All This Talk About Not Having a Star Player-Silly

[Offsides]

Carby is on the way.

[stlhooked]

Col, Dal and Min all have 3-4 players in the top 50 Fantasy rankings.
Col has 2 in the top 10
The Blues have ZERO
There’s nobody on our team that ever dekes, dangles, fakes or spins..
Love our top line but we’re missing some magic still. I think
Thomas is a passer. Passers need a sniper and a puck carrier usually but I love our top line. We need a guy on the second line that can skate with the puck- I’m pulling for Berggren

[a smell of green grass]

"Our best players are being outplayed consistently by the other team's best players when the games matter"

- Hockey Expert and Likely HOFer, Douglas Armstrong

[STL fan in MN]

He may have the stats but as people used to say about Kyrou, he doesn’t pass the “eye test” of an elite player.

Doesn’t single-handedly take over a game
There is no sense of anticipation when the puck is on his stick
Has bouts of moodiness from time to time

I truly hope 100% he gets there, I don’t think he’s there yet however.

A subjective........WHAT?

He’s very good. Very good. Not elite.

How could you possibly argue with Sunny’s t-shirt?

[Inglewood Jack]

He may have the stats but as people used to say about Kyrou, he doesn’t pass the “eye test” of an elite player.

Doesn’t single-handedly take over a game
There is no sense of anticipation when the puck is on his stick
Has bouts of moodiness from time to time

I truly hope 100% he gets there, I don’t think he’s there yet however.

A subjective........WHAT?

He’s very good. Very good. Not elite.

How could you possibly argue with Sunny’s t-shirt?

Wins the discussion!

[dhsux]

I believe he is as elite as he is under appreciated.

Something like that.

[Old_Goat]

After watching all Thompson's games in the playoffs RT is clearly the better all-round player. TT can light it up but RT is a better puck hound, playmaker, and far better defensively. I will never shake the vision of RT frustrating the daylights out of MacKinnon a couple of seasons ago.

If the three guys on the Blues top line stay reasonably healthy - look out, they are going to put on quite a show.

The health is the key as both Thomas and Holloway have missed games the past couple years. The other thing that may help them light it up, is the potential for a legitimate 2nd scoring line. I’m more interested in seeing if McTavish and whatever two wingers end up playing with him can be an offensive threat. And even our 3rd line could create some matchup issues if Dvorsky can turn a corner.

If healthy, I would expect all players on that top line to have between 65 and 85 points. Especially if the 2nd line guys can all have between 40-55!!

The potential for a legitimate 2nd scoring line is where I am most excited for the upcoming season and where I feel the Blues get their underrated sleeper stats from. I don't recall a time since the loss of ROR that I felt this team had a chance for a solid legitimate 2nd scoring line. McTavish and McMichael just have to be equal to last year and the 2nd line is vastly improved, and... AND... without the will he won't he be engaged Kyrou effect you can't just discount that 2nd line. If McTavish and McMichael show up to make a point and show their skills, the reduction of pressure on Thomas and Holloway will go miles towards their health

Concur with you.
And I'll add & clarify: I like the "legitimate 2nd scoring line" idea/description. Heck there may be stretches for a consistently competitive team where their "top line" is in bit of a funk. So, with depth & balance, another line is getting more time and points and feels like, well that's our "top line." Depth and balance gets me excited at both ends of the ice.
(When my 26 years-old Scotty Cameron Putter goes cold I don't throw it in the pond...it comes back within a round or two to be my "top club" in the bag.)

[a smell of green grass]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

[2forDiving]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

[DawgDad]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

[UMR-alum-05]

First of all, Thomas is a point per game player. There's only so many of those in the league. He's had 86 points in a season. 50+ assists multiple times. Is he a superstar? No. Celebrini or McDavid or MacKinnon are superstars. Is he in the next tier? Absolutely.

After that, Snuggerud looks to have the ability of a 35+ goal scorer. Is he a superstar? I don't think so. Could he be a star player equal to Thomas in impact? Definitely.

After that you have a lot of really good NHL players. Holloway. McMichael. Neighbours. McTavish. Tough nosed players that can do a lot for you.

It's a good roster. If Buch can rebound and be a 55-60 point guy again we will be a tough team. It's not a great roster. Berggren is just OK. He has some tools but I wish we had a better player in that 2 or 3 RW spot. If Finley can take a step forward and contribute a few points and build on his face off success I like a fourth line of Johnston, Finley and Torp. It's big and annoying to play against. Hopefully Torp gets back to attacking and hitting on the forecheck.

Don't sleep on our defense either. It's big and I think will play well. I think both Broberg and Mailloux have another gear for helping generate points. Mailloux has a great shot.

[a smell of green grass]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

Funny how often the Conn Smythe winner just happens to be on the Winning Stanley Cup team...

The Conn Smythe has only been won by a player on the losing team six times in NHL history.

Moral of the Story:
If you want to win the CUP, the best player better be on your team.

[zuck698]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

Funny how often the Conn Smythe winner just happens to be on the Winning Stanley Cup team...

