Gutsy performance by Neighbours and Kyrou tonight

[DawgDad]

The "style" Kyrou played last night is just fine. On the bench and on the ice he did NOT look like he was in need of a fresh start, or seeking one.

This particular team and its players and coaches have been through a lot, a lot of trying times and disappointments and frustrations. We are seeing that when key guys get healthy and back on top of their games and start re-developing trust with teammates, well, they can still play and the games can still be fun. It's a fine line between scoring with 7 seconds left to win and losing in OT or in a shootout, or even losing in the last seconds of regulation. Next, more consistency.

[ManitobaBlues]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

dude you only show up when he plays well..

Actually I’d be here rain or shine, but after a while got tired of beating my head against the wall with you people where he can do nothing right.

You’ve got a lot invested in Kyrou, and I get that — but I’ve watched him his entire hockey life. I was actually at his first home game in Sarnia and his last one there too.

He has talent and skill — no question. You don’t make the NHL without it. But some fans confuse ‘skilled’ with ‘elite,’ and Kyrou isn’t elite. He’s a skilled forward, full stop.

I want Kyrou to stay a Blue, I really do. But when you play in St. Louis, there’s a certain style the fans — and former Blues players — expect. Every hockey town has that identity, and this one is no different.

Guys have good nights and bad nights, that’s hockey. The problem is Kyrou has more off nights than on, and it’s wearing thin. He’s paid now, so the expectation is that he elevates his game — not that the team bends to fit his game. That’s not how the NHL works. If you don’t adapt, you get moved.

Honestly, a new team and a fresh start might be the best thing for him, and that happens all the time. Because if Kyrou stays here, he’s going to be under the microscope every single game until the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. And that’s a tough place to live, eh.

I appreciate the well thought out comments here. I hear this comment alot that it's time for a fresh start. Let me ask this - let's assume the Blues trade him and the fresh start is the kick in the pants he needed (a la TJ Oshie) to become a consistent player for 80 games a season. Are you okay with him scoring 35 goals a year for the next decade for another team?

I just don't see what good it does for the Blues for Kyrou to have a fresh start. Why not keep trying to make it work here?

I want Kyrou to stay — trust me. And if he does get traded and turns into a 50-goal scorer somewhere else, I’m fine with it. That’s hockey.
Every Blues fan lived through watching Brett Hull lift the Cup in a Dallas sweater. That one hurt — punch-in-the-gut level. But we moved on, and eventually we won our own Cup with a completely different group.

With Kyrou, it just feels like bad timing. The contract was sticker shock for a lot of fans — and honestly, That cloud has been hanging over him ever since. I don’t think Kyrou ever fully escapes that noise unless the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. That’s the only thing that makes it go away. Until then, every mistake gets magnified, every quiet night gets noticed. That’s just the reality here, so I wish to keep him, but then again I say move him.

[Younghopp1991]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

dude you only show up when he plays well..

Actually I’d be here rain or shine, but after a while got tired of beating my head against the wall with you people where he can do nothing right.

You’ve got a lot invested in Kyrou, and I get that — but I’ve watched him his entire hockey life. I was actually at his first home game in Sarnia and his last one there too.

He has talent and skill — no question. You don’t make the NHL without it. But some fans confuse ‘skilled’ with ‘elite,’ and Kyrou isn’t elite. He’s a skilled forward, full stop.

I want Kyrou to stay a Blue, I really do. But when you play in St. Louis, there’s a certain style the fans — and former Blues players — expect. Every hockey town has that identity, and this one is no different.

Guys have good nights and bad nights, that’s hockey. The problem is Kyrou has more off nights than on, and it’s wearing thin. He’s paid now, so the expectation is that he elevates his game — not that the team bends to fit his game. That’s not how the NHL works. If you don’t adapt, you get moved.

Honestly, a new team and a fresh start might be the best thing for him, and that happens all the time. Because if Kyrou stays here, he’s going to be under the microscope every single game until the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. And that’s a tough place to live, eh.

