FUTURE IS NOW FOR THE BLUES

IT’S OVER, ARCHIVE THE 2010 SEASON…

Folks, while I’m the eternal optimist, simply stated: The St. Louis Blues will not participate in postseason play this season. They don’t have a chance.

The Blues have 23 games remaining this season.

If they match the frantic pace of a glorious finish to the 2009 season… and manage to post a 16-5-2 record in their last 23 games, they still can’t catch the any of the top six teams in the conference.

How about the Blues overtaking Calgary or Detroit… that’s not going to happen either.

Regardless of the outcome this evening.

Nashville has won four of the last six meetings with the Blues, and have two of three remaining meetings this season with the ‘Note in Music City.

My calculations have the eighth place team in the Western Conference finishing the season with a minimum of 94 points.

The Blues would have to play at .761 point percentage clip and win whatever tie-breakers are relevant.

BUT…

If the Blues management team remains of the belief that they can make a run this year… it’s time for changes.

The Blues greatest liability is offense… in part to having too many grinders up front and a collective defensive corps that can’t move the puck with any semblance of consistency.

So, where is Lars Eller and Derek Armstrong?

The Armstrong maneuvering is a mystery to me. He was the Blues best player in camp. I’m was shocked he didn’t make the opening-day roster.

Considering that Brad Winchester has failed to elevate his game this season in addition to a wasted roster spot with Cam Janssen… management could clear space for Armstrong by removing Winchester, and/or Janssen from the starting 12 up front.

Management must rid the team of Paul Kariya… which provides a spot for Eller.

Furthermore… where is Tyson Strachan and/or Jonas Juland?

It is my personal belief that Strachan is one of the best six defensemen the team has under contract.

While Mike Weaver is a sound “defensive” defenseman, his lack of offensive skills is notable. Basically his presence on the point consists of one move: dump the puck behind the net.

I would deduce that providing Juland or Strachan an opportunity at this point to add offensive punch has limited downside. Yes, without redefining Weaver’s role it could conceivably lead to his loss on waivers… the fact is this team needs more of an offensive presence.

OK… time to think abstract… how about pairing Weaver with Roman Polak as a third defensive pairing.

To do so, the Blues would have to trade Barret Jackman or Eric Brewer.

Dealing Jackman would be sacrilegious in some circles however considering his salary, and offensive limitations it might worth considering based on return.

If not, regardless of return, deal Brewer. While dealing Brewer could be viewed as counterproductive offensively… the fact that Brewer is about to register his eighth straight season as a “minus player” offers addition by subtraction (he will conclude this season being a “minus player” in 10 of 11 seasons in the NHL).

With Alex Pietrangelo a virtual lock to make the roster next season, dealing Brewer or Jackman clears the spot for next season.

Obviously, the Blues made the right move providing Eller a chance to cut his teeth in Peoria, however it would be shocking if he wasn’t among the top 12 forwards next season hence why not provide a chance the final quarter of this season.

This team needs offense… keep in mind, the Blues are 20-6-3 (.741 point percentage) this season when scoring three or more goals (5-19-6, .267, when scoring two goals or less).

Again… the Armstrong scenario is bizarre. He earned a spot in camp and was denied. He went to Peoria and produced however was provided a meager five-game tenure with the Blues earlier this season. He is an offensive player that has produced at this level in past… why not now?

If the Blues are to compete down the stretch, the offense must be ignited… why isn’t management giving those with offensive credentials an opportunity to fan the flame?

HOW BAD IS BAD?

The reason why the Blues won’t make the playoffs… a horrid home-ice performance.

Not a poor performance, a horrendous performance.

Please consider the following:

*If the Blues conclude the season in their final 11 home games playing comparable hockey based on results (point percentage) to date, they will finish with 31 points at home this season. That would be the second-worst home mark in team history.

*Having garnered just 23 points at home to date… if the Blues play .500 the remainder of the season at home… they finish with 34 points. That would tie for the third-worst home performance in any given season in team history.

*If the Blues fail to earn 16 of the possible 22 points remaining on the home docket… it would mark just the fifth time in team history the Blues failed to earn at least 39 points at home in a full season.

*If the Blues fail to earn 18 of the 22 remaining points in their last 11 home games… it would mark just the seventh time in franchise history the team failed to play .500 (point percentage) at home in team history.

*If the Blues fail to win at least six of their final 11 home games… it would mark just the fifth time in team history they didn’t register at least 15 home wins.

*The Blues have scored 72 goals at home to date. Based on stats to date… the Blues are on pace for the second fewest goals scored at home in a season in team history.

*If the Blues fail to scored 28 goals, in total, in their last 11 home games it will mark just the second time in Blues history they failed to score at least 100 goals at home in a season.

Based on talent, and expectations, this has been the most disappointing, and deplorable home performance in franchise history.

