Blues Are Now The 1983 White Sox Winning Ugly

[smilinjoefission]

Last 4 games the Blues didn't play well enough to win, yet won all 4. Winning teams find ways to win, losing teams don't. Probably not the best comparison to be since the White Sox lost the AL series, but still this is the first thing I thought of after last night's win....Blues are just winning ugly now.

[FunSeeker]

One thing I agree with is that YOU believe that wholeheartedly. Baseball references on a hockey forum speak volumes by the way.

But I've seen the Blues dominate at key parts of these last few games that opponents couldn't match. All teams have good players and can put together good minutes in any game. This team isn't winning lucky, or ugly. They are just better than most other teams now, and can turn it on when needed.

[netboy65]

Not last 4 games. Last 2 yes. The one before those was in Colo and not sure what you’re expecting, the one before that was Montreal and that was maybe the best game of the year

[hockey jedi]

The weight of this run, thought satisfying, has to be a burden. The Blues have played intense hockey and a lot of games in a short window of time. Monty's giving them the day off between games. That means they aren't practicing special teams, etc. I know they are paid well to perform, but it has to take it's toll. It would be great to qualify for the playoffs and give guys rest. I would rather make a deep run in the playoffs rather than have a record winning streak

[Hazelwood72]

The weight of this run, thought satisfying, has to be a burden. The Blues have played intense hockey and a lot of games in a short window of time. Monty's giving them the day off between games. That means they aren't practicing special teams, etc. I know they are paid well to perform, but it has to take it's toll. It would be great to qualify for the playoffs and give guys rest. I would rather make a deep run in the playoffs rather than have a record winning streak

I don’t really think the Blues are playing to keep the streak intact. I believe they are pushing hard and trying to keep winning to A) ensure they get a Wild Card spot (and not collapse and let Calgary or Vancouver pass) and B) to pass Minnesota, get WC1 and play Vegas and be in the Pacific during the second round.

I think once the Blues clinch WC1, you’ll see the boys play some pond hockey. Trouble is that if Minny continues to keep pace, the Blues may not have that luxury.

All the above is just my speculation. You real hockey experts may disagree.

[hockey jedi]

Hazelwood, I agree with you. I think the Blues are taking one game at a time and it's turned into a streak. However, I'm worried about let down as soon as it ends, unless they keep the streak going another 21 games.

[dhsux]

Whatever the concerns are surrounding this streak they pale in comparison to what has been accomplished and learned.

This is where the veterans leader ship will come into play. What to expect, how to prepare and lastly, how to play.

Sure, anything can happen....but it is far more likely that it will be GOOD things that will come of this run.

And I don't call ANY of these games/wins "ugly".

I was there last night, that didn't cross my mind one time.

[Blues Dave]

I'm more thinking that every team we play wants to knock us off the shelf. We're winning in a lot of different ways because we are good and can do it. Other teams would eventually figure out how we win if we won the same way all the time. But any team that wins like we are has to play harder. We have to be better than the team we are playing, no matter who that team is or how we have to win. We are being pretty versatile. JMHO.

[DawgDad]

The game in Colorado was a statement game. The Avs gave it everything they had and came up short. Another big test tomorrow, another opportunity to get in their heads.

[stlblues1979]

Hazelwood, I agree with you. I think the Blues are taking one game at a time and it's turned into a streak. However, I'm worried about let down as soon as it ends, unless they keep the streak going another 21 games.

It doesn't have to be a streak. I'd gladly settle for 16 playoff wins & they can even alternate between wins & losses after that first win.

[BrummerStealsHome]

Last 4 games the Blues didn't play well enough to win, yet won all 4. Winning teams find ways to win, losing teams don't. Probably not the best comparison to be since the White Sox lost the AL series, but still this is the first thing I thought of after last night's win....Blues are just winning ugly now.

Love the reference. I still have a White Sox Winning Ugly t-shirt from that season. It is perhaps the only time in my life I'd bought a t-shirt with another MLB team on it.