LUCIC

[skilles]

For me I'm not ready to give up on Texier but the Blue seem to like his play less than I do.

I like Texier and Joseph but if we are not going to use them thats a lot of wasted cap

[Phil Roberto fan]

Not sure if this has been talked about but what about Texier going down to Springfield to help get his confidence back? I’m not sure what his chances are of being claimed but he could be a good call up.

I don't know that "confidence" is Texier's problem. He seems plenty confident, he's just not getting results. It didn't seem to affect his play against Columbus(he wasns't moping" or anything like that, he just started getting blanketed by the Columbus D).

I just don't think Tex has the skill to force his way into a regular spot. At best, he's a 30ish point finesse guy with a subpar defensive game at even strength but decent PK ability. On a lot of teams, he'd probably be a good option on a 3rd line. Here, he just doesn't have a role. We've got better, or at least potentially better skill players to put on a 3rd scoring line and we have better Pk'ers to roll out as a specialist(it'd be really nice if they'd play up to their abilities but that's a separate discussion). Going down to Springfield isn't going to make Texier "better". I think he is what he is; a younger, marginally better Kapanen.

+1

[lefthook]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

[dhsux]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I don't think so either. Of course I could be wrong. DA, Steen and Monty are smarter than I am. I do wonder when the last time was that WG saw Lucic play.

[Pierre McGuire]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

[STL fan in MN]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

I’d agree with that. I’d like to see a player with those sorts of traits on the Blues. Doesn’t need to be an everyday player but it’s clear Lucic would bring that element and allow players like Schenn and Neighbours to not have to answer the bell nearly as much. Allow them to focus on what they’re better at and not have to punch above their weights as much.

What I don’t know is if Lucic has enough left in the tank to be able to do the role well enough. But I’d like to see more. Would like to see him get more of a shot to show if he can do it.

BTW, hope you had a great trip to Europe. Sounds line a good time!

[Pierre McGuire]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

I’d agree with that. I’d like to see a player with those sorts of traits on the Blues. Doesn’t need to be an everyday player but it’s clear Lucic would bring that element and allow players like Schenn and Neighbours to not have to answer the bell nearly as much. Allow them to focus on what they’re better at and not have to punch above their weights as much.

What I don’t know is if Lucic has enough left in the tank to be able to do the role well enough. But I’d like to see more. Would like to see him get more of a shot to show if he can do it.

BTW, hope you had a great trip to Europe. Sounds line a good time!

First time there…had a great time. Spent a week in Italy and then spent 5 days in Austria. Was very close to going to going to a Red Bull Salzburg hockey game but missed it by one day but I did get to see some ICE hockey league on tv in the hotel room. Matter of fact it was the first thing on tv that we saw and my wife was like “you have got to be kidding me”

[Blues Dave]

Monty takes care of any concerns I have outside of Lucic being Lucic on the ice physically and in the other teams minds. We have a capably tough playing team when and if necessary. Milan Lucic is still an NHL player who will make a big physical difference when and if necessary. Other teams will notice the difference very much.

[blues2112]

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

Pierre, glad you're posting again! Although I disagree sometimes (10-20 percent?), I appreciate your insights and intelligence. What's more, you stay out of the senseless vitriol of this board and talk hockey.

[dhsux]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

OK I won't argue regarding that element being important I actually agree with you but I will with this particular player bringing it.

I could be dead wrong. Just don't think so.

[Pierre McGuire]

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

Pierre, glad you're posting again! Although I disagree sometimes (10-20 percent?), I appreciate your insights and intelligence. What's more, you stay out of the senseless vitriol of this board and talk hockey.

Thanks I took a little break and did some traveling and yeah I try to just talk hockey or provide any info on junior players, trade rumors, or things that I think the majority of the board here would be interested. Just don’t have the time to argue with peeps these days. Due to my recent traveling I’m behind on everything regarding training camps for all teams. Haven’t even seen any preseason games for any teams yet so I need to get it in gear and get caught up.
Appreciate you bro!

