Blues/Avalanche playoff series discussion

[The Moops]

Avs fan coming in peace. Glad you guys knocked out the Mild, and I'm excited for this series. Will be completely different than last year. Hopefully no cheapshots (Kadri) or injuries this year and we get to enjoy clean solid hockey all around

 

[execwrite1]

Avs fan coming in peace. Glad you guys knocked out the Mild, and I'm excited for this series. Will be completely different than last year. Hopefully no cheapshots (Kadri) or injuries this year and we get to enjoy clean solid hockey all around

Should be a great series. May the best team win.

Tell your boy Nazem to keep his head up. The Blues never forget.

 

[The Moops]

Should be a great series. May the best team win.

Tell your boy Nazem to keep his head up. The Blues never forget.

Honestly if someone takes a cheap shot at Naz, nobody is going to cry about it. He's more than earned it. I hate that part of his game and wanted him gone over the summer. He's stayed out of the physicality this PO so far and I hope he keeps it that way.

 

[Stealth JD]

Avs should win, but that's why they play the games. Maybe the Avs are to the 2nd round what the Leafs are the to 1st round. Maybe Binny goes back into god-mode; maybe the Avs just stink up the joint for two weeks. What we do know is that both teams can score. Who's going to defend and transition better? Big challenge facing each club. Let the chips fall where they may.

 

[joe galiba]

See, don't let them skate. I said that last year and it turns out my gameplan of locking MaGinnon in a broom closet so he couldn't skate was a sound plan. Sure, it's 'illegal', but it would have worked. Could have given him a bowl of chickpeas and a gameboy and he'd have been set.

Send him for a quick trip to Mexico (the country, not the city in Missouri), offer him free booze after he goes and listens to a timeshare sales pitch, have him drink orange juice - which will actually be Tang and local water
he will miss a week at least

p.s. something like this may or may not have happened to someone I know

 

[Stealth JD]

I think we've all overlooked the mane issue: Can Makar even grow a playoff beard? Rantannen and MacKinnon combined can't match ROR's follicles. We've got Leddy. Bortuzzo. Perron!....it's clearly why the Blues were able to overcome the Bruins in 2019. Now, I'm not going to lie...we've lost a lot of beard since 2019. We've yet to see what the new guys can bring. Saad has promise based on his past playoffs. Scandella brings an impressive scruff...but the young guys like Kyrou and Thomas are still developing and may not be 'playoff-ready'. Krug may not be effective...he was ranked 28th for a reason last time.

Binner may not always be pretty, but the beard got it done last time. Anyone know if Kuemper has shaved lately?

 

[Allens Five Hole]

I have to say, now that we're not able to watch the local broadcast anymore, I am so happy that our series got put on TNT. They do an infinitely better job of presenting pre-game, during the game, and post-game over the other folks at ESPN.

 

[PocketNines]

Gretzky has settled into that panel and Tocchet is like listening to a Berube proxy. They have very good chemistry going, they make smart points and they listen to one another. It's the best hockey panel we can get in the US

 

[BlueDream]

The TNT panel does like the Blues because Gretzky obviously is connected to STL, Tocchet loves Berube since they are good friends, and Biz has always had good things to say about the Blues ever since we gave him a PTO that one year.

 

[Chet Manly]

I'm just going to post how much time remains until puck drop, every time I think about how much I want game 1 to start.

26 hours

 

[EastVillageBlues]

Feel like we have a few x-factors in the series under the radar, that people haven't paid too much attention to. If all pan out, I think we will have a more than fair chance to come out ahead.

