Petro: Please shoot!

[TuukYou14]

Uh, he has shown up. He was the best player on the ice in games 1 and 2.

yes, he has shown up. But the best player so far, in my opinion, has been Tarasenko.

 

[BlueDream]

Tarasenko's been good but I think it's Schwartz. He strips the puck like he's taking candy from a baby and is the reason we're even getting some of these scoring chances. Him, Tarasenko and Steen have easily been our most dangerous forwards. The Cracknell-Lapierre-Porter line has been good too.

On the blueline, I think all the d-men look pretty good.

 

[Gullibull]

Tarasenko's been good but I think it's Schwartz. He strips the puck like he's taking candy from a baby and is the reason we're even getting some of these scoring chances. Him, Tarasenko and Steen have easily been our most dangerous forwards. The Cracknell-Lapierre-Porter line has been good too.

On the blueline, I think all the d-men look pretty good.

Agreed, except for the part about Steen.

He came through for a late goal, but aside from that he hasn't looked very effective this series and is continuing his mediocre play from the Olympic break. I used to view him as I now view Schwartz, a player who is always stripping the puck away and rarely coughing 'em up. I haven't seen that kind of play from Steen lately, but that's what his career with the Blues was built on. All of a sudden he scores a bunch of goals and forgets the fundamentals. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but that's how I've viewed his play as of late.

 

[Dbrownss]

It seems Steen is ineffective without backes for some reaaon

 

[Vladys Gumption]

Shatty is more gifted offensively than Petro. I think Jaybo is underrated offensively b/c of the chaos he can create with his skating ability. Petro is very gifted with his stick and hand/eye in the defensive zone but, at least currently lacks a hard and/or accurate shot from the point. Petro needs to keep it simple and let it go off the pass if the defender and goalie are not yet square. Half of the battle is releasing the puck quickly. Honestly, a few tips from Hull or MacInnis would probably do wonders for Petro.

Shattenkirk won't be as good as Petro defensively but he is definitely the most talented d-man offensively on this roster, IMO. If you give him Petro's minutes he'd outscore AP.

Both of them have been really good this series though.

I think Petro and Shatty are closer offensively than a lot of people realize. I do think Shatty has a slight edge, but it's not that wide of a gap. Physical skills wise, Shatty is better, but Petro is so smart and plays such a controlled game that he's always going to create offense. Shatty has the flash, and Petro has the brains.

 

[BlueDream]

I guess I don't think Steen has been that bad. I see a player who puts in a lot of effort but isn't getting much help from his linemates. He's on a line with Steve Ott, and let's be honest T.J. Oshie hasn't provided much at all in this series. I see a lot of hustle and willingness to shoot the puck in Steen. Him, Schwartz and Tarasenko look like the only threats to score really.

 

[Celtic Note]

I guess I don't think Steen has been that bad. I see a player who puts in a lot of effort but isn't getting much help from his linemates. He's on a line with Steve Ott, and let's be honest T.J. Oshie hasn't provided much at all in this series. I see a lot of hustle and willingness to shoot the puck in Steen. Him, Schwartz and Tarasenko look like the only threats to score really.

I flat out agree.

 

[Majorityof1]

I guess I don't think Steen has been that bad. I see a player who puts in a lot of effort but isn't getting much help from his linemates. He's on a line with Steve Ott, and let's be honest T.J. Oshie hasn't provided much at all in this series. I see a lot of hustle and willingness to shoot the puck in Steen. Him, Schwartz and Tarasenko look like the only threats to score really.

Weird you give Steen a pass but not Oshie. Osh missed a game and probably still isn't 100%. Steen has had Backes on his line for two games, so the crappy linemate argument doesn't fly. Plus you said Ott has played well. Steen signed for almost $6M a season because at the time he was our top offensive threat. You don't pay that much for a guy to hustle and be willing to shoot a lot and not score.

Steen had 22 goals in 33 games when he signed the contract. He scored two that night. He has had 10 in the next 37 he has played including the playoffs. He has been struggling. He is forcing it, which is why he is shooting. He is shooting from bad angles. I clearly remember thinking "Why'd he shoot from there" a couple times but never "Oh my, Steen was robbed".

He needs to be better. He has by far the most ice time by a forward and has less points than Chris Porter. Hustle, shots from the boards and shots into the goalies chest do not win games. So no, he does not deserve to be mentioned as one of the team's best players this series.

