Atlanta head coach John Anderson on Sunday's 4-1 loss to division rival Tampa Bay.
Our Partners
The Hockey News Corporation. All Rights Reserved © 2008 Transcontinental
Standards: XHTML 1.0 STRICT + CSS 2. V 1.5 17.09.2008
