re: HALAK TRADED FOR RYAN MILLER

I'm not a huge hockey guy so my opinion is probably worthless, but my take was that a goal scorer was always more needed than a goalkeeper. I suppose everyone would love to have more goal scorers and there just aren't many out there though.

Don't disagree. I think what I was saying is that I think Halak could have carried us, if we were able to get another legitimate goal scorer. If you can't get a legitimate goal scorer, then I have no problems with trading to bring in Miller. I think he has a better chance of carrying the team through the playoffs as you say than Halak.

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I think giving up the first rounder was a bit much. Over the past 5 years, both goalies have been pretty even
Halak: 109-60-25, 2.27 GAA, .918%, 25 SO in 204 games
Miller: 140-100-16, 2.53 GAA, .920%, 16 SO in 278 games.

Plus, Halak is 5 years younger. Hopefully the trade works. I've always kind of liked the Blues, don't know why.

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Shots faced in same period:

Halak:5403
Miller:8594

There is a discrepancy in games played but there is NO QUESTION the system Hitch runs has helped pad Halak's stats as well as having to baby him because he is frail, both physically and mentally.


Halak isnt even in the same breath as Miller as far as consistency and durability.

The reality is that Halak has been a 1a or 1b platoon goalie who has to split time to be effective as opposed to Miller who is a bonafide #1 keeper who has proven over time the ability to shoulder the work load and have consistent personal results.

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Blues have scored the second most goals in the NHL this year, Im no sure why folks keep thinking this team needs to improve offensively.A very balanced attack that has scoring spread out through the top 3 lines and is one of the best offenses in the NHL is EXACTLY what you want heading into the playoffs.

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This is complicated, it's simple, but hard to explain.

Blues rank high in goals because they're one of the best teams in the league. They are built for the regular season, which isn't to say they're going to be a bad playoff team. It means they are demanded to bring a playoff type effort for 82 games, surprisingly that isn't the standard across the league. They're built to hit you wave after wave and wear you down, their effort and team play usually produces goals.

But in playoffs everyone is bringing that extra juice. It becomes more of a gridlock and it really helps to have at least a couple elite dynamic true game changers that are dangerous with the puck everytime they touch it. A Kane, Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar, Sharp type of guy. Blues don't have one like that, they have to do it as a unit, which gets tougher in the playoffs.

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I would suggest that a goal scorer wasnt even on the shopping list and that goaltender and a 3rd pairing D-man were much much higher priority.

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I agree. I'm not sure getting one dynamic scorer would have been a good idea. It would've changed the brand of the offense and the team, which isn't a good thing to do this late in the season.

If they landed one true scorer he would easily be keyed on in playoffs, which is why even the Kings added another scorer to go with Carter and Kopiter. That's 3 guys with far more skill than anyone on the Blues. The Hawks have at least 3-4 elite forwards, any contender has at least 2 dynamic forwards, the Blues don't really have any.

So adding one this late wouldn't have been a great move, better to get the shut down goalie and go with the team strength which is defense.

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I just like the balance in scoring this team has shown which to me is a product of hard work and the system. I think this team scores goals exactly how they generally come in a tight checking series like the last few the Blues have played. Solid fore check, good cycling, disciplined in the neutral zone and quick to exit their own defensive zone. We have one 30 + goal scorer and possibly 4 more that will surpass 20+. Im a fan of that balance, especially playing 7 games series in the Western Conference.

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Balance is great, and the Blues are in position to beat anyone with that balance. Probably the best thing they have going for them is they understand their identity, they know exactly who they are and they play to their strengths and have fortified themselves with Miller to enhance their team strengths.

I follow the logic that we are built for a tight checking playoff series, but I just think having a couple elite forwards to break through the gridlock is more ideal than building a team of balanced B+ lines. It's a formula that can work, but I'd feel better if we had a duo or trio of guys like Kane, Sharp, Kopitar, Carter, ect.

(Which of course is a redundant opinion, who wouldn't want those guys).

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Probably the best thing they have going for them is they understand their identity, they know exactly who they are and they play to their strengths and have fortified themselves with Miller to enhance their team strengths.

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Great thought and that is a tribute to Hitchcock and the Captains on that team.

As for the other I think Steen has morphed into a game changer this year. He had shown glimpses last year but with a stable role on the top line and a long tern deal in place he is thriving. He is a PpG player and is still in the top 5 in goals even though he missed some time due to injury.

I wouldnt be oppossed to fidning some more skill in the top 6 as long as the had an acceptabe two way game, would have loved to see them sniff around about Stastny last year but it appears that bus has moved on down the road. Its pretty painful watching Roy on this team as he and Stewart stand out like sore thumbs in their effort in the defensive zone.

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I totally agree on Roy. I'm very harsh, I can't stand him. I think he's a go through the motions, collect the paycheck, and head out in the v-neck to get bottle service and big wheel kinda guy. Really despise him and don't like his game.

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Be interested to see what happens when Sabotka comes back. I'd be all for bumping Roy out of the lineup. If a guy like that isn't going to be on a production line I see no value in him in the lineup.

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I would suspect that adding Ott and getting Sobi back will send v-neck up to the press box. This guy disappears in mid week games against subpar competition he will surely be a no show when the metal hits the meat in the playoffs.

Im still worried about the 6th Dman, Leopold is a question mark coming back from his two injuries already this season and Cole and Colaiacovo just scare me when the pressure is going to get turned up come play off time. Really thought Armstrong would look into shoring up that weakness.

I will say this though, in hindsight, picking EJ instead of Toews is still haunting this franchise.

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Don't disagree. I think what I was saying is that I think Halak could have carried us, if we were able to get another legitimate goal scorer.

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Respectfully disagree. Championship goaltenders have to be mentally tough and Halak was clearly lacking.

I was at the game last night. It was great.

Where has been this burgland all year damn LGB