 

[BlueDream]

Weird you give Steen a pass but not Oshie. Osh missed a game and probably still isn't 100%. Steen has had Backes on his line for two games, so the crappy linemate argument doesn't fly. Plus you said Ott has played well. Steen signed for almost $6M a season because at the time he was our top offensive threat. You don't pay that much for a guy to hustle and be willing to shoot a lot and not score.

1. Backes has been held back by his foot and hasn't been near effective as he usually is. So the linemate argument still holds.

2. Ott has played decently well for being Steve Ott, not for a first liner. But that's not his fault, he's basically forced into that role.

3. Oshie has not done anything. How can anyone say he's on the same level as Steen right now?

We signed Steen for his overall game. He's not going to be a 40-goal sniper. He's always shot a lot and this is the first time he's ever put up big offensive numbers like this. What are you expecting out of him?

Steen had 22 goals in 33 games when he signed the contract. He scored two that night. He has had 10 in the next 37 he has played including the playoffs. He has been struggling. He is forcing it, which is why he is shooting. He is shooting from bad angles. I clearly remember thinking "Why'd he shoot from there" a couple times but never "Oh my, Steen was robbed".

He needs to be better. He has by far the most ice time by a forward and has less points than Chris Porter. Hustle, shots from the boards and shots into the goalies chest do not win games. So no, he does not deserve to be mentioned as one of the team's best players this series.

Well if you were expecting him to keep pace with Alexander Ovechkin in the goal scoring category that is nobody's fault but your own bud. Steen has dealt with a few injuries this season and still came close to a PPG season. I'm happy with that. Are you not?

Steen has always shot a lot. That isn't new. I don't see him forcing anything. And if he is, he knows because he needs to step up and carry this current offense along with Schwartz and Tarasenko. I see a guy trying really hard to score. Crawford played a great game 3. Again I just don't see why any blame is getting pinned on Steen. What's he doing wrong? He's playing fine.

Yeah let's criticize him for putting shots on net since they aren't going in.

This is the typical argument that goes like this: When somebody scores, it's "Oh yeah nice play! Never a bad idea to put the puck on net!" When they don't score, it's "stop shooting from bad angles blah blah blah". Yawn.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

I think Petro and Shatty are closer offensively than a lot of people realize. I do think Shatty has a slight edge, but it's not that wide of a gap. Physical skills wise, Shatty is better, but Petro is so smart and plays such a controlled game that he's always going to create offense. Shatty has the flash, and Petro has the brains.

I would go as far as to say that Shatty is the best pure passer that we have had since Adam Oates or Pierre Turgeon. He sees things that others don't and puts them right on the tape. Petro is very good, but he isn't on his level offensively. Basic transition outlet passes, Petro is as good as anyone in the NHL right now. That being said, Shatty is not on his level defensively either. Shatty is more physical and actually will take the body, but Petro does have an excellent stick and will blocks more than his share of shots. Defensively, neither of them are on a level with JBo as I feel he has been their best defender this season and in the playoffs. I've noticed in these playoff games that it seems Chicago favors the left side on zone entry whether intentional or unintentional. Just watch...

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

I guess I don't think Steen has been that bad. I see a player who puts in a lot of effort but isn't getting much help from his linemates. He's on a line with Steve Ott, and let's be honest T.J. Oshie hasn't provided much at all in this series. I see a lot of hustle and willingness to shoot the puck in Steen. Him, Schwartz and Tarasenko look like the only threats to score really.

Right on... Oshie has yet to show that he steps up his game to be a playoff performer. I think Lapierre deserves a bit more credit for stepping up his game several notches.

 

[erderuft]

Right on... Oshie has yet to show that he steps up his game to be a playoff performer. I think Lapierre deserves a bit more credit for stepping up his game several notches.

Lappy's been good, no doubt about it. He does still take the occasional bad penalty (like a the boarding call the other night) but he kills penalties like a king and is somewhat dangerous offensively. Been very good lately.

 

[Got One Cup]

No Petro don't shoot, you never hit the dam net it seems. Give the puck to Tarasaenko so he can get it done. Then next season hang out as much as you can with him, maybe that confidence offensively will rub off on you.

 

[Majorityof1]

1. Backes has been held back by his foot and hasn't been near effective as he usually is. So the linemate argument still holds.

