Preseason GDT: Blues vs Dallas 6PM CDT

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

Kaskimaki stood out

He stood out serving up that meatball in the middle of the ice, resulting in a Carbonneau tripping penalty in OT.

[TheJackBurton]

I look at the Dvorsky thing at this point like a pitcher in spring training.

We see a pitcher in spring training get lit up the first few games because later we find out he is working on a new pitch, working on his location, or the team is wanting him to focus strictly on his mechanics, but we as fans don't know that and only see him getting lit up.

I imagine the Blues have sat Dvorsky down and told him they want him to concentrate on very specific areas of his game at the center position and that at this point they aren't worried about the points sheet, just that he shows improvement in those areas.

If that would be the case then his offense is in fact going to struggle, and he isn't going to play as instinctive, instead concentrating on what they want him to do.

Learning to play center in the NHL is a whole hell of a lot harder than learning to play wing.

In the case of Carbonneau I'm sure they've told him to just go out and play enjoy the experience and let his instincts drive his play. Not to downplay his success, because he has played very well, but I doubt the Blues brass want him to do any thinking out there, they just want him to get experience.

[a smell of green grass]

Who was in goal for the Blues in the 3rd period? Seattle is a great poster. By the way seattle, Stancl had a pretty solid scrimmage yesterday morning. He is in the right place in the defensive zone on a consistent basis. Ends up breaking up a lot of plays because the puck finds him.

It's sort of funny that I like Carbo for the reasons I do but yet Stancl is my favorite when his energy and mine aren't alike. More the way you can admire another person's demeanor even if it's not your own? You're seeing the reason I think of him as minimum 3LW, he's responsible, you can trust him out there because he's big and skilled enough and knows exactly what to do if he can get the puck on his stick, it is literally only execution of things I have seen him do a lot that he has to display as he advances in level. And execution of skating improvement which, you guys tell me, does he look slow in any way?

His skating hasn't been an issue. He has no trouble keeping up.
Honestly, people don't like to hear this but Dvorsky is the only top 15 prospect who has a speed issue out of the guys we talk about somewhat regularly. I will add that Dvorsky has been playing wing in practice and his skating isn't so noticeable because he doesn't have to skate so much to defend, but when he plays center (prospect tourney and last night) it's kind of noticeable. I'm a Dvorsky fan ... he's a finisher, great puck handler, and he has vision to make great passes. I'm just being honest about what could hold him back as far as becoming that center we are hoping for.

I'm a Dvorsky fan. I want the young man to succeed as a Blue as much as everyone else. When I ask if it is time to move him to Wing, I do it for his and the team's benefit.

If Dvorsky was a Center, it would be evident by now IMO. I think that they should move him to Wing. Agree? Disagree?

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

He's 20. He had a good AHL season at 19 years old as a center. The Blues are not moving away from developing him to be a center yet. They played him at center last night on the top line they could put together of that group. There is no hurry. It won't be hard for him to become a good winger if it eventually comes to that. He could have a great season and great development as a center in the AHL this year. We'll see. Adding Suter and Bjugstad allows the Blues plenty of time to support Dvorsky's growth without rushing him. They've played him at wing in practice because if he were to make the team out of camp it would be a lot more likely for him to do that as a wing. In that case, it wouldn't end the center hopes (see R. Thomas).

[a smell of green grass]

He's 20. He had a good AHL season at 19 years old as a center. The Blues are not moving away from developing him to be a center yet. They played him at center last night on the top line they could put together of that group. There is no hurry. It won't be hard for him to become a good winger if it eventually comes to that. He could have a great season and great development as a center in the AHL this year. We'll see. Adding Suter and Bjugstad allows the Blues plenty of time to support Dvorsky's growth without rushing him. They've played him at wing in practice because if he were to make the team out of camp it would be a lot more likely for him to do that as a wing. In that case, it wouldn't end the center hopes (see R. Thomas).

Ok. I admire your conviction to the job and to the young man. I just want what's best for the kid and the team too. My thought is to quit beating him up, and let's move on. Find him a different spot, and we'll just have to find a different person for Center, etc.

[seattleblue]

You can dispense with the fake stuff. Until you stop saying the same stupid [shirt] that in no way is open to facts you will continue to get the contempt you’re trying to earn

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

I look at the Dvorsky thing at this point like a pitcher in spring training.

We see a pitcher in spring training get lit up the first few games because later we find out he is working on a new pitch, working on his location, or the team is wanting him to focus strictly on his mechanics, but we as fans don't know that and only see him getting lit up.

I imagine the Blues have sat Dvorsky down and told him they want him to concentrate on very specific areas of his game at the center position and that at this point they aren't worried about the points sheet, just that he shows improvement in those areas.

If that would be the case then his offense is in fact going to struggle, and he isn't going to play as instinctive, instead concentrating on what they want him to do.

Learning to play center in the NHL is a whole hell of a lot harder than learning to play wing.

Good post

I look at Dvorsky a lot like Pavol Demitra & Rod Brind'Amour: it took them awhile to get acclimated as centers too.

[Sudsy 11]

I look at the Dvorsky thing at this point like a pitcher in spring training.

We see a pitcher in spring training get lit up the first few games because later we find out he is working on a new pitch, working on his location, or the team is wanting him to focus strictly on his mechanics, but we as fans don't know that and only see him getting lit up.

I imagine the Blues have sat Dvorsky down and told him they want him to concentrate on very specific areas of his game at the center position and that at this point they aren't worried about the points sheet, just that he shows improvement in those areas.

If that would be the case then his offense is in fact going to struggle, and he isn't going to play as instinctive, instead concentrating on what they want him to do.

Learning to play center in the NHL is a whole hell of a lot harder than learning to play wing.

Good post

I look at Dvorsky a lot like Pavol Demitra & Rod Brind'Amour: it took them awhile to get acclimated as centers too.

I'm not giving up on the idea that a 20 year old kid can play Center in the NHL. Maybe not this year though.