DID YOU REALIZE

*Paul Kariya has a grand total of two goals in his last 24 games.

*Andy McDonald, with 46 even-strength points dating back to last season… don’t fret my friend, there are only 156 players in league ahead of you in the category. Sure you’re a minus-40 since joining the Blues… but you can skate.

*Erik Johnson… you scored your first even-strength goal since November 19, 2009 last evening and you were also a plus-two, welcome to the party.

*Brad Boyes… wow, shockingly the biggest disappointment of the season. Did anybody see Boyes scoring less than 20 goals this season? He just four goals in his last 35 games. His lack of production is simply shocking to moi. Furthermore what happened to the aggressiveness he displayed in his first season and a half in St. Louis? To say that he is floating around the ice nowadays would be a slap in the face to floaters. Frankly, I can’t believe that #7 hasn’t taken Boyes outside for an old fashion discussion about his play this season.

IN CONCLUDING…

JD, cutting to the chase… while you and the front-office staff have stabilized the organization… your failure to find the proper “veterans” to supplement the rebuilding efforts have proved a detriment to moving upwardly this season.

Basically, the team made minimal changes entering the season save upgrading the backups defensively (Ty Conklin as the number two goalie and Darryl Sydor).

I assume, the mindset was that the second half of the 2009 season was legit, and the first half was an aberration.

In the end, the truth is proving somewhere in the middle.

OK, the Blues finished strong last year, and you had Kariya, Brewer and Johnson returning from injury hence you assumed upwardly movement was logical. I can accept that premise.

However the results have proven otherwise.

This offseason you’re no longer provided the luxury of assumption.

Having Kariya don the Blue Note at this point is incomprehensible. He hasn’t earned the right, and must simply be dressing to justify the salary afforded.

Ironically, it was the signing of Kariya that provided the legitimacy for many fans to jump back on the bandwagon. The name value offered the organization “street cred” however his failure to produce has become a point of consternation amongst the Blues fans.

Dealing a top-four defenseman for Cam Janssen remains a perplexing and less than successful maneuver. Simply stated, Janssen brings nothing to the table other than the fisticuffs’ which with the likes of B.J. Crombeen, Brad Winchester, David Backes, and the return of D.J. King is a luxury this team can’t afford.

Janssen has logged 859 shifts since joining the Blues… he’s been on the ice for five goals (scoring once).

The offense is too pedestrian to justify having Janssen dress… at any point.

It’s no longer about the coach, it’s about you and the front office this offseason.

Many of the pieces to the puzzle are in place… however failure to locate those veteran pieces to mesh with a terrific core of younger players will once again have the Blues on the outside looking in.

It’s time to deal the veterans basically with the mindset of “getting what you can get” before refreshing this spring.

It’s time to trade Keith Tkachuk, Paul Kariya, Eric Brewer, and/or Barret Jackman… Chris Mason and Darryl Sydor as well if desired elsewhere.

Tkachuk has provided the leadership and emptied the bucket many nights the last two years however this team can’t afford a soon-to-be 38-year old veteran that might have seen his last 20-goal season with this organization.

What was… was, however failing to turn the page immediately in order to move forward would be a disservice to an organization that you removed from a comatose state.

You’ve come too far to hesitate.

This team is on the verge of being special.

With T.J. Oshie, Alex Steen, Patrick Berglund (he’ll bounce back), David Perron, David Backes, Lars Eller and B.J. Crombeen all 25 years of age or younger, the future is bright.

With Johnson and Polak a year older and wiser next season, the addition of Pietrangelo along with Carlo Colaiacovo (if he can be convinced to bring a semblance of physicality to the arena), Junland, and/or Strachan, the backline is simply in need of a “legit top two” veteran leader.

The time is now… it’s obvious the veteran cast you’ve assembled won’t man up… will you?

Your choices must be swift and decisive, the future is now.

RAMS PART TWO

NO NEED FOR VALIDATION…

This morning The St. Louis Post-Dispatch featured two articles relating to the St. Louis Rams both on and off the field of play.

I’ve received numerous e-mails asking for a response, and simply stated… my response is welcome aboard.

There was really no “new” news in the article written by Bernie Miklasz.

I’ve stated on numerous occasions that best chance for St. Louis to retain possession of the Rams is for Dave Checketts & Co. to emerge from the corporate shuffling with ownership.

Miklasz on several occasions, in the past, both on the radio airwaves, and particularly on his forum board stated that Checketts was incapable of working a deal for the Rams.

Having read his column, I don’t know that his opinion has changed however is “bang on” stating his opinion regarding the best option for St. Louis football fans.

That noted, as I stated on KTRS, and on this site, while there remains three potential buyers for the franchise, there is a frontrunner… and it isn’t Checketts & Co.

On the other end of the spectrum… deals of this nature remain fragile during negotiations hence subject to cracks which lead to breaks.