I appreciate the well thought out comments here. I hear this comment alot that it's time for a fresh start. Let me ask this - let's assume the Blues trade him and the fresh start is the kick in the pants he needed (a la TJ Oshie) to become a consistent player for 80 games a season. Are you okay with him scoring 35 goals a year for the next decade for another team?

I just don't see what good it does for the Blues for Kyrou to have a fresh start. Why not keep trying to make it work here?

I want Kyrou to stay — trust me. And if he does get traded and turns into a 50-goal scorer somewhere else, I’m fine with it. That’s hockey.
Every Blues fan lived through watching Brett Hull lift the Cup in a Dallas sweater. That one hurt — punch-in-the-gut level. But we moved on, and eventually we won our own Cup with a completely different group.

With Kyrou, it just feels like bad timing. The contract was sticker shock for a lot of fans — and honestly, That cloud has been hanging over him ever since. I don’t think Kyrou ever fully escapes that noise unless the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. That’s the only thing that makes it go away. Until then, every mistake gets magnified, every quiet night gets noticed. That’s just the reality here, so I wish to keep him, but then again I say move him.

I just dont think kyrou thomas or buch wants to be THE guy. But while they are at the top of the salary board they will be looked at to drive.

[Blues Dave]

I've always liked the way Jake plays. Especially in this game.

[netboy65]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

dude you only show up when he plays well..

Actually I’d be here rain or shine, but after a while got tired of beating my head against the wall with you people where he can do nothing right.

You’ve got a lot invested in Kyrou, and I get that — but I’ve watched him his entire hockey life. I was actually at his first home game in Sarnia and his last one there too.

He has talent and skill — no question. You don’t make the NHL without it. But some fans confuse ‘skilled’ with ‘elite,’ and Kyrou isn’t elite. He’s a skilled forward, full stop.

I want Kyrou to stay a Blue, I really do. But when you play in St. Louis, there’s a certain style the fans — and former Blues players — expect. Every hockey town has that identity, and this one is no different.

Guys have good nights and bad nights, that’s hockey. The problem is Kyrou has more off nights than on, and it’s wearing thin. He’s paid now, so the expectation is that he elevates his game — not that the team bends to fit his game. That’s not how the NHL works. If you don’t adapt, you get moved.

Honestly, a new team and a fresh start might be the best thing for him, and that happens all the time. Because if Kyrou stays here, he’s going to be under the microscope every single game until the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. And that’s a tough place to live, eh.

That’s a fair and honest assessment.
For the record, I’m only invested in Kyrou because the club doesn’t have many pure scorers like him, and that is something we need to fix in ‘26 (hey that rhymes!) in order to compete.
I’ve been a fan since the 70s and know this town has always loved their “lunch pail” guys. A large swath of the fan base would rather see a guy put someone through the glass than score a goal. That just isn’t going to get it done anymore and it’s frustrating to me.

[TheJackBurton]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

dude you only show up when he plays well..

Actually I’d be here rain or shine, but after a while got tired of beating my head against the wall with you people where he can do nothing right.

You’ve got a lot invested in Kyrou, and I get that — but I’ve watched him his entire hockey life. I was actually at his first home game in Sarnia and his last one there too.

He has talent and skill — no question. You don’t make the NHL without it. But some fans confuse ‘skilled’ with ‘elite,’ and Kyrou isn’t elite. He’s a skilled forward, full stop.

I want Kyrou to stay a Blue, I really do. But when you play in St. Louis, there’s a certain style the fans — and former Blues players — expect. Every hockey town has that identity, and this one is no different.

Guys have good nights and bad nights, that’s hockey. The problem is Kyrou has more off nights than on, and it’s wearing thin. He’s paid now, so the expectation is that he elevates his game — not that the team bends to fit his game. That’s not how the NHL works. If you don’t adapt, you get moved.

Honestly, a new team and a fresh start might be the best thing for him, and that happens all the time. Because if Kyrou stays here, he’s going to be under the microscope every single game until the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. And that’s a tough place to live, eh.

