Half-Assed GDT: Blues @ Kraken FDSNMW 9PM

[AjaxManifesto]

Sports fans are a bunch of cynical babies. Come on whether or not they make, very high chance they do though, this still was a damn good season. Maybe stop sulking and realize that.

Naw. What we saw last night was not playoff worthy hockey.

You can trash fans for having a high bar on expectations and call them names, but ultimately this will sort itself out.

Either the Blues miss the playoffs (and then we can examine why across the entirety of the season) or they barely make it and get blown out in 4. Nothing I see right now in their level of play tells me they will go very far.

As to next year and our young players, I'm pumped in their chances for success.

 

[mk80]

I think as others have said at this point it's still more likely we make the playoffs, than Calgary.

We have to show up and play a full strong game for 60 minutes on Tuesday against Utah, who's really been a thorn in our side the last few years. Being at home should help, and I'd expect Broberg will also be back in the lineup so we'll ice the best defensive pairs that we have.

That being said to reiterate my last post, Utah does worry me a bit especially since we've put ourselves in a position that behooves us to get the win

 

[Stealth JD]

It was a step forward.
But there's still a LONG way to go before we're where we want to be(Contender status).

I don’t know how long the road to contender really is. They probably need another solid top-4 D-man, and a top-6 center would be ideal…but if we get some continued development from Bolduc & Snuggy, health for Thomas & Holloway and consistency from Buchnevich & Kyrou you’ve got the making of three damn solid scoring lines with Neighbors, Schenn & whoever (Dvorsky, UFA, Kaskimaki, etc) in the mix.

The West doesn’t have a whole lot of giants with whom to compete. Every team has holes. The most complete team today may be the Jets, but even they have some turnover coming. Vegas is going to be another year older, Dallas, Edmonton and Colorado will still be formidable but the Blues with a locked-in Binnington can definitely compete. The key is just getting more experience for the younger guys and letting Monty do his thing. The future is bright with reinforcements coming.

 

[Snubbed4Vezina]

I don’t know how long the road to contender really is. They probably need another solid top-4 D-man, and a top-6 center would be ideal…but if we get some continued development from Bolduc & Snuggy, health for Thomas & Holloway and consistency from Buchnevich & Kyrou you’ve got the making of three damn solid scoring lines with Neighbors, Schenn & whoever (Dvorsky, UFA, Kaskimaki, etc) in the mix.

The West doesn’t have a whole lot of giants with whom to compete. Every team has holes. The most complete team today may be the Jets, but even they cleave some turnover coming. Vegas is going to be another year older, Dallas, Edmonton and Colorado will still be formidable but the Blues with a locked-in Binnington can definitely compete. The key is just getting more experience for the younger guys and letting Monty do his thing. The future is bright with reinforcements coming.

100%. Even if we crash and burn before the end of the season, I've seen enough to be very optimistic about next season. In fact, no matter what happens, that 12-game win streak kept the team from coasting to an underwhelming finish and instead has created a situation where they're going to be very disappointed if they don't finish the run. That means extra motivation heading into next season.

I expect camp next offseason to be fiery, and if we can make a couple key adds, this is a team that won't need a wild card spot to make the playoffs next season.

 

[Beninnola]

wonder who we’re gonna call up when we clinch before our next game and could Stenberg sneak in a debut

 

[Mike Liut]

I don’t know how long the road to contender really is. They probably need another solid top-4 D-man, and a top-6 center would be ideal…but if we get some continued development from Bolduc & Snuggy, health for Thomas & Holloway and consistency from Buchnevich & Kyrou you’ve got the making of three damn solid scoring lines with Neighbors, Schenn & whoever (Dvorsky, UFA, Kaskimaki, etc) in the mix.

The West doesn’t have a whole lot of giants with whom to compete. Every team has holes. The most complete team today may be the Jets, but even they have some turnover coming. Vegas is going to be another year older, Dallas, Edmonton and Colorado will still be formidable but the Blues with a locked-in Binnington can definitely compete. The key is just getting more experience for the younger guys and letting Monty do his thing. The future is bright with reinforcements coming.

How available are 2C and 2nd pairing RD? From what I’ve seen from Dvo, he’s nowhere near ready to be a 2C, and I want to upgrade on Schenn as 2C. Schenn can move to Sunny’s spot as 3C. 2C should be our #1 priority, but from what I’ve read from other fan bases, they aren’t easy to acquire.