The Conn Smythe has only been won by a player on the losing team six times in NHL history.

Moral of the Story:
If you want to win the CUP, the best player better be on your team.

You cannot be this obtuse in real life, correct? So if your thinking holds then the Blues with O'Reilly, had the best player of any team as he was indeed the winner of the Conn Smythe the year we won it. You know he was not a Top 5 draft choice? He went number 33 overall. So somewhere your logic, or lack there of is a better term for it, seems to be a little off! Moving goal posts is your true talent!

[a smell of green grass]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

Funny how often the Conn Smythe winner just happens to be on the Winning Stanley Cup team...

The Conn Smythe has only been won by a player on the losing team six times in NHL history.

Moral of the Story:
If you want to win the CUP, the best player better be on your team.

You cannot be this obtuse in real life, correct? So if your thinking holds then the Blues with O'Reilly, had the best player of any team as he was indeed the winner of the Conn Smythe the year we won it. You know he was not a Top 5 draft choice? He went number 33 overall. So somewhere your logic, or lack there of is a better term for it, seems to be a little off! Moving goal posts is your true talent!

ROR and Pietrangelo were the best players in the Finals. ROR was not a TOP5 pick, but he was a TOP5 talent. The Blues never draft high, and they have no remarkable history of selecting TOP TIER elite talent in the NHL Draft either.

[zuck698]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

Funny how often the Conn Smythe winner just happens to be on the Winning Stanley Cup team...

The Conn Smythe has only been won by a player on the losing team six times in NHL history.

Moral of the Story:
If you want to win the CUP, the best player better be on your team.

You cannot be this obtuse in real life, correct? So if your thinking holds then the Blues with O'Reilly, had the best player of any team as he was indeed the winner of the Conn Smythe the year we won it. You know he was not a Top 5 draft choice? He went number 33 overall. So somewhere your logic, or lack there of is a better term for it, seems to be a little off! Moving goal posts is your true talent!

ROR and Pietrangelo were the best players in the Finals. ROR was not a TOP5 pick, but he was a TOP5 talent. The Blues never draft high, and they have no remarkable history of selecting TOP TIER elite talent in the NHL Draft either.

Oh yeah, that is right. I forgot that you shared with us all, how the NHL pays the Blues extra money for never drafting higher. I did not know this "fact" until you were kind enough to share this beautiful tidbit that apparently no one else on Blues Talk was aware of either. You are a total joke!

[a smell of green grass]

Let's do the math....

St Louis Cardinals
- Stan Musial
- Albert Pujols
- Bob Gibson
- Lou Brock
___________
= Kansas City Royals

The math tells us that having better Star Players than the other teams matters.

The question
IS NOT... Is Robert Thomas elite
IS... Is Robert Thomas better than what other teams have

This is the 2nd time you have posted this and I’m not sure what the point is. As previous provided Musial and Gibson were signed prior to there being an MLB draft and Pujols was taken in the 13th rd, so not really anything to contrast to the Blues in that regard. Brock was acquired via trade, so at least that is relevant to your argument. And since the time of their inception, aren’t the Blues and Cards pretty even in terms of HOFers that wave donned the local colors?

I’d rate Thomas in the top 15 centers in the NHL thus making him better than many in the NHL in that spot.

Smelly's post promotes a false narrative. Having "better" star players is NOT the objective, the objective is to win.

RT, right now, is posting seasons comparable to ROR in the Cup run, arguably just as good an all-round player. Neither at their peak was even arguably the best center in the league, or in the top-5 even.

The TEAM matters foremost. Yes, you need good players, however MATTHEWS, Marner, Nylander, and Taveras together for several seasons did not get a team to the Cup Finals, nor even to the Conference Finals.

Smelly's entire premise is a FALSE NARRATIVE. Sometimes the team with the best PLAYER wins, but not without a good TEAM backing him. Even Gretzky is his prime didn't win it all every season.

Funny how often the Conn Smythe winner just happens to be on the Winning Stanley Cup team...

The Conn Smythe has only been won by a player on the losing team six times in NHL history.

Moral of the Story:
If you want to win the CUP, the best player better be on your team.

You cannot be this obtuse in real life, correct? So if your thinking holds then the Blues with O'Reilly, had the best player of any team as he was indeed the winner of the Conn Smythe the year we won it. You know he was not a Top 5 draft choice? He went number 33 overall. So somewhere your logic, or lack there of is a better term for it, seems to be a little off! Moving goal posts is your true talent!

ROR and Pietrangelo were the best players in the Finals. ROR was not a TOP5 pick, but he was a TOP5 talent. The Blues never draft high, and they have no remarkable history of selecting TOP TIER elite talent in the NHL Draft either.

Oh yeah, that is right. I forgot that you shared with us all, how the NHL pays the Blues extra money for never drafting higher. I did not know this "fact" until you were kind enough to share this beautiful tidbit that apparently no one else on Blues Talk was aware of either. You are a total joke!

At least I'm smart enough to realize that BluesTalkers want to talk about hockey, not about other BluesTalkers.

Carry on.