I appreciate the well thought out comments here. I hear this comment alot that it's time for a fresh start. Let me ask this - let's assume the Blues trade him and the fresh start is the kick in the pants he needed (a la TJ Oshie) to become a consistent player for 80 games a season. Are you okay with him scoring 35 goals a year for the next decade for another team?

I just don't see what good it does for the Blues for Kyrou to have a fresh start. Why not keep trying to make it work here?

There's no way to answer that question because one part of the equation is unknown.

We won't just be getting rid of him, so assets are coming back. It all depends on the assets.

[the miracle]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

dude you only show up when he plays well..

Actually I’d be here rain or shine, but after a while got tired of beating my head against the wall with you people where he can do nothing right.

You’ve got a lot invested in Kyrou, and I get that — but I’ve watched him his entire hockey life. I was actually at his first home game in Sarnia and his last one there too.

He has talent and skill — no question. You don’t make the NHL without it. But some fans confuse ‘skilled’ with ‘elite,’ and Kyrou isn’t elite. He’s a skilled forward, full stop.

I want Kyrou to stay a Blue, I really do. But when you play in St. Louis, there’s a certain style the fans — and former Blues players — expect. Every hockey town has that identity, and this one is no different.

Guys have good nights and bad nights, that’s hockey. The problem is Kyrou has more off nights than on, and it’s wearing thin. He’s paid now, so the expectation is that he elevates his game — not that the team bends to fit his game. That’s not how the NHL works. If you don’t adapt, you get moved.

Honestly, a new team and a fresh start might be the best thing for him, and that happens all the time. Because if Kyrou stays here, he’s going to be under the microscope every single game until the Blues win a Cup with him in the lineup. And that’s a tough place to live, eh.

I appreciate the well thought out comments here. I hear this comment alot that it's time for a fresh start. Let me ask this - let's assume the Blues trade him and the fresh start is the kick in the pants he needed (a la TJ Oshie) to become a consistent player for 80 games a season. Are you okay with him scoring 35 goals a year for the next decade for another team?

I just don't see what good it does for the Blues for Kyrou to have a fresh start. Why not keep trying to make it work here?

There's no way to answer that question because one part of the equation is unknown.

We won't just be getting rid of him, so assets are coming back. It all depends on the assets.

Fair point Jack. And, it's entirely possible that Kyrou gets traded and he goes Berglund and completely falls apart. I'm not saying that couldn't happen either. On paper, it's just a bit head scratching that, when you boil down consensus thinking, the argument is essentially "Trade Kyrou because he's really going to blossom somewhere else."

[zamadoo]

The "style" Kyrou played last night is just fine. On the bench and on the ice he did NOT look like he was in need of a fresh start, or seeking one.

This particular team and its players and coaches have been through a lot, a lot of trying times and disappointments and frustrations. We are seeing that when key guys get healthy and back on top of their games and start re-developing trust with teammates, well, they can still play and the games can still be fun. It's a fine line between scoring with 7 seconds left to win and losing in OT or in a shootout, or even losing in the last seconds of regulation. Next, more consistency.

Yeah, but we've been saying more consistency for over a year now. The only consistent trait has been poor hockey for half a season with the occasional good team game or two, followed by a late-season push. Last year I sided with winning over losing, and the way it happened was great, but makes me wonder how they could have gone back to being so bad. I mean what a horrific start to the season after the franchise record win streak and coming so close to advancing and losing the way we did... Anyways, I agree, I saw the same thing, the players looked happy on the bench and after goals. Maybe they don't want to leave, but I've seen enough and still want to move several of them before the TDL.

Let's look at the stats.

Buch has 30pts and -13 in 54GP, closest to Thomas (33) who has only played 42 games, now centering Kyrou and playing 20min a night, has 5pts in his last 5 games at a +3 rating.

Faulk - playing well this year...with the same amount of points as Kyrou at 27 through 54 GP, including 11 goals and a decent (for this team) -5 with 22min a night.