- Barbashev: so far hasn't done much on offensive side. When he really steps up, like during the time on BBT, we could roll three lines of fairly proficient, if not dominant offense. Need him to be on his A game, preferable with Buch and Tank again; he is also important since he's one of our better defensive players in the top 9, and can really complement some of our top guns well.
- Saad and Schenn: Berube said that it is the primary responsibility of the LW to try to limit Makar's chances. I don't know if he plans on doing a left wing lock or some special assignments, but he's not wrong. In that case, the burden will fall mostly to Saad and Schenn, who are both competent enough as defensive forward that they would have a chance to limit (not eliminate) Makar's contributions, which would be huge.
- Bozak and Toropchenko: while we are likely to go 11 - 7 to start the series, it doesn't mean the 4th line is an afterthought. They actually would take on added importance since one of the top 9 would be on with them. We need them to help set the tone of the game, at times chip in (as they have shown against Minnie they were able to do), and help to establish a physical presence (which is somewhat lacking in the top 9). If they can keep up the pressure on the Avs and be a real relief for the top 9, it would be a significant factor in the series.
- Perunovich: he honestly has done much better than I expected in filling in for Krug. We will continue to need good creativity and transition game from the back end, of which Krug was a bit part. If Perunovich can continue to do well on PP1, in O-zone starts, and help with the break-outs, it would really round out the D, and make it into a well oiled machine. We all have concerns of placing a rookie with very limited NHL experience into a significant position, but he seems so far to take it with aplomb, I only hope this continues.

 

[kimzey59]

Feel like we have a few x-factors in the series under the radar, that people haven't paid too much attention to. If all pan out, I think we will have a more than fair chance to come out ahead.

- Barbashev: so far hasn't done much on offensive side. When he really steps up, like during the time on BBT, we could roll three lines of fairly proficient, if not dominant offense. Need him to be on his A game, preferable with Buch and Tank again; he is also important since he's one of our better defensive players in the top 9, and can really complement some of our top guns well.
- Saad and Schenn: Berube said that it is the primary responsibility of the LW to try to limit Makar's chances. I don't know if he plans on doing a left wing lock or some special assignments, but he's not wrong. In that case, the burden will fall mostly to Saad and Schenn, who are both competent enough as defensive forward that they would have a chance to limit (not eliminate) Makar's contributions, which would be huge.
- Bozak and Toropchenko: while we are likely to go 11 - 7 to start the series, it doesn't mean the 4th line is an afterthought. They actually would take on added importance since one of the top 9 would be on with them. We need them to help set the tone of the game, at times chip in (as they have shown against Minnie they were able to do), and help to establish a physical presence (which is somewhat lacking in the top 9). If they can keep up the pressure on the Avs and be a real relief for the top 9, it would be a significant factor in the series.
- Perunovich: he honestly has done much better than I expected in filling in for Krug. We will continue to need good creativity and transition game from the back end, of which Krug was a bit part. If Perunovich can continue to do well on PP1, in O-zone starts, and help with the break-outs, it would really round out the D, and make it into a well oiled machine. We all have concerns of placing a rookie with very limited NHL experience into a significant position, but he seems so far to take it with aplomb, I only hope this continues.

1- Why did you leave Buchnevich out when discussing Makar?

When I heard Berube's statement, the very first thing that came into my head was "Berube wants Buch shadowing Makar".

The Buch/Vladdy combo is our most potent offensive combo, and Colorado would be stupid to not want their top D pairing up against them. They cannot let Vladdy dominate the series. For his career, Vladdy has 31 points(14 goals, 17 assists) in 40 games against Colorado. It's not his best head to head matchup but it's plenty to make Colorado pay attention to him.

In terms of matchup's: ROR line get's MacKinnon. Buch gets Makar.

2- Given the matchup's above: Kyrou and Saad need to have a big series. The Colorado bottom 6 is a clear weakness, Kyrou and Saad need to expose it. They've got the splits(Kyrou- 9 points in 12 games; Saad - 20 points in 31 games), they need to live up to them.

 

[EastVillageBlues]

1- Why did you leave Buchnevich out when discussing Makar?

When I heard Berube's statement, the very first thing that came into my head was "Berube wants Buch shadowing Makar".

The Buch/Vladdy combo is our most potent offensive combo, and Colorado would be stupid to not want their top D pairing up against them. They cannot let Vladdy dominate the series. For his career, Vladdy has 31 points(14 goals, 17 assists) in 40 games against Colorado. It's not his best head to head matchup but it's plenty to make Colorado pay attention to him.

In terms of matchup's: ROR line get's MacKinnon. Buch gets Makar.

2- Given the matchup's above: Kyrou and Saad need to have a big series. The Colorado bottom 6 is a clear weakness, Kyrou and Saad need to expose it. They've got the splits(Kyrou- 9 points in 12 games; Saad - 20 points in 31 games), they need to live up to them.

