2022-2023 Blues Multi-Purpose Thread

[Stupendous Yappi]

Thomas and Kyrou play an extremely high variance game. They attempt fancy plays in ways that if they do not work, it's an immediate defensive emergency. The Blues are never winning anything with that, they don't have the personnel to shut down emergencies. These two guys have to be the highly paid second line to some elite ELC players or they have to completely change the high variance possession game. They are so easy for opponents to defend. Pressure them, they will force a pass where it shouldn't go.

More of the Blues’ offense comes off the rush now than at any time in the last couple decades. And haven’t watched Boston closely enough, but I wonder what they are doing now to be the best team in The league. I am curious what forces have transformed the Blues into a ‘rush’ team. Kyrou is well suited to that. Less so for an offense that grinds possession for a minute before attempting a shot (let’s call that Hitch hockey). Whatever you call it, a strong possession game like that is a better path to postseason success in my view.

Can anyone tell me what makes this Boston team so good? I think that answer might reveal what the Blues were doing better recently and are struggling with now, to incorporate Kyrou’s strengths. I think Thomas is getting better at playing a less turnover prone style while still being creative.

 

[PocketNines]

This is unfortunately accurate for Kyrou. Not Thomas though, he generally handles pressure extremely well I think.

I feel like he does his one thing, spinning along the half wall but the defenders have seen this and he's not shooting so he's pretty obviously trying to thread a needle and they just get in the way now. Year over year he has not had anywhere near the success with his slot passing as was so highly prized last season. He clearly has skill and needs to adapt to how defenses have adapted to him and so far he has not IMO.

 

[LGB]

I feel like he does his one thing, spinning along the half wall but the defenders have seen this and he's not shooting so he's pretty obviously trying to thread a needle and they just get in the way now. Year over year he has not had anywhere near the success with his slot passing as was so highly prized last season. He clearly has skill and needs to adapt to how defenses have adapted to him and so far he has not IMO.

I think the lack of slot passes is because Kyrou doesn't find space to receive them like Buch and Tarasenko last year. If the defense collapses and covers the slot Thomas will usually find the D with space to walk in and shoot.

 

[BrokenFace]

fyi, if you haven't voted yet:

Logo Tournament - Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues

Which logo do you like more? R32 R16 QF SF SCF SF QF R16 R32 CHI STL ANA ARI CGY LAK BOS VAN MIN NSH SEA VGK WPG EDM DET SJS TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TOR FLA BUF CAR NJD DAL...

forums.hfboards.com

 

[tfriede2]

New JR Athletic article on Tarasenko just came out. JR interviewed him. Nothing extraordinary here, but if there any folks who still think he may want to come back (not sure how that’s possible), it definitely solidified that as a hard “no.” When asked if he’d be open to an extension, he told JR to ask DA, because DA knows more…not even sure what that’s supposed to mean, but it’s certainly not a yes. Also, he again declined to discuss his trade request and whether it’s been rescinded. Finally, he admitted that he’s been thinking a lot about the future.

 

[PocketNines]

Here is an article on Tarasenko that posted today. NHL.com, different article than above, no paywall

Tarasenko focused on Blues making playoff push, not possible trade
Forward can be UFA at end of season, says St. Louis has 'belief in the room' despite 5-game skid

"I don't think the season's gone well and everybody knows it, but there's still some time," said Tarasenko, who has played 11 seasons with St. Louis after being selected by the Blues with the No. 16 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft. "We have belief in the room, and personally my own situation, you can ask Doug about it. It all depends on him."

Interesting comment, first of all he certainly doesn't sound like someone who wouldn't waive a no-trade clause if Armstrong told him he had a deal. Second, it almost sounds like Tarasenko has let Armstrong know he's open to an extension and maybe there's an offer for Doug to accept. Now it could be an offer he should not accept, we don't know. We also don't know that this is a reference to after this year, it could be simply what Armstrong intends to do only this season. But just pointing out it doesn't sound like a player who is checked out or who is merely counting calendar days until free. I know there has been talk of Schenn being captain if ROR goes but if Tarasenko stayed he'd be starting his 12th season as a Blue and the contract would take him to all sorts of places on Blues all-time lists, he'd probably be captain. I've maintained he is kind of inscrutable on what his future plans are. But it wouldn't surprise me if he departs that we find out the sides discussed an extension but weren't on the same page about it, even though we commonly talk about it like he's got zero intention to stay.

 

[PocketNines]

New JR Athletic article on Tarasenko just came out. JR interviewed him. Nothing extraordinary here, but if there any folks who still think he may want to come back (not sure how that’s possible), it definitely solidified that as a hard “no.” When asked if he’d be open to an extension, he told JR to ask DA, because DA knows more…not even sure what that’s supposed to mean, but it’s certainly not a yes. Also, he again declined to discuss his trade request and whether it’s been rescinded. Finally, he admitted that he’s been thinking a lot about the future.

