Defense heading into WPG

[LuvthaBlues]

I was concerned with Parayko's return that he would go back to freewheeling style and disrupt the D scheme we've developed over the streak and with the emergence of Fowler over that time. But the last two games it's evident that the D core has everybody on board and has excellent chemistry. I think they are going to be pretty solid and with Tucker having the year he's had we have the depth to give guys rest or even fill in if someone goes down.

In my opinion, we've got the goalies and the defense that some teams in the playoffs would envy. This is going to be an incredibly hard matchup, but I don't think it's going out on a limb to say that these two areas won't be the issue for us if we don't make it past the 'Peg.

[diehardbluesfan1]

Goaltending is huge but I think the best part of our d is a good offense and backchecking/swarming in the neutral zone.

I see scoring as our concern. Snuggy is not Holloway. Not yet. And if Thomas is anything less than 100% that puts us in a big hole.

We will need our 2nd and 3rd lines to contribute more than ever.

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

Gotta believe that pressure is way more on Helleybuck given that he has failed to replicate vezina play in playoffs. And now he is facing Binnington.

[Bluesfan1978]

They were missing his ability to just grab the puck and skate it out of trouble from their own end from the right D. Fowler and Broberg both have this capability on the left side. Parayko did this a few times last night. Against Winnipeg the Blues will need their D to be very active to try and open plays up in the o zone. Parayko' shot will also help.

[callitwhatyouwant]

It's hard to find where we actually have an edge against Winnipeg. They have the vibes going like we do. They have the MVP of the league in goalie. They have the Blues killer in Kyle Connor. They have the Schenn foil to our Schenn. I think the only edge we have is what you said. We have a defense that could create problems if they can keep incorporating into the rush. The only way we beat the Jets is by overwhelming them offensively thru our defenders. But that requires our forwards group to do their part too. Last night we saw them show up but that was game 82 for a team that already had tee times booked for today. If Holloway was fully healthy, I'd think the Blues were in a good spot. But that 2nd line just hasn't looked the same for about 5 games. Last night was the exception.

[bud white]

Gotta believe that pressure is way more on Helleybuck given that he has failed to replicate vezina play in playoffs. And now he is facing Binnington.

That is precisely the storyline that is going to shoved down Hellebyuck's throat for the next two weeks, especially if there is a slightest hiccup. And make no mistake, it plays a huge part in his game. It adds to the pressure. Can he block it out? Binnington is the last guy he wanted to see across the ice. Another big reason why I think this team just exploded coming out of 4 Nations. They knew that they had a big game guy in their net.

[bud white]

It's hard to find where we actually have an edge against Winnipeg. They have the vibes going like we do. They have the MVP of the league in goalie. They have the Blues killer in Kyle Connor. They have the Schenn foil to our Schenn. I think the only edge we have is what you said. We have a defense that could create problems if they can keep incorporating into the rush. The only way we beat the Jets is by overwhelming them offensively thru our defenders. But that requires our forwards group to do their part too. Last night we saw them show up but that was game 82 for a team that already had tee times booked for today. If Holloway was fully healthy, I'd think the Blues were in a good spot. But that 2nd line just hasn't looked the same for about 5 games. Last night was the exception.

In my opinion, the Blues advantage lies in their ignorance. We have a lot of young players who have been playing "playoff hockey" for the past 2 months and those players (Bolduc, Snuggerud, Torpochenko, Walker) bring speed and secondary scoring. I think the Blues are a bit better depth-wise and have an advantage with the 3rd D pair - and have the luxury of adding some "mean" in Tucker if they need it.

As we know, the forecheck is critical in playoff hockey and Binnington is better suited to diffuse a forecheck than Hellebyuck.

Regardless of how this first round nets out - it will be 7 games.

[Army's Mom]

Gotta believe that pressure is way more on Helleybuck given that he has failed to replicate vezina play in playoffs. And now he is facing Binnington.

That is precisely the storyline that is going to shoved down Hellebyuck's throat for the next two weeks, especially if there is a slightest hiccup. And make no mistake, it plays a huge part in his game. It adds to the pressure. Can he block it out? Binnington is the last guy he wanted to see across the ice. Another big reason why I think this team just exploded coming out of 4 Nations. They knew that they had a big game guy in their net.

This. Schenn talked about how much it meant to the guys watching Binner prove what they already knew about him, and how they wanted to deliver. It explains why theyre suddenly WAY more aggressive in the paint and winning net front battles.

And there's zero pressure on Binnington, since he's already been written off before as a flash in the pan, hot head. The pressure on Hellebyuck will be the story of the first round - he either rises to the occasion, or has his lunch money stolen. There's no middle ground. Even if the results are more nuanced, that's the narrative the media will force.

