GDT Ottawa at Blues preseason today

[sneptsmoustache]

I get the reasoning behind it; but I don't like Bjugstad on RW. He's been dominant in the FO circle(65%), I'd rather keep him there. The problem is, nobody else is stepping up to own that RW spot.

Kimzey - where are you getting the 65% stat? I just went up and looked up his career stats, and he seems closer to 48-50% (i.e. closer to Schenn's range). Maybe I'm missing something, just curious. If it's 65%, we should have him out there taking every draw!!

I would assume he’s looking at just this preseason.

But I’d counter that a lot of preseason opponents are minor leaguers and Jr players so I wouldn’t take a good % in preseason to mean a whole lot.

To an extent I'd agree.
But on the deep look he's been up against some tough opponents.
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010009.HTM
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010102.HTM

6 draws against Tyler Seguin(67% for Bjug)
2 against Matt Duchene(50%)
3 against Brendan Gaunce(100%)
7 against Cole SIllinger(43%)
3 against Del Bel Belluz(67%)
1 each against Keskinen and WIlliams(100%)

Just based on career stats, he's our #2 FO guy behind Thomas. And he seems to be living up to that thus far.

Check roger, makes sense. I hadn't looked at the preseason stats. And yes I think you're right - probably 2nd best behind Thomas. That's where losing Faksa really hurts, we are overall pretty weak on the dot.

[Nublues69]

Per Lou Korac on Twitter:

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux

Binnington
Ellis

Neighbors and Torpo were banged up after the last game I think. Lucic being given every opportunity!

I think this is josephs last chance to make the team.

[Nublues69]

Per Lou Korac on Twitter:

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux

Binnington
Ellis

Neighbors and Torpo were banged up after the last game I think. Lucic being given every opportunity!

I think this is josephs last chance to make the team.

i dont think texier makes it i think joseph is your extra forward or gone and lucic will not make it

[ChooseBlues]

This game on tv or streaming?

Streaming according to Blues app.

I live out of market so this probably doesn’t apply to most people here, but I’ve been able to watch every preseason game so far on Hulu.

Same. I've been able to watch all of them on ESPN+ which is affiliated with Disney and Hulu. It's the opposition broadcasters, but that upside is that it keeps me from having to listen to the drivel of Kerbs/Vitale.

I used to really enjoy Kerbs on radio—his passion for the Blues and his role as an ambassador for the team were undeniable. But lately, the televised broadcasts with him and Vitale have been tough to sit through. It’s starting to feel like they think they’re the product, not the game itself.

I don’t tune in to hear a five-minute tangent about cheese while the puck is in play. I want play-by-play, insight, and energy that matches the moment. Save the anecdotes for between whistles. The producers need to step in and tighten things up—this isn’t a podcast, it’s a live hockey broadcast.

And it’s hard not to notice how Kerbs’ energy spikes when he’s about to read an ad. Suddenly he’s dialed in, animated, and then we get another story tied to the sponsor that drags into the next shift. It’s frustrating. I don’t think they’re suited for TV commentary, at least not in their current form.

They’re on a 9-game trial, and if they don’t clean it up, I’ll be sticking with the opposing feeds. I want to hear the game—not a running monologue. Sad to say it, but unless things change, it’s time to consider a real broadcast team that treats the game like the main event.

[callitwhatyouwant]

I get the reasoning behind it; but I don't like Bjugstad on RW. He's been dominant in the FO circle(65%), I'd rather keep him there. The problem is, nobody else is stepping up to own that RW spot.

Kimzey - where are you getting the 65% stat? I just went up and looked up his career stats, and he seems closer to 48-50% (i.e. closer to Schenn's range). Maybe I'm missing something, just curious. If it's 65%, we should have him out there taking every draw!!

I would assume he’s looking at just this preseason.

But I’d counter that a lot of preseason opponents are minor leaguers and Jr players so I wouldn’t take a good % in preseason to mean a whole lot.

To an extent I'd agree.
But on the deep look he's been up against some tough opponents.
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010009.HTM
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010102.HTM

6 draws against Tyler Seguin(67% for Bjug)
2 against Matt Duchene(50%)
3 against Brendan Gaunce(100%)
7 against Cole SIllinger(43%)
3 against Del Bel Belluz(67%)
1 each against Keskinen and WIlliams(100%)

Just based on career stats, he's our #2 FO guy behind Thomas. And he seems to be living up to that thus far.