I don't have The Athletic any more because they punished their early adopters, how different are the quotes from the NHL.com piece I posted?

 

[Celtic Note]

I don't have The Athletic any more because they punished their early adopters, how different are the quotes from the NHL.com piece I posted?

Honestly most of what JR posts as far as quotes are just straight off the post game interviews that anyone can view on the Blues app.

I quit my subscription this year, because despite my appreciation for the writers from around the league, the Blues coverage has gotten worse and is now not worth the price.

Don’t get me started on the ads on top of subscription BS.

 

[PocketNines]

Honestly most of what JR posts as far as quotes are just straight off the post game interviews that anyone can view on the Blues app.

I quit my subscription this year, because despite my appreciation for the writers from around the league, the Blues coverage has gotten worse and is now not worth the price.

Don’t get me started on the ads on top of subscription BS.

I look at it this way, anything of significance reported there gets brought over here. It'll be interesting to see how the new guy at the PD does.

I wonder if JR and the NHL.com writer were standing in the same scrum when Tarasenko gave those comments or whether anything extra was said

 

[DoubleK81]

Over/Under on high/wide shots by Tarasenko in the accuracy comp? I'm going to set it at 2.5

 

[tfriede2]

I don't have The Athletic any more because they punished their early adopters, how different are the quotes from the NHL.com piece I posted?

Interesting. Fairly similar, but here’s the quote that gets me when asked if Tarasenko would be interested in extending with the Blues: “I pass all these questions for you to talk to (Armstrong) … because he knows more, obviously,” - contrast that with ROR’s direct response.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Interesting. Fairly similar, but here’s the quote that gets me when asked if Tarasenko would be interested in extending with the Blues: “I pass all these questions for you to talk to (Armstrong) … because he knows more, obviously,” - contrast that with ROR’s direct response.

When asked whether he still wanted to be traded, he refused to deny it. “With all respect, no response on this one,” Tarasenko said. “I’m not going to say anything.”

 

[PocketNines]

Interesting. Fairly similar, but here’s the quote that gets me when asked if Tarasenko would be interested in extending with the Blues: “I pass all these questions for you to talk to (Armstrong) … because he knows more, obviously,” - contrast that with ROR’s direct response.

It could also be that he wants to talk hockey and not his contract situation in the same way that when he's interviewed after games and he gets asked about himself he puts credit onto his teammates reflexively.

It can be read as "the ball is in Armstrong's court if I'm extending" in response to a question if he's interested in extending. Like, if Armstrong wants to extend him he will sign. But maybe his expectations are far out of line with an offer Armstrong would make, it's not clear yet what that means.

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

Tarasenko, with English as his 2nd language, is not prone to a lot of nuance in his answers. I think it’s a mistake to try and parse too much hidden meaning out of these statements. It’s possible he saw how last year’s statements turned into a circus, was advised to not talk about certain subjects, and is just trying to follow that simple advice.

But independent from whatever Vlad said, I have a hard time concocting s realistic scenario where he doesn’t move at the deadline.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Tarasenko, with English as his 2nd language, is not prone to a lot of nuance in his answers. I think it’s a mistake to try and parse too much hidden meaning out of these statements. It’s possible he saw how last year’s statements turned into a circus, was advised to not talk about certain subjects, and is just trying to follow that simple advice.

But independent from whatever Vlad said, I have a hard time concocting s realistic scenario where he doesn’t move at the deadline.

He is a smart guy. He knows that by refusing to answer whether he still wants trade he leaves it out there. But he doesn’t want to publicly say it so that he can avoid being bad guy to fans. Which is fine. He has been a pro throughout this. But he has no love for DA and clearly wants out.

 

[Xerloris]

He is a smart guy. He knows that by refusing to answer whether he still wants trade he leaves it out there. But he doesn’t want to publicly say it so that he can avoid being bad guy to fans. Which is fine. He has been a pro throughout this. But he has no love for DA and clearly wants out.

I don't think he has an issue at all with Armstrong. I also think he would be willing to extend here but like he said, it's all up to Armstrong. That's just how I view that comment.

I love Vladi and I would love to keep him but I have no idea how it can work.

 

[ezcreepin]

The way I read the quote earlier today made it seem like he is open to an extension provided his needs are met fully. We don't know the discussions they or Armstrong and his agent have had over the past few years, but he may feel slighted that he is even in trade discussions as opposed to being a core member of the team. To me though, his quote made it seem like he'd be willing.

Contrast to O'Reilly, his quotes seem like even if he were traded, he would absolutely re-sign in the offseason if Armstrong has interest (which I think he does). The thought of rigging a trade only to lose nothing for the upcoming year is a nice thought, but realistically these types of moves don't happen often.