Regarding the intentions of Stan Kroenke, I know one potential buyer wants all (100 percent of the franchise) or nothing. I know that Checketts & Co. are focused on simply purchasing the shares owned by the Rosenbloom family.

Both articles state the obvious, one simply regurgitating the same old quotes simply spewed recently, and the other opining the best choice for St. Louis football fans.

For those insinuating these articles are in response to my reports… pump your brakes.

I don’t need Miklasz or anybody else to validate my information.

Miklasz has no more sources than moi… I have the same phone numbers and e-mail addresses as he does.

Don’t misread my intentions… I praise Miklasz because his work ethic, and dedication exceeds the “norm” among columnists nowadays. It’s certainly not to curry favor, I’m not one of these pathetic sheep that view his ordination a necessity in life.

When it comes to the potential sale of the Rams, from my standpoint, it remains status quo: There are three potential buyers, with a clear-cut frontrunner, and the best hope for St. Louis sports fans is for Checketts & Co., to once again overcome the odds in succeeding. He has proven a best bet as an underdog.

RAMS NEWS…

THIS AND THAT…

CLOSING IN
As I first reported on KTRS-Radio on January 15, the Rams hierarchy would narrow their list of potential buyers to begin focusing on finalizing a deal to sell team.
A few days later, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch printed a story with additional details.
Last night on KTRS (The Big 550), I reported the Rams hierarchy have found themselves a frontrunner.
While I’m not at liberty to report the name of this potential owner… I can offer a few facts:
*This owner would control 100 percent of the team meaning Stan Kroenke would sell his share of the team.
*This owner has the funding to devour the entire cost of the team however will not be bound by any agreement to keep the team in St. Louis beyond the current restraints however is committed to working with the city to ensure the franchise remains in St. Louis.
*While all parties are playing their, respective, cards close to vest, it’s possible that this potential owner could finalize a deal by within the next six to eight weeks.
*Many are speculating that a potential sale could be snagged by an NFL work stoppage in 2011… keep in mind the NFL teams will receive network TV monies in 2011 regardless of potential labor strife.
Once again, as is always the case, there is a reason why my source is reporting this potential buyer as “the frontrunner” simply because in complex negotiations road blocks are avoided throughout the journey.
That noted, as of today… my source insists the frontrunner… is one that will hold the 100 percent of the reins of this franchise with a deal that could be reached within six to eight weeks.

THE DOLLARS…
I’ve been told that suggestions the Rams dismissed trainer Jim Anderson was in part for financial reasons… are misguided.
In fact, I was told his replacement will minimally earn the salary afforded Anderson, and a likely slightly north of that figure.

THE BEST OF THE BEST?

TAKING HIS GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL…

Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh entered the 2009 season as a legitimate postseason honors candidate and first-round NFL draft prospect.

In 2009, Suh registered one of the greatest individual efforts from an interior defensive lineman witnessed since I began covering the collegiate game in 1979… maybe the best.

He might’ve been the best player in college football in ‘09 and is now generally considered the best prospect available for the April (2010) NFL draft.

Take a quick glance at the statistical breakdown below for justification of his meteoric rise.

SUH AT NEBRASKA (PRIOR TO HOLIDAY BOWL)

In 41 games entering 2009… 33 career tackles for loss.
In 13 games this season… 23 tackles for loss.

In 41 career games entering 2009… 12 career sacks
In 13 games this season… 12 sacks

In 41 career games entering 2009… 12 QB hurries
in 13 games this season… 24 QB hurries

In 41 career games entering 2009… 73 career solo tackles
in 13 games this season… 50 solo tackles

Throw-in three blocked-kicks this season along with a ridiculous 10 PBU in 2009.

Simply stated, Suh’s hype was derived the old-fashion way, he earned it.

JACKSON’S NUMBERS

STEVEN JACKSON…

To further illustrate his performance this season, consider the following:

*Jackson is averaging 96.6 yards rushing per game this season.

*Should he maintain or increase his average, it would be a personal career-high for yards rushing per game.

*It would mark the second time in his career he averaged 95 yards or more per game for a season.

*Jackson would join Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson as the three Rams to average 95 yards or more per game in two or more seasons since 1970.

*In fact, if Jackson maintains his average… 96.6 yards per game rushing would rank as the fourth-best seasonal performance for a member of the Rams over the last 25 years (Faulk: 98.7 in 2001; and 97.1 in 2000; Dickerson 113.8 in 1985).

*Entering this season, a running back averaged more than 96 yards rushing per game during a full season (playing in 16 games) 20 times throughout the decade. Both Jackson and Chris Johnson have a shot this season… if they maintain their current average and participant in the remaining two games.

*Furthermore, if Jackson maintains or increases his average and plays in the final two games: It would mark just the fifth time a running back has averaged more than 96 yards rushing per game over 16 games playing for a losing team this decade.