Check roger, makes sense. I hadn't looked at the preseason stats. And yes I think you're right - probably 2nd best behind Thomas. That's where losing Faksa really hurts, we are overall pretty weak on the dot.

Losing Faksa for sure is bad but I'm sure there is room for growth for a couple guys. Otter has always gotten the guys progressively better at that. SO hopefully he can help Suter out in that department. Schenn is a 50/50 guy so you atleast have Thomas who is good and a solid Schenn. Gotta get 2 other guys close to 50 or its tough.

[ChooseBlues]

I get the reasoning behind it; but I don't like Bjugstad on RW. He's been dominant in the FO circle(65%), I'd rather keep him there. The problem is, nobody else is stepping up to own that RW spot.

Kimzey - where are you getting the 65% stat? I just went up and looked up his career stats, and he seems closer to 48-50% (i.e. closer to Schenn's range). Maybe I'm missing something, just curious. If it's 65%, we should have him out there taking every draw!!

I would assume he’s looking at just this preseason.

But I’d counter that a lot of preseason opponents are minor leaguers and Jr players so I wouldn’t take a good % in preseason to mean a whole lot.

To an extent I'd agree.
But on the deep look he's been up against some tough opponents.
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010009.HTM
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010102.HTM

6 draws against Tyler Seguin(67% for Bjug)
2 against Matt Duchene(50%)
3 against Brendan Gaunce(100%)
7 against Cole SIllinger(43%)
3 against Del Bel Belluz(67%)
1 each against Keskinen and WIlliams(100%)

Just based on career stats, he's our #2 FO guy behind Thomas. And he seems to be living up to that thus far.

Check roger, makes sense. I hadn't looked at the preseason stats. And yes I think you're right - probably 2nd best behind Thomas. That's where losing Faksa really hurts, we are overall pretty weak on the dot.

Losing Faksa for sure is bad but I'm sure there is room for growth for a couple guys. Otter has always gotten the guys progressively better at that. SO hopefully he can help Suter out in that department. Schenn is a 50/50 guy so you atleast have Thomas who is good and a solid Schenn. Gotta get 2 other guys close to 50 or its tough.

I don’t think Blues fans have fully grasped how significant losing Faksa is—not just in the faceoff circle, but in terms of identity. That fourth line was the tone-setter. Faksa gave it structure, purpose, and a role that the rest of the lineup could build off. Without him, the bottom six feels rudderless.

Schenn will help, but he’s limited by the hole at 4C. That gap is going to make it tough for the Blues to sustain momentum in games. Lucic, Bjugstad, and Joseph are basically bench depth at this point. If I had to keep one, it’s Joseph—he’s still young and seems to understand his assignment. Lucic is washed. Bjugstad is dime-a-dozen filler and nowhere near the presence Faksa brought.

I like Walker and Toropchenko, but they need a catalyst to elevate their game. Right now, they’re just grinding without direction.

As for the “re-whatever” being declared over—I think that’s premature. This team is still in transition. I expect a season similar to last year: clawing to stay in the playoff mix. But if they sneak in, they could be dangerous again. That late-season surge potential is still there.

Fowler? I think he comes back to earth this year. Expect some struggles. The good news is Faulk looks ready to bounce back, and that could be huge.

I’m optimistic, but realistic. The rebuild—or retool, or whatever we’re calling it—is still very much in progress. Give it another 2–3 years before we see real progress.

[seattleblue]

Per Lou Korac on Twitter:

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux

Binnington
Ellis

Neighbors and Torpo were banged up after the last game I think. Lucic being given every opportunity!

I think this is josephs last chance to make the team.

i dont think texier makes it i think joseph is your extra forward or gone and lucic will not make it

one of you is likely right

[theograce]

Hope it’s as nasty as the last Sens Habs game.

That was bananas

I don’t. I’d really prefer one of our guys not be 2 hand slashed in the wrist like Demidov was. Or someone get injured from a dirty hit or having to defend a teammate in a fight because of a dirty hit.

I’m ok with all of it. Agree on the injuries though.