 

[Stealth JD]

As much as I like Stenberg, he may be our next Lars Eller…a highly/touted prospect used as a trade chip. I’d use Jiricek, Lindstein, the Blues next two firsts any any other non-roster prospects to try to fill those holes. But even without a fresh 2C for next year, I don’t know that there’s an immediate urgency. May be best to hold the chips for another year and see if Dvorsky, Stenberg or Stancl can eventually fill that role and count on Schenn to do it for one more season.

 

[Cotton McKnight]

Fun game to watch. 1st goal against is on Binnington for bailing out to cover the non-shooter.

Have not watched a game live in a long time. Wife was confused as to why the game was going so late. lol

We have friends that live in Seattle at the game texting me for more information, they're not really big hockey fans, just the first Kraken season ticket holders so they go to every game.

I'm happy with the teams turn-around, happy to see how our youngsters progress with more muscle put on (Snuggy and DVO).

Hoping our prospects pan out and we don't trade away for potential FAs that might not fit the mold.

 

[kimzey59]

As much as I like Stenberg, he may be our next Lars Eller…a highly/touted prospect used as a trade chip. I’d use Jiricek, Lindstein, the Blues next two firsts any any other non-roster prospects to try to fill those holes. But even without a fresh 2C for next year, I don’t know that there’s an immediate urgency. May be best to hold the chips for another year and see if Dvorsky, Stenberg or Stancl can eventually fill that role and count on Schenn to do it for one more season.

- Until Holloway, Bolduc and State Farm are locked up long term; I don't even consider moving Stenberg. We have a decent enough depth on LW right now, but that can change very quickly.

- I'm also not even remotely inclined to move Lindstein. Suter, Leddy and Fowler are all UFA's in the next 2 years. We need Lindstein to replace one of them.

- It would take a LOT for me to give up either of our next 2 1sts. We've got Schenn and Parayko that we need to start grooming replacements for. Unless you're trading a pick for a long term replacement, we need those picks to groom the eventual successors.

I'm fairly open to trading any other asset in our arsenal(not counting Dvorsky or Snuggles given that they're currently on the team); but Stenberg, Lindstein and the next two 1sts are pretty much off limits IMO. We aren't out of the rebuild yet and we still have our long term future to think about.

 

[TruBlueFan1970]

- Until Holloway, Bolduc and State Farm are locked up long term; I don't even consider moving Stenberg. We have a decent enough depth on LW right now, but that can change very quickly.

- I'm also not even remotely inclined to move Lindstein. Suter, Leddy and Fowler are all UFA's in the next 2 years. We need Lindstein to replace one of them.

- It would take a LOT for me to give up either of our next 2 1sts. We've got Schenn and Parayko that we need to start grooming replacements for. Unless you're trading a pick for a long term replacement, we need those picks to groom the eventual successors.

I'm fairly open to trading any other asset in our arsenal(not counting Dvorsky or Snuggles given that they're currently on the team); but Stenberg, Lindstein and the next two 1sts are pretty much off limits IMO. We aren't out of the rebuild yet and we still have our long term future to think about.

I would trade this years first if it is the asset that puts us over the top for a 2C in a hockey trade. I really wanted Dylan Cozens. He has 11 points in 18 games since going to the Sens and would have fit the age group Army is building. So again, if a player like that were available, and it meant Jiricek, our 2025 1st and another prospect or roster player, I’d give up that pick in a heartbeat.

 

[Beauterham]

- It would take a LOT for me to give up either of our next 2 1sts. We've got Schenn and Parayko that we need to start grooming replacements for. Unless you're trading a pick for a long term replacement, we need those picks to groom the eventual successors.

I'm fairly open to trading any other asset in our arsenal(not counting Dvorsky or Snuggles given that they're currently on the team); but Stenberg, Lindstein and the next two 1sts are pretty much off limits IMO. We aren't out of the rebuild yet and we still have our long term future to think about.

As far as I see it we have two big weaknesses to adress before we'll be a consistent playoff performer again: 2C (push Schenn to 3C and Sundqvist to 4C) and a top-4 RD. IF, again, IF Army is able to get one of these pieces in UFA. AND after that it feels like we're only 1 piece away from competing on the short term, I wouldn't mind using our next 2 firsts to upgrade the other position. Compare it to the Schenn trade where we traded 2 firsts + a capdump (Lehtera). What if we can get a young-ish 2C/top-4 RD for 25&26 1st + Faulk?