Buch, I hope would be better used in a more purely offensive role with Tank, to keep them away from top opposition. Plus, I would rather him to focus his defensive energy on keeping our top rank PK. I'm sure he would contribute to shutting down Makar as well (basically all the LWs would need to play a part). But I envision more of Saad/Schenn taking the major part of the load, and one of them will be playing with ROR anyways, so they would be in critical situations of preserving leads and such.

I agree that Kyrou needs a big series, that goes without saying. I'm sure part of Avs' defensive plans would be against his line and Vladdi's line. If we go:

Schenn - ROR - Perron
Saad - Thomas - Kyrou
Buch - Barbie - Tank

then they would have little choice but to play their weak bottom six players against a mismatch. Makar/Teuws would naturally be out much of the time when their big line is out. Hopefully we can match that with ROR line and Parayko. Their best defensive foward is probably Nuke, but I don't think they can spare him from their top-6. Their most skilled bottom six would be Newhook, but it's questionable whether he would have the experience to make a difference here.

 

[AjaxManifesto]

We are underdogs!

So I'm buying and drinking this for the series.

 

[kimzey59]

Buch, I hope would be better used in a more purely offensive role with Tank, to keep them away from top opposition. Plus, I would rather him to focus his defensive energy on keeping our top rank PK. I'm sure he would contribute to shutting down Makar as well (basically all the LWs would need to play a part). But I envision more of Saad/Schenn taking the major part of the load, and one of them will be playing with ROR anyways, so they would be in critical situations of preserving leads and such.

I agree that Kyrou needs a big series, that goes without saying. I'm sure part of Avs' defensive plans would be against his line and Vladdi's line. If we go:

Schenn - ROR - Perron
Saad - Thomas - Kyrou
Buch - Barbie - Tank

then they would have little choice but to play their weak bottom six players against a mismatch. Makar/Teuws would naturally be out much of the time when their big line is out. Hopefully we can match that with ROR line and Parayko. Their best defensive foward is probably Nuke, but I don't think they can spare him from their top-6. Their most skilled bottom six would be Newhook, but it's questionable whether he would have the experience to make a difference here.

I agree. The Buch/Vladdy line needs to be as aggressively offensive as they can be. To the point where Colorado has no option but to put their top defensive pair out there against them. I want that line to become a boogeyman for Colorado's D. When the Colorado D goes to bed at night, I want their last thought to be "how in the hell do I defend against passing like that?" And we've seen that line show that kind of skill. They just need to bring it.

The way to shut down Makar is simple. It's like the line from Miracle, "You don't defend against them. You attack them." You make Makar play defense. Make him prove that he isn't just a 4th forward out there. How many of these great offensive D men over the years have proven to be terrible at playing actual defense(Green, Karlsson, Burns, Subban, dozens of others)? Make Makar prove that he's different. If you take a defensive approach against him, he's going to pick you apart. He too fast and too skilled to be checked out of the game. If you want to shut him down, you hem the Av's in their own zone when he's on the ice. Fast and aggressive cycle, battle like gladiators for every loose puck, be on the puck carrier like a pack of dogs and make them fight for every inch ice. Every single minute of every single shift.

Buch-Thomas-Vladdy need to have their passing game going. That's what will "shut down Makar". That's the only thing that will shut him down.

 

[Chet Manly]

15.5 hours

 

[Ranksu]

I'm really happy if we won 2 games. I'm afraid we will get swept.

 

[Chet Manly]

14.5 hours

 

[Chet Manly]

I'm really happy if we won 2 games. I'm afraid we will get swept.

As Sgt. Oddball would say :

"Don't hit me with those negative waves so early in the morning...."

 

[Chet Manly]

13.5 hours

 

[Bender]

Avs should win, but that's why they play the games. Maybe the Avs are to the 2nd round what the Leafs are the to 1st round. Maybe Binny goes back into god-mode; maybe the Avs just stink up the joint for two weeks. What we do know is that both teams can score. Who's going to defend and transition better? Big challenge facing each club. Let the chips fall where they may.

Avs fan here... coming in peace. I must say, I'm really impressed with your fan base, you guys really know your stuff (save for a few [you know who you are!!!])