If he can tune it out, he's a step closer to cementing his legacy. If he can't...

[blackinkbiz]

If Faulk can keep playing like he did last night, the D-core is in good shape. That was the best I've seen him play in, sheesh, months, perhaps? Not only did I not say "Omg what are you doing, Faulk!?!" even once through the game, he made some passes that I said, wow, what a pass.

He was the weakest link imo and hopefully, as others said, Parayko returning returned him to where he excels.

[DawgDad]

We saw in the recent game in Winnipeg the Blues can go toe-toe with the Jets but line matchups on the road favor the Jets. The Blues don't have the depth of scoring in the forward ranks. It's going to be critical for the Blues 3rd and 4th lines to hold up and not take the silly penalties we saw last night on a couple of occasions.

The Blues might be more susceptible to being worn down, though the depth on defense and in goal should avoid disasters there. The Blues must play as 5-man units, they must have their D involved in the offense with forwards cycling back. Fowler and Parayko for certain, Broberg and the others inspire hope. Those guys can flat out play and Leddy is no slouch. Faulk's mission is to be steady, strong in his own end.

If the Blues can sustain their A-game energy, keep their stars on the ice, and stay out of the box they have a chance. Down Holloway they cannot afford more attrition in the forward ranks.

[callitwhatyouwant]

If Faulk can keep playing like he did last night, the D-core is in good shape. That was the best I've seen him play in, sheesh, months, perhaps? Not only did I not say "Omg what are you doing, Faulk!?!" even once through the game, he made some passes that I said, wow, what a pass.

He was the weakest link imo and hopefully, as others said, Parayko returning returned him to where he excels.

I know it appears I am a big Faulk fan, I'm really not. A couple years ago he was definitely the guy. Now I just defend him because he's not absolute donkey like you and others will say. I did the same thing with Parayko a couple years ago when everyone said that contract blew and he was terrible etc etc.

Anyways, I do take your analysis seriously. It seems you have something you are particularly looking for. And last night was definitely one of Faulks better game. For him to not score was actually surprising. He had a couple shots that were nice, he was right there on the open net and the goalies pad prevented him from being able to get his stick on the puck. If we can get that Faulk, the 2nd pairing might be what it takes to propel the Blues. I don't think we have the forward group without Holloway to beat the Jets unless we get one of those unreal rookie series from snuggs and bolduc (it happens a little more often than you would think). But I do think our defense can get it done if they are all playing at their best.

Fowler, Parayko, Faulk all have experience being top 25 defenders. Heck Suter and Leddy have that experience. And we know Brobergs talent. Are they THAT guy right now? Parayko and Fowler can sure make a case for it. If the other goes get their "peak form" even for just a series. It could be fun. The 1st series will be the hardest series. If somehow someway the Blues could get past the Jets, the field is open.

[bud white]

We saw in the recent game in Winnipeg the Blues can go toe-toe with the Jets but line matchups on the road favor the Jets. The Blues don't have the depth of scoring in the forward ranks. It's going to be critical for the Blues 3rd and 4th lines to hold up and not take the silly penalties we saw last night on a couple of occasions.

The Blues might be more susceptible to being worn down, though the depth on defense and in goal should avoid disasters there. The Blues must play as 5-man units, they must have their D involved in the offense with forwards cycling back. Fowler and Parayko for certain, Broberg and the others inspire hope. Those guys can flat out play and Leddy is no slouch. Faulk's mission is to be steady, strong in his own end.

If the Blues can sustain their A-game energy, keep their stars on the ice, and stay out of the box they have a chance. Down Holloway they cannot afford more attrition in the forward ranks.

In my previous post I neglected to mention one of the young players who may end up having a significant role in these playoffs. Neighbors has really been good down this stretch. He doesn't take shifts off and is always willing to get to the dirty areas. By the end of the series, Hellebyuck will know what brand of chewing gum Jake is chomping on every night.

[Harry York 37]

To paraphrase Elvis' first bass player, Bill Black when he watched a crazy hot girl cross the street in front of their car:

The Blues make Winnipeg's butthole pucker up like a yaller caution light

...all the pressure is on the team from Manitoba.

[Younghopp1991]

We also know broberg can elevate his play in the playoffs. Holloway also. Any estimate on return yet? I know hes week to week.

But if we can keep our neatral zone forecheck strong and force them to dump we can win. We just have to kepp them from doing that to us. We got stood up at our blue line too many times last game.

[TBone]

In the last game Winnipeg relentlessly attacked the player with the puck and usually finished by pinning anass to the boards.

We're going to have to meet their physicality head on, if for no other reason to put them on their heels too. Should be fun.

[LuvthaBlues]

Another key...that we were good at during the streak...will be standing them up at the blue line and denying them zone entry.