 

[Frenzy31]

The way I read the quote earlier today made it seem like he is open to an extension provided his needs are met fully. We don't know the discussions they or Armstrong and his agent have had over the past few years, but he may feel slighted that he is even in trade discussions as opposed to being a core member of the team. To me though, his quote made it seem like he'd be willing.

Contrast to O'Reilly, his quotes seem like even if he were traded, he would absolutely re-sign in the offseason if Armstrong has interest (which I think he does). The thought of rigging a trade only to lose nothing for the upcoming year is a nice thought, but realistically these types of moves don't happen often.

Weight and Walt both did Because we had interest in both. Other players we have moved for picks we have not had any interest in bringing back.

 

[Stealth JD]

I don't have The Athletic any more because they punished their early adopters, how different are the quotes from the NHL.com piece I posted?

I cancelled when they tried to bill something stupid like $70 for the renewal...then waited a couple of weeks and snagged $1/month for 6-months, which I've got a calendar reminder set to cancel a week before that term concludes so that I can wait for the next $1/month special. Not worth much more than that to me; even though I like a lot of the non-Blues content.

 

[PJJJP]

I cancelled when they tried to bill something stupid like $70 for the renewal...then waited a couple of weeks and snagged $1/month for 6-months, which I've got a calendar reminder set to cancel a week before that term concludes so that I can wait for the next $1/month special. Not worth much more than that to me; even though I like a lot of the non-Blues content.

Yeah I’ve constantly done the $1 per month deals for the athletic. I’ve been on there for 2 years and they keep giving me the deals so I’m like why not

 

[Celtic Note]

Yeah I’ve constantly done the $1 per month deals for the athletic. I’ve been on there for 2 years and they keep giving me the deals so I’m like why not

Nice strategy!

 

[542365]

This is unfortunately accurate for Kyrou. Not Thomas though, he generally handles pressure extremely well I think.

How anyone watched the playoffs last year and came away with the idea that Robert Thomas handles being pressured better than Kyrou is beyond me. Kyrou continues to be the teams most dangerous player by a long shot. Thomas is a one trick pony, and while it’s a good trick, it didn’t really do much for him when we need him.

EDIT TO ADD: JR’s fan base survey was hilarious by the way. Apparently Binnington, you know, one of the worst players at his position in the league and being paid 6M to be so is the team’s MVP and somehow more people voted for Kyrou as the biggest underperformer than Faulk. I’m not sure which of those results is more laughable but they’re both pretty awful.

 

[PJJJP]

How anyone watched the playoffs last year and came away with the idea that Robert Thomas handles being pressured better than Kyrou is beyond me. Kyrou continues to be the teams most dangerous player by a long shot. Thomas is a one trick pony, and while it’s a good trick, it didn’t really do much for him when we need him.

EDIT TO ADD: JR’s fan base survey was hilarious by the way. Apparently Binnington, you know, one of the worst players at his position in the league and being paid 6M to be so is the team’s MVP and somehow more people voted for Kyrou as the biggest underperformer than Faulk. I’m not sure which of those results is more laughable but they’re both pretty awful.

Most fans just regurgitate what they hear people on twitter saying. JR has been a huge fan of Binnington so more people will take his word for it as to what actually happens. Kyrou has been the whipping boy since his horrible start to the season and it won't change unless he goes above a PPG playing selke level defense.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

How anyone watched the playoffs last year and came away with the idea that Robert Thomas handles being pressured better than Kyrou is beyond me. Kyrou continues to be the teams most dangerous player by a long shot. Thomas is a one trick pony, and while it’s a good trick, it didn’t really do much for him when we need him.

EDIT TO ADD: JR’s fan base survey was hilarious by the way. Apparently Binnington, you know, one of the worst players at his position in the league and being paid 6M to be so is the team’s MVP and somehow more people voted for Kyrou as the biggest underperformer than Faulk. I’m not sure which of those results is more laughable but they’re both pretty awful.

I thought the most telling part was that only 2.5% think coaching is issue. do folks not watch the games?

 

[Linkens Mastery]

How anyone watched the playoffs last year and came away with the idea that Robert Thomas handles being pressured better than Kyrou is beyond me. Kyrou continues to be the teams most dangerous player by a long shot. Thomas is a one trick pony, and while it’s a good trick, it didn’t really do much for him when we need him.

EDIT TO ADD: JR’s fan base survey was hilarious by the way. Apparently Binnington, you know, one of the worst players at his position in the league and being paid 6M to be so is the team’s MVP and somehow more people voted for Kyrou as the biggest underperformer than Faulk. I’m not sure which of those results is more laughable but they’re both pretty awful.

Wait, so the Player who is performing at a 41g 41a pace is the underperformer compared to someone like RoR? Or Parayko? Or Faulk?