2. Ott has played decently well for being Steve Ott, not for a first liner. But that's not his fault, he's basically forced into that role.

3. Oshie has not done anything. How can anyone say he's on the same level as Steen right now?

We signed Steen for his overall game. He's not going to be a 40-goal sniper. He's always shot a lot and this is the first time he's ever put up big offensive numbers like this. What are you expecting out of him?


Well if you were expecting him to keep pace with Alexander Ovechkin in the goal scoring category that is nobody's fault but your own bud. Steen has dealt with a few injuries this season and still came close to a PPG season. I'm happy with that. Are you not?

Steen has always shot a lot. That isn't new. I don't see him forcing anything. And if he is, he knows because he needs to step up and carry this current offense along with Schwartz and Tarasenko. I see a guy trying really hard to score. Crawford played a great game 3. Again I just don't see why any blame is getting pinned on Steen. What's he doing wrong? He's playing fine.

Yeah let's criticize him for putting shots on net since they aren't going in.

This is the typical argument that goes like this: When somebody scores, it's "Oh yeah nice play! Never a bad idea to put the puck on net!" When they don't score, it's "stop shooting from bad angles blah blah blah". Yawn.

I'm not saying Oshie is on the same level as Steen. I am saying Oshie is still bothered by that hit. I am saying Steen is not anywhere near the same level as Schwartz and Tarasenko this series. When they are on the ice, I feel like they can score at any second. When Steen is on the ice, I am hoping he gets lucky and Crawford or the 'hawks make a mistake. I am glad he is shooting the puck. I hope he snaps his funk, and that is the way to do it. However, sometimes it is better to look for the pass or work for a better shot. He has clearly not been the best player on the ice for the Blues. That is the argument at hand.

I know he brings more than scoring. I like his overall game. But the big contract, and huge ice time he has gotten raise offensive expectations. I never expected him to put up Ovechkin numbers. However, I expect 30+ goals and 70+ points for the money we gave him. His pace after the signing has been like 20G and 50P. You want your teams best player, only healthy star, to be the one creating the excitement. He hasn't outside of one play.

As for the boldface part. Yes, you criticize a hockey payer when he is not putting the puck in the net. That is his job and half the point of the game. Put the puck in their net more than they put it in yours. Steen is a -3 so he is not doing that.

As for why Steen is being blamed, I don't see it as blaming him. I am just arguing that he has not been one of the Blues best players this series. He is struggling and doing what he can to overcome it. That is good. He doesn't need to be taken out behind the woodshed to be beaten or have his salary take away. It would just be great if we could see a glimpse of that guy before the contract. The one you felt could score at any second, We need that to win this series much less the cup.

 

[2 Minute Minor]

Wondering if Pietro's accuracy is affected by whatever injury he's been nursing. I can say, I'm glad he didn't blast one into the pads on the play where he fed it to Tarasenko to tie up game 2.

 

[Vladys Gumption]

1. Backes has been held back by his foot and hasn't been near effective as he usually is. So the linemate argument still holds.

2. Ott has played decently well for being Steve Ott, not for a first liner. But that's not his fault, he's basically forced into that role.

3. Oshie has not done anything. How can anyone say he's on the same level as Steen right now?

We signed Steen for his overall game. He's not going to be a 40-goal sniper. He's always shot a lot and this is the first time he's ever put up big offensive numbers like this. What are you expecting out of him?


Well if you were expecting him to keep pace with Alexander Ovechkin in the goal scoring category that is nobody's fault but your own bud. Steen has dealt with a few injuries this season and still came close to a PPG season. I'm happy with that. Are you not?

Steen has always shot a lot. That isn't new. I don't see him forcing anything. And if he is, he knows because he needs to step up and carry this current offense along with Schwartz and Tarasenko. I see a guy trying really hard to score. Crawford played a great game 3. Again I just don't see why any blame is getting pinned on Steen. What's he doing wrong? He's playing fine.

Yeah let's criticize him for putting shots on net since they aren't going in.

This is the typical argument that goes like this: When somebody scores, it's "Oh yeah nice play! Never a bad idea to put the puck on net!" When they don't score, it's "stop shooting from bad angles blah blah blah". Yawn.