As far as the Avs and the 2nd round, there has always been context with that though :

2019 - Barely QF for playoffs as the 8th seed, upset CAL in Round 1 - lost to SJ in Game #7 in Round 2.
Don't think too much was expected from such a young team and the 8th seed at that point.

2020 - Beat ARI in 1st round in the bubble, lost in OT in Game #7 with 3rd string Michael Hutchinson as our starter.

2021 - Beat you guys in 1st round, lost to VGK in 6 games
You guys were beat up and clearly not 100% on your game. Also *Kadri took out one of your best d-men with that stupid, stupid hit - I was extremely pissed when he did that - there was just no need for it. Stupid idiot.
He paid a hefty price with an 8 playoff game suspension. His absence arguably cost the team the ability to move on to Round #3.

*So if a Blues players decides to take a run at one of the Avs players as retribution, I won't like it but I will certainly understand it because that's the position he put the rest of his teammates in. What a tool.

I think it's going to be a great series and you guys have a great team. Hopefully, it will be a well officiated game on both sides without too much game management. (I won't hold my breath for that)

If we don't win and move on, I'll be cheering for your team the rest of the way - you have a lot of great players that I've always really liked ever since junior : ROR, Kyrou, Thomas and Toropchenko specifically.

Good luck!

 

[Ranksu]

As Sgt. Oddball would say :

"Don't hit me with those negative waves so early in the morning...."

Only positive thing is. Avs has big pressure. This is their only opportunity to win Cup. They won't be same next season and season after that big boys needs big raise.

Everything is over Avs now. 1st game is huge if we going to win that Avs could grumble and their confidence will take hit.


Grind grind grind, play our own game. Heavy hockey.

 

[DoubleK81]

Avs fan here... coming in peace. I must say, I'm really impressed with your fan base, you guys really know your stuff (save for a few [you know who you are!!!])

As far as the Avs and the 2nd round, there has always been context with that though :

2019 - Barely QF for playoffs as the 8th seed, upset CAL in Round 1 - lost to SJ in Game #7 in Round 2.
Don't think too much was expected from such a young team and the 8th seed at that point.

2020 - Beat ARI in 1st round in the bubble, lost in OT in Game #7 with 3rd string Michael Hutchinson as our starter.

2021 - Beat you guys in 1st round, lost to VGK in 6 games
You guys were beat up and clearly not 100% on your game. Also *Kadri took out one of your best d-men with that stupid, stupid hit - I was extremely pissed when he did that - there was just no need for it. Stupid idiot.
He paid a hefty price with an 8 playoff game suspension. His absence arguably cost the team the ability to move on to Round #3.

*So if a Blues players decides to take a run at one of the Avs players as retribution, I won't like it but I will certainly understand it because that's the position he put the rest of his teammates in. What a tool.

I think it's going to be a great series and you guys have a great team. Hopefully, it will be a well officiated game on both sides without too much game management. (I won't hold my breath for that)

If we don't win and move on, I'll be cheering for your team the rest of the way - you have a lot of great players that I've always really liked ever since junior : ROR, Kyrou, Thomas and Toropchenko specifically.

Good luck!

Despite what the rest of the leagues fanbases think, the Blues aren't a dirty team that runs around getting suspended. Buchnevich had the headbutting suspension earlier in the season, but that was a heat of the moment retaliation. He showed he can reign himself in ( any Rangers fan can tell you he's a notorious hothead) by not doing anything back to Spurgeon after he literally tried to break his ankle.

Schenn and Faulk both had their moments with Kadri early this season, I'd be shocked to see any of the Blues go deliberately running Avs players. You'll see Schenn hitting everything he can occasionally, but thats part of his game.

 

[Klank Loves You]

As Sgt. Oddball would say :

"Don't hit me with those negative waves so early in the morning...."

Amen. Im all for acknowledging reality in the lead up. But come Gamday, it's all hands on deck. LGB!

 

[Chet Manly]

12.5 hours

Only positive thing is. Avs has big pressure. This is their only opportunity to win Cup. They won't be same next season and season after that big boys needs big raise.

Everything is over Avs now. 1st game is huge if we going to win that Avs could grumble and their confidence will take hit.


Grind grind grind, play our own game. Heavy hockey.

There ya go! Get hyped dude. It's f***ing GAME DAY!!