*Last, if Jackson maintains his average while playing in the final two games, he’ll join select company. Just six running backs have averaged for 95 or more rushing yards per game in a full season (playing 16 games) this decade (2000-2009) in two years or more: Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Edgerrin James, Larry Johnson, Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson… Jackson could make it seven.

BLUES PART TWO 12/19

FYI… THE ANSWER IS YES…
You can continue to e-mail me at hadleystl@aol.com

BRAD BOYES
He’s proving to be what we thought he was.
When Boyes was acquired, insiders insisted that the Blues and Boston Bruins were simply swapping offense for offense via re-distribution.
Dennis Wideman was an offensive defenseman capable of providing more pop from the point for the Bruins.
On the flip side, the Blues would bolster scoring with Boyes in their top six forwards.
Boyes surprised many with the tenacity he displayed when arriving in St. Louis in addition to flashes of grit and willingness to play in both zones.
The surprised dissipated quickly.
In his first 60 games with the Blues, Boyes was a plus-14.
In the 156 games played since donning the Blue Note, Boyes is a minus-40.
In fact, Boyes has been a minus-two or worse in 17 percent of those games.
There is no questioning his offensive skills, consider the following:
*In his first 100 games with the Blues, Boyes ranked fifth in the NHL in even-strength goals (trailing Ovechkin, Iginla, Kovalchuk, and Lecavalier).
*Combining the 2008 and 2009 NHL seasons, Boyes was tied for ninth in the NHL in even-strength goals.
*During the 2008 and 2009 NHL seasons, Boyes trailed just Alexander Ovechkin in game-winning goals.
The issues with Boyes are the inability to morph his scoring prowess to the power play this season combined with his weak defense.
Boyes is a true difference-maker offensively however has proven a debilitating albatross on the power play this season.
That fact combined with his lack of willingness to participate in the defensive zone has Boyes ranking atop the list of ailments weakening this team to date.

PAUL KARIYA
It’s not worth the time to delve into the harsh truth, which is: He could be the most disappointing acquisition for the St. Louis Blues this decade.
He has been a “minus player” in eight of his last nine months wearing the Blue Note.
He can’t produce on the power play.
Three times this season… I’ve witnessed times he has moved out of shooting lane which resulted in a goal. Had he maintained positioning chances are he blocks the shot, is it coincidence or fear?
He lacks tenacity, is lackadaisical, and seemingly has little interest in fighting to gain possession of the puck.
Kariya to me is no longer a topic of conversation… he is what he is… a player riding out a contract.

FYI…
Yes, the Blues rank last in the NHL in power-play goals.
In fact, the Blues are on pace to score 42 power-play goals this season.
That noted, it’s the even-strength play that I view as burdensome.
Remember, Columbus scored just 41 power-play goals last season. The Blue Jackets advanced into postseason play (92 points) last year.
This season, the Blues are on pace to be a minus-26 at even strength.
The two previous seasons combined the Blues were are a minus-27 at even strength.
Simply stated, the ‘Note are getting beat 5-on-5 this year, while the lack of production on the power play is deepening the woes… but don’t dismiss the slip in even-strength play by the team this season.

BLUES UPDATE 12/19

ERIK JOHNSON
Simply stated, number six has been horrible over his last 10 games.
In addition to numerous mistakes and questionable passes… Johnson is a minus-8 during the stretch.
One has to wonder if the fact that Al MacInnis continues to believe EJ is being misused is creeping into his cranium?
The fact that MacInnis and Andy Murray don’t have the same vision for the development of number six is an issue that must be resolved internally… and quickly.
This much I know… Johnson has become a non-factor on special teams.
He rarely logs time on the penalty-kill, and despite registering a team-high TOI has produced just six points on the power play in his last 27 games.
When number six is playing as though he was number four… there is a problem.

CHRIS MASON
Mason continues to receive kudos for his play… however the fact of the matter is he’s been very pedestrian between the pipes for a month.
Yes, at times, Mason was spectacular early… however that hasn’t been the case lately.
In his last eight starts his GAA is 3.33 and more importantly his save percentage is a mere .883.
In his last five home starts his GAA is 3.77 with a .850 save percentage.

FURTHERMORE…
Jay McClement has four points and is a minus 10 in his last 21 games… The Blues have been outscored 11-4 in the third period over the course of their last six home games… During the six-game stretch the Blues have outscored the opposition in just four of 18 regulation periods.

FULL CIRCLE…
I’m not overly surprise to see the Blues scuffle at this point… the foundation of this team is built on younger players still working through the natural maturation process. I remain positive regarding the future and certainly believe this team is still capable of working into the playoff picture. That noted, I end as a I began… the front office must resolve the issues between Coach Andy Murray and Al MacInnis.

BACK IN ACTION…

Beginning today, I’ll be updating the site on a regular basis.