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

Pierre, glad you're posting again! Although I disagree sometimes (10-20 percent?), I appreciate your insights and intelligence. What's more, you stay out of the senseless vitriol of this board and talk hockey.

Yeah, I'm glad you're back too. I missed you.

[STL fan in MN]

I actually overheard Wayne Gretzky at lunch today at my Club today
Another member asked him what he thought of the Lucic signing by the Blues.
His response....."I like it......good deal for the Blues.....they don't need Schenn playing that role".
True story.

So I guess all the know it all bigshots on this site are more credible than Gretzky.

I'm seeing 80-90% of posters here are pro Lucic posters ?

I'm not one of them but I'm hardly a "know it all" and I take others opinions well.

But if Monty and DA want him I'm good with that and I'll wish him the best.

Personally, I don't think they will go with him.

I think it’s more “Pro” about what he brings. There is a return to toughness and intimidation going on right now in the NHL and teams are finally figuring out that element of the game is still very important, especially if you want to beat the Panthers. I want a team that can beat their opponent on the ice but will also beat them in the back alley if need be.

I’d agree with that. I’d like to see a player with those sorts of traits on the Blues. Doesn’t need to be an everyday player but it’s clear Lucic would bring that element and allow players like Schenn and Neighbours to not have to answer the bell nearly as much. Allow them to focus on what they’re better at and not have to punch above their weights as much.

What I don’t know is if Lucic has enough left in the tank to be able to do the role well enough. But I’d like to see more. Would like to see him get more of a shot to show if he can do it.

BTW, hope you had a great trip to Europe. Sounds line a good time!

First time there…had a great time. Spent a week in Italy and then spent 5 days in Austria. Was very close to going to going to a Red Bull Salzburg hockey game but missed it by one day but I did get to see some ICE hockey league on tv in the hotel room. Matter of fact it was the first thing on tv that we saw and my wife was like “you have got to be kidding me”

Ha! My wife would have the same reaction.

[callitwhatyouwant]

I do think the injury lends itself to this being tougher on Lucic. You can only count on him to serve a role if he's available to serve said role. If he's injured and can't handle the practice load it takes than it's a moot point anyways.

The spot he is taking is a bench spot. It really just depends on what that value is. It's easy to see where this lineup is going for the most part.

Snuggs/Thomas/Buchy
Kyrou/Hollywood
Neighbours Schenn/Suter/xxxx One of those 2 playing on the 2nd line
Torpedo/Bjug/Sunny/Walker 1 of these guys is a bench guy but 100 percent on the roster

That leaves 1 starting role and 1 bench spot. Joseph appears to be a lock if you just take the first week. So then you have to decide, is Texier's game good enough to get in on that 3rd line consistently. If it is, you have enough grit wit Neighbours and Schenn to allow Texier to freeflow. Otherwise you 100 percent have an identity line that has scoring potential if you throw Joseph into that line.

THIS is where I feel like Lucic becomes intriguing. You shouldn't be stashing Texier on the bench like last year. Last year was his get right year after the off the ice stuff he had to take care of. Get acustom to being around the boys for a season which he did. If you think Texier is playing, then you can rotate Walker/Sunny/Joseph as your bench guys and be OK. If you think Texier is on the bench, then you need to keep Lucic as the other guys are perfect 4th liners already and Joseph/Torpedo/Bjug can flow into the 3rd line.

Curious if you think Walker is a bench guy.

He played 73 games last year, Monty loves the guy and I don't see him doing less this year either, imo.

when i say bench guy i mean he is 100 percent on the team and in the rotation 4th line.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

Lucic practice today (monday) and he moved pretty well. I think it's a long shot. However, I would think he would be fine spending a lot of games as a healthy scratch. I don't think Texier would be OK with spending a lot of time watching this season since he just turned 26yo.