Kyrou with 16min a night has reached a more respectable 12g/15a and -6 through 44 games played. 7pts in last 5 games at +3

Indeed, our top 3 goal scorers (one injured) have a combined 90pts, while the whole team has 8-10-2 over the last 10 games and still hasn't won 3 in a row all season. Watch them win out until the break

[blues2112]

I really want him to be a 40-goal scorer for the Blues — I honestly do. But his value is low right now because of the path he’s chosen. That’s on him.

I swear, he’s capable of doing some MacKinnon-type things. The speed is there. The skill is there. But he needs to work on his foot movement and puck control at full speed. Too often it looks like he’s going too fast for his own hands, like he’s not fully in control and ends up unsure of his footing.

If he could tighten that up — use his speed with purpose instead of just blasting into the zone — he could be a completely different player. That’s the frustrating part. The ceiling is right there, but he’s not grabbing it.

Italics: What? scores 131 goals over seasons, improves +/- from -38 to +23, but "the path he's chosen" is "on him"? In that case, adulation.

Bold: Only one player to compare MacKinnon with, and that's McDavid.

You want perfection by some impossible standard.

[blues2112]

I really want him to be a 40-goal scorer for the Blues — I honestly do. But his value is low right now because of the path he’s chosen. That’s on him.

I swear, he’s capable of doing some MacKinnon-type things. The speed is there. The skill is there. But he needs to work on his foot movement and puck control at full speed. Too often it looks like he’s going too fast for his own hands, like he’s not fully in control and ends up unsure of his footing.

If he could tighten that up — use his speed with purpose instead of just blasting into the zone — he could be a completely different player. That’s the frustrating part. The ceiling is right there, but he’s not grabbing it.

Italics: What? scores 131 goals over seasons, improves +/- from -38 to +23, but "the path he's chosen" is "on him"? In that case, adulation.

Bold: Only one player to compare MacKinnon with, and that's McDavid.

You want perfection by some impossible standard.

[Harry York 37]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

Kyrou got bopped in the face... and it didn't even break his nose. There are several players in this league who wouldn't miss a shift, even if their noses were broken, Trainers squeexe the cartilage into a familiar shape and they are back on the ice.
Spare us the "Kyrou is a bad-(donkey)" talk.

[ScalesofJustice]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

Kyrou got bopped in the face... and it didn't even break his nose. There are several players in this league who wouldn't miss a shift, even if their noses were broken, Trainers squeexe the cartilage into a familiar shape and they are back on the ice.
Spare us the "Kyrou is a bad-(donkey)" talk.

Ok, we got it. You hate Kyrou. When he has a great game it definitely pains you. We understand.

[Harry York 37]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

Kyrou got bopped in the face... and it didn't even break his nose. There are several players in this league who wouldn't miss a shift, even if their noses were broken, Trainers squeexe the cartilage into a familiar shape and they are back on the ice.
Spare us the "Kyrou is a bad-(donkey)" talk.

Ok, we got it. You hate Kyrou. When he has a great game it definitely pains you. We understand.

You don't get the second part. It confuses me when Kyrou plays like he did the last few games as it should confuse everyone. Why do 50 lazy games need to be wasted before he decides to skate hard and with purpose?

[netboy65]

Both guys not sure if they would be able to play and making the case to do everything they can to get into tonight's game. Sounded like (from the radio pregame) that they were champing at the bit to get in against a tough Florida team that's planning on returning to their rough and tumble playstyle and get back into the playoff mix. Takes a lot of guts to come back from injury against a tough team like this. That's the kind of secondary leadership that the rookies will respond to and sets a great example.

Great to see the leadership - but even better to see them put their money where their mouth is by showing up in a big way on the ice and the score sheet.

But…but…..according to BluesTalk posters Kyrou should be off in a corner sucking his thumb for the rest of the season. Maybe not those exact words but with the supposed lack of intestinal fortitude what else would he do?

Kyrou got bopped in the face... and it didn't even break his nose. There are several players in this league who wouldn't miss a shift, even if their noses were broken, Trainers squeexe the cartilage into a familiar shape and they are back on the ice.
Spare us the "Kyrou is a bad-(donkey)" talk.

Concussion protocol is a real thing. It’s not always up to the player like in the old days.