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

Hope it’s as nasty as the last Sens Habs game.

That was bananas

Lucic would have a chance to prove his worth then.

[britishblue]

I get the reasoning behind it; but I don't like Bjugstad on RW. He's been dominant in the FO circle(65%), I'd rather keep him there. The problem is, nobody else is stepping up to own that RW spot.

Kimzey - where are you getting the 65% stat? I just went up and looked up his career stats, and he seems closer to 48-50% (i.e. closer to Schenn's range). Maybe I'm missing something, just curious. If it's 65%, we should have him out there taking every draw!!

I would assume he’s looking at just this preseason.

But I’d counter that a lot of preseason opponents are minor leaguers and Jr players so I wouldn’t take a good % in preseason to mean a whole lot.

To an extent I'd agree.
But on the deep look he's been up against some tough opponents.
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010009.HTM
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/ ... 010102.HTM

6 draws against Tyler Seguin(67% for Bjug)
2 against Matt Duchene(50%)
3 against Brendan Gaunce(100%)
7 against Cole SIllinger(43%)
3 against Del Bel Belluz(67%)
1 each against Keskinen and WIlliams(100%)

Just based on career stats, he's our #2 FO guy behind Thomas. And he seems to be living up to that thus far.

Check roger, makes sense. I hadn't looked at the preseason stats. And yes I think you're right - probably 2nd best behind Thomas. That's where losing Faksa really hurts, we are overall pretty weak on the dot.

Losing Faksa for sure is bad but I'm sure there is room for growth for a couple guys. Otter has always gotten the guys progressively better at that. SO hopefully he can help Suter out in that department. Schenn is a 50/50 guy so you atleast have Thomas who is good and a solid Schenn. Gotta get 2 other guys close to 50 or its tough.

I don’t think Blues fans have fully grasped how significant losing Faksa is—not just in the faceoff circle, but in terms of identity. That fourth line was the tone-setter. Faksa gave it structure, purpose, and a role that the rest of the lineup could build off. Without him, the bottom six feels rudderless.

Schenn will help, but he’s limited by the hole at 4C. That gap is going to make it tough for the Blues to sustain momentum in games. Lucic, Bjugstad, and Joseph are basically bench depth at this point. If I had to keep one, it’s Joseph—he’s still young and seems to understand his assignment. Lucic is washed. Bjugstad is dime-a-dozen filler and nowhere near the presence Faksa brought.

I like Walker and Toropchenko, but they need a catalyst to elevate their game. Right now, they’re just grinding without direction.

As for the “re-whatever” being declared over—I think that’s premature. This team is still in transition. I expect a season similar to last year: clawing to stay in the playoff mix. But if they sneak in, they could be dangerous again. That late-season surge potential is still there.

Fowler? I think he comes back to earth this year. Expect some struggles. The good news is Faulk looks ready to bounce back, and that could be huge.

I’m optimistic, but realistic. The rebuild—or retool, or whatever we’re calling it—is still very much in progress. Give it another 2–3 years before we see real progress.

I was a big fan of Faksa, but essentially we have replaced him with Sunny/Bjugstad and upgraded Sunny at 3C with Suter/Schenn.

Im also the total opposite to you re. Fowler, I see him having a monster year.

[hotrivets]

If they get any time that 4th line should be entertaining

[kimzey59]

Game Link:
https://www.nhl.com/blues/video/st-loui ... 6964612112

[Russdv14]

Can we go over this coverage for the game for us out of town or because the Blues app is no good for us.

I do have ESPN plus if anybody thinks or knows the game will be on that. My wife watches stuff on Hulu so I have Hulu. I just don’t know how you would get hockey on Hulu so what’s the connection there? I hate missing these games so I certainly hope that the game will be broadcast on something that we can watch.
I just tried ESPN + and they only referred to the blues app, which is your blackout. So what about Hulu??

[TampaBlues78]

I have espn+ and am an out of towner and it’s not on espn+ so not sure I’ll be able to watch it which sucks I came home from the casino just to watch it

[Russdv14]

First they fire John Kelly. And now they don’t let people from out of town watch the games. I don’t get it.

How about those sites like nhl.ir

[TampaBlues78]

Anyone know a good free vpn for the phone?