Yeah Steen has absolutely not been the problem. He's playing well but he's a bit snakebitten. It happens. At least he's still getting quality chances, and at some point the law of averages will kick in and he'll put a couple in. I'm not worried about him at all. I do completely agree about Oshie. We flat out need more from him. He was one of our offensive catalysts all year and he hasn't really generated anything. Backes gets a pass in my book because his foot is clearly still a hindrance. Even with his foot, he's still making some plays. Ott is, well Ott. He's not first line quality, period.

 

[Vladys Gumption]

I would go as far as to say that Shatty is the best pure passer that we have had since Adam Oates or Pierre Turgeon. He sees things that others don't and puts them right on the tape. Petro is very good, but he isn't on his level offensively. Basic transition outlet passes, Petro is as good as anyone in the NHL right now. That being said, Shatty is not on his level defensively either. Shatty is more physical and actually will take the body, but Petro does have an excellent stick and will blocks more than his share of shots. Defensively, neither of them are on a level with JBo as I feel he has been their best defender this season and in the playoffs. I've noticed in these playoff games that it seems Chicago favors the left side on zone entry whether intentional or unintentional. Just watch...

Shatty has the better hands, no doubt. But I don't think he's any better than Pietrangelo as far as passing. Shatty could be a forward with his set of skills. Shatty is definitely more physical defensively, but even considering that, Petro is so effective because he knows how to use his body positioning. He doesn't have to throw hits because his stick work is incredible. J-Bo has been a rock for us no doubt, but Petro is still better in our own end. He's been the best defenseman on the ice for both teams in this series.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Change title to, Blues: Please shoot!

Is it a joke? The only things they were doing the last game was shooting. The problem was it was a very bad shooting.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Is it a joke? The only things they were doing the last game was shooting. The problem was it was a very bad shooting.

Alright, I was talking PP specific.

 

[Multimoodia]

Alright, I was talking PP specific.

I prefer they keep that D2D pass along the blue-line going. I think the next snail-slow pass is going to be what gets Chicago out of position and inevitable domino effect of the Blues scoring by the dozens.

 

[DoubleK81]

Weird you give Steen a pass but not Oshie. Osh missed a game and probably still isn't 100%. Steen has had Backes on his line for two games, so the crappy linemate argument doesn't fly. Plus you said Ott has played well. Steen signed for almost $6M a season because at the time he was our top offensive threat. You don't pay that much for a guy to hustle and be willing to shoot a lot and not score.

Steen had 22 goals in 33 games when he signed the contract. He scored two that night. He has had 10 in the next 37 he has played including the playoffs. He has been struggling. He is forcing it, which is why he is shooting. He is shooting from bad angles. I clearly remember thinking "Why'd he shoot from there" a couple times but never "Oh my, Steen was robbed".

He needs to be better. He has by far the most ice time by a forward and has less points than Chris Porter. Hustle, shots from the boards and shots into the goalies chest do not win games. So no, he does not deserve to be mentioned as one of the team's best players this series.

I dont know if you noticed, but Steen was scoring at 2-3x his career shooting % for the majority of the season until he got hurt. And this wasn't because he all the sudden had this miraculous conversion to Ovy type shooting. It was because EVERYTHING was going in, because he was in the perfect spots at the perfect times. I dont recall saying " wow, what a move ", or "wow, what a shot" on many of those goals. It was usually " cool, that went in " or " great rebound shot". To expect those results all season, or for the rest of his time here, would be just foolish.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Shatty has the better hands, no doubt. But I don't think he's any better than Pietrangelo as far as passing. Shatty could be a forward with his set of skills. Shatty is definitely more physical defensively, but even considering that, Petro is so effective because he knows how to use his body positioning. He doesn't have to throw hits because his stick work is incredible. J-Bo has been a rock for us no doubt, but Petro is still better in our own end. He's been the best defenseman on the ice for both teams in this series.

Well game 4 once again proves my point. I honestly don't see us winning with Petro. If he can't so much as get a stick or move a body of just one player in front of the net, then we can get our golf clubs out. He positioned himself right in front of Ryan Miller right along with the Hawks forward with his stick free. Looks like the latest goalie can't stop the puck if he can't see it either. No, Petro hasn't been the best defenseman on the ice for both teams. He hasn't even outplayed his partner, not in his own end especially. We won't agree on this. He's the player I would move for a #1 center in the right deal came into play, not Shatty.