I agree that Lindstein is off limits as he's the best prospect in a position of need and I would only move Stenberg in a slam-dunk deal where we get a really really good player back.

 

[Xerloris]

I actually agree, depth scoring is a problem. The young players I named are not yet reliable in that role. I still believe Schenn was being lifted by Kyrou/Holloway's chemistry. Lastly, I don't agree with Buch being stapled to Thomas wing. They play too similar a game for my liking. The hope is that Snuggerud can become the shooter that Thomas desperately needs on his line. I feel like his other winger needs to to be a forechecking, puck hounding menace. Neighbours? Maybe Holloway if they decide to break him and Kyrou up. Again, I feel like we have to pieces to build that depth but it is going to take patience to let them get here and get up to speed.

I don't think Neighbors has what it takes to play that role. this is all my opinion but I think he's to slow and that means no matter how hard he tries he can't put the pressure out that a Holloway can. I wonder if Bolduc can do what Holloway does though but for Thomas? Boldy and Snuggy with Thomas would be a thing of magic IMO. They both seem to have the hound the puck mentality, both have great hands and skill and incredible shots.

 

[Blanick]

Save your long rebuttal

You trashed me for saying essentially what you are now saying. The team is out of gas. I saw it two games ago. Now you are seeing it.

Dismissed

Sorry you feel that way but we are not the same. You are so high and low, mostly low, and fail to look at anything objectively. Whenever the Blues face any kind of adversity there you are trashing the players, coaches, management and whoever else you think of. There is a big difference between pointing out a negative observation about your team and calling them "f***ing losers" because they give up a goal against. I never trashed you, I simply called you out for you're overreaction. Grow up a little.

 

[ezcreepin]

Urgency seems to have left this team, especially with the injury to Holloway. Looks like he IS closer to Schwartz than we thought (remember the weird stat where the Blues always won with Schwartz in the lineup?). Utah/Arizona always plays us hard and we always have difficulty with them. This is a winnable game just like the last game was, which is scary. I have confidence this team can win it, but its possible they're gripping the stick too tightly with Calgary going on sort of a strong stretch and them knowing they haven't yet secured a spot despite the 12 game win streak. This team has to be focused and dialed in more than they have at any other point. Get in and it's water under the bridge. Do not like other teams dictate your finish; do it on your own. The cards are in your hand and you can decide how you finish the season.

I hope to god Holloway can be ready for the playoffs because it seems clear now that he is a much bigger part of what this team is doing than I imagined. Parayko is back and looked totally fine, Broberg is healthy but had stuff to deal with, most of the players are ready for the playoffs, they just need to execute. Binnington, however, does not look dialed in and ready to go. Seems like he used all of that mojo to get the team in a position to clinch and are not stuck in no-mans-land. Go out there and leave no question whether you deserve this spot against Utah.

 

[AjaxManifesto]

Sorry you feel that way but we are not the same. You are so high and low, mostly low, and fail to look at anything objectively. Whenever the Blues face any kind of adversity there you are trashing the players, coaches, management and whoever else you think of. There is a big difference between pointing out a negative observation about your team and calling them "f***ing losers" because they give up a goal against. I never trashed you, I simply called you out for you're overreaction. Grow up a little.

I said I lost a little "faith'" in the team to get it done and was "worried". Go back and look at that thread from the Jets game. There was no overreaction, but you made it personal. I saw a dip in their play and it has carried on in two games since then. Everyone is seeing it. Even YOU made a post about how angry you were at the the loss to EDM. Even you expressed worry. Oh, the hypocrisy.

The growth is on your end. I NEVER trash other folks who post things. I never make it personal. You are a hypocrite and trash other people posting here. I don't do that.

I think I'm done here. I'll put you on the ignore list.

 

[Davimir Tarablad]

I said I lost a little "faith'" in the team to get it done and was "worried".

Saying you lost a "little" faith seems disingenuous given there's GDT's that look like this where there's almost nothing positive.

It goes back a lot further than just the Jets game, you just consistently post almost exclusively negative stuff. You posted at least once "the streak ends tonight" multiple times during the streak.

And sure you're simply going to reply "You're just persecuting me for not falling in line with the positive spin". But it's not about that, there's plenty of good and bad that happens each game, and for someone who "calls it like they see it", you were sure as hell one extremely negative poster during a 12 game win streak.

 

[Snubbed4Vezina]

Saying you lost a "little" faith seems disingenuous given there's GDT's that look like this where there's almost nothing positive.

