Armstrong Season Ending Press Conference

[skilles]

DA was not particularly impressed with the record after the Olympics. Felt the opposing teams were not taking the Blues seriously during that stretch. He pointed to the poor losses to San Jose, LA and the second Colorado game as evidence that the team still is not where they need to be. The team played well when there was no real pressure to perform but when they got to those games where it did matter for playoffs, they folded. Clearly setting the stage for summer changes.

Did anyone ask where this team was before the Olympics and why they magically started to care after?

Or did they do their usual and feed him softballs like they usually do

Did you even read a word of the post you just responded to?

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

This team warts and all would have made tbe playoffs if armey had addressed the third d pair and not gone with the mailloux/kessel/tucker experience. Maybe in the long run it works out especially given Mailloux's development but if this management group thinks this team may compete for a playoff spot relying on kessel and tucker in the third pair we are going to rinse and repeat. And god forbid we lose a top four rightie for any stretch of time.

[DawgDad]

This team warts and all would have made tbe playoffs if armey had addressed the third d pair and not gone with the mailloux/kessel/tucker experience. Maybe in the long run it works out especially given Mailloux's development but if this management group thinks this team may compete for a playoff spot relying on kessel and tucker in the third pair we are going to rinse and repeat. And god forbid we lose a top four rightie for any stretch of time.

Therein lies the dilemma. They were looking to trade Parayko for a young RD prospect, they were clearly leaning to a youth movement playing Dvorsky, Mailloux, Snuggerud then later Stenberg and Lindstein. I don't see that changing. I do believe the top line guys earned a shot at coming back intact. Seems clear they will be dealing with many more disruptions given all the young prospects that are developing and will need ice time.

If they stand pat [unlikely] they need much better health, solid rebound performances by the veterans, avoidance of sophomore slumps, and a solid step up by Dvorsky. If they are getting all that and looking like a playoff team they will face down the dilemma at the trade deadline and if and when prospects like Jiricek are ready for NHL minutes.

[John Cocktoastin]

Vid.

Link

[blues2112]

Some much cynicism on this thread.

And bagging on Holloway.

[DawgDad]

Thanks for the link. Really a good session by Army, most of which has been discussed. Interesring comments on Kyrou being a 30-goal scorer who had an off season and who now faces new challenges.

[Younghopp1991]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt. Doesnt seem sold on the core still. Or maybe just thomas. Player interviews were terrible. But its the end of the season so im sure they are sour.

[Younghopp1991]

Thanks for the link. Really a good session by Army, most of which has been discussed. Interesring comments on Kyrou being a 30-goal scorer who had an off season and who now faces new challenges.

I wonder if kyrou gets till the deadline or if that was army positioning this as a one off season to potential interested parties.

[DawgDad]

Thanks for the link. Really a good session by Army, most of which has been discussed. Interesring comments on Kyrou being a 30-goal scorer who had an off season and who now faces new challenges.

I wonder if kyrou gets till the deadline or if that was army positioning this as a one off season to potential interested parties.

A lot of posters around here would sell Kyrou for used bubble gum. Army/Steen aren't going to sell cheap, I suspect they would trade him if they like the return and Steen/Monty agreed.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt. Doesnt seem sold on the core still. Or maybe just thomas. Player interviews were terrible. But its the end of the season so im sure they are sour.

Why wouldn't he be sold on Thomas?

[Bubble4427]

Exactly what you want him to say and expect him to say.

We should not be talking about winning meaningless games at this time next year. And who we would draft at 8 versus 11.

Those days are over.

We’ll see.

“Superstar” Robert Thomas needs to lead the boys out the gate then.

Of course he does. Holloway, too. RT's record over the past five seasons is pretty impressive, the Blues would be hard-pressed to replace him and his potential at this juncture.

Hollowell needs to show he can stay on the ice for a full season before this org shells out huge money. Still wouldn’t go over $3.6-$4.25M a year on a deal though.

Another team will sign him for more than that.
They will pay him if it only costs the team a 1st rounder.
Pay the guy….he’s earned it.

Based on a season and a half? No thanks. I’ll take the 1st rounder

Then you wait for 3 seasons until the player you drafted arrives…..and there is at least a 50/50 chance that he won’t be as good as Holloway.
Ask Edmonton how letting go of those players worked out for them.

[John Cocktoastin]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt.

Great point. He did slip, "Create some space."

I feel like he would like to dump a guy or two...

[netboy65]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt. Doesnt seem sold on the core still. Or maybe just thomas. Player interviews were terrible. But its the end of the season so im sure they are sour.

Why wouldn't he be sold on Thomas?

Thomas was lights out in March/April but if you recall he was pretty invisible in Oct/Nov before he got hurt.

[Walter Sobchak00]

Exactly what you want him to say and expect him to say.

We should not be talking about winning meaningless games at this time next year. And who we would draft at 8 versus 11.

Those days are over.

We’ll see.

“Superstar” Robert Thomas needs to lead the boys out the gate then.

Of course he does. Holloway, too. RT's record over the past five seasons is pretty impressive, the Blues would be hard-pressed to replace him and his potential at this juncture.

Hollowell needs to show he can stay on the ice for a full season before this org shells out huge money. Still wouldn’t go over $3.6-$4.25M a year on a deal though.

Another team will sign him for more than that.
They will pay him if it only costs the team a 1st rounder.
Pay the guy….he’s earned it.

Based on a season and a half? No thanks. I’ll take the 1st rounder

Given your track record of being wrong 95% of the time, I've never been more convinced Holloway will be a point per game star.

[DawgDad]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt. Doesnt seem sold on the core still. Or maybe just thomas. Player interviews were terrible. But its the end of the season so im sure they are sour.

Why wouldn't he be sold on Thomas?

Thomas was lights out in March/April but if you recall he was pretty invisible in Oct/Nov before he got hurt.

Younghopp's outtake isn't fully consistent with Army's comments, especially on Thomas. Should watch the vid. A significant comment on Thomas was near the end.

[Younghopp1991]

Army gave the impression that there was a lot he wanted to say, but couldnt. Doesnt seem sold on the core still. Or maybe just thomas. Player interviews were terrible. But its the end of the season so im sure they are sour.

Why wouldn't he be sold on Thomas?

I should rephrase. He doesnt seem sold on thomas character and ability to lead. He gave me the impression that future phone calls would be happening. But thomas also gave me that he has a lot of thinking to do still and talks with family. Doesnt say much but it definitely doesnt seem put to bed. Parayko gave me the same feeling. I believe one of them is dealt. Thats just my opinion.