It goes back a lot further than just the Jets game, you just consistently post almost exclusively negative stuff. You posted at least once "the streak ends tonight" multiple times during the streak.

And sure you're simply going to reply "You're just persecuting me for not falling in line with the positive spin". But it's not about that, there's plenty of good and bad that happens each game, and for someone who "calls it like they see it", you were sure as hell one extremely negative poster during a 12 game win streak.

The man brought receipts.

 

[stl76]

That poster and whining in GDT's...name a more iconic duo

 

[BlueDream]

Hahaha. Such a miserable person.

But when I say that, I’m “attacking him” instead of “just calling it like I see it.” I guess only he can do the latter.

 

[AjaxManifesto]

Saying you lost a "little" faith seems disingenuous given there's GDT's that look like this where there's almost nothing positive.

It goes back a lot further than just the Jets game, you just consistently post almost exclusively negative stuff. You posted at least once "the streak ends tonight" multiple times during the streak.

And sure you're simply going to reply "You're just persecuting me for not falling in line with the positive spin". But it's not about that, there's plenty of good and bad that happens each game, and for someone who "calls it like they see it", you were sure as hell one extremely negative poster during a 12 game win streak.

When they play well I say so. When they play bad, I call it like I see it. The Jets game was bad.

I'm sure you will see all kinds of negative comments from more than just me if you looked.

If my "negativity" bothers you place me on the ignore list.

 

[Blanick]

I said I lost a little "faith'" in the team to get it done and was "worried". Go back and look at that thread from the Jets game. There was no overreaction, but you made it personal. I saw a dip in their play and it has carried on in two games since then. Everyone is seeing it. Even YOU made a post about how angry you were at the the loss to EDM. Even you expressed worry. Oh, the hypocrisy.

The growth is on your end. I NEVER trash other folks who post things. I never make it personal. You are a hypocrite and trash other people posting here. I don't do that.

I think I'm done here. I'll put you on the ignore list.

Seriously? Whatever.

Not like I am going to miss your highly thought out, intelligent, coherent thoughts. No wait that's people like @Linkens Mastery, @Reality Czech, @BlueDream, @Stupendous Yappi, @MortiestOfMortys, @Mike Liut, @bleedblue1223 and so many others that are more than just constant doomsayers. Even when we disagree at least they provide some level of intelligent debate beyond constant negativity that you bring. With that I am done with this conversation as it has nothing to do with the actual Blues.

 

[Davimir Tarablad]

When they play well I say so. When they play bad, I call it like I see it. The Jets game was bad.

I'm sure you will see all kinds of negative comments from more than just me if you looked.

If my "negativity" bothers you place me on the ignore list.

As I said in my post, there's both good and bad in every game, and people will always post both positive and negative posts, you fall on the heavily negative side of the bell curve.

Also, using the "calling it like I see it" defense when you're calling it like we're the front runners for the 1st overall pick on a consistent basis isn't it.

I don't ignore list people because there's no benefit to leaving context out of conversation.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Seriously? Whatever.

Not like I am going to miss your highly thought out, intelligent, coherent thoughts. No wait that's people like @Linkens Mastery, @Reality Czech, @BlueDream, @Stupendous Yappi, @MortiestOfMortys, @Mike Liut, @bleedblue1223 and so many others that are more than just constant doomsayers. Even when we disagree at least they provide some level of intelligent debate beyond constant negativity that you bring. With that I am done with this conversation as it has nothing to do with the actual Blues.

Me? Coherent? You should see the 1st and 2nd draft of some of my posts. Even i don't understand what I'm trying to say.

 

[Drubilly]

Me? Coherent? You should see the 1st and 2nd draft of some of my posts. Even i don't understand what I'm trying to say.

Ain’t that the truth! I’ll re-read my posts and after the seventh scan I’m all “they’re all going to laugh at you, you dolt!” Then I delete and take solace in laughing at other posters.

As Robert Pollard once said “gettin old ain’t for p*****s!”

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Ain’t that the truth! I’ll re-read my posts and after the seventh scan I’m all “they’re all going to laugh at you, you dolt!” Then I delete and take solace in laughing at other posters.

As Robert Pollard once said “gettin old ain’t for p*****s!”

When I was doing the bigger "TankTown Express" GDTs I would take like 20-40 minutes re-reading some of them to make sure I wasn't sounding like an idiot. (Well, any more of an idiot than I already do)