Half-Assed GDT: STL CHI

[Blanick]

Just got home from the game, couple of thoughts.

- First Dvorsky, I thought he played well. His line created chances and he didn't seem out of place. The one thing I will say is there are moments when he has the puck where you can see him thinking instead of just playing. I know it sounds ridiculous but I don't know any other way to describe it.

- Parayko was the best player on the ice tonight. Man was he moving well tonight. Do more of that 55, use your skating.

- Holloway was excellent, the most dangerous forward on the ice tonight. Was everywhere on the forecheck and looked like a legit top6 forward.

- I thought Texier played well but was playing a different game then his linemates. Not saying Toropchenko and Walker played poorly but I don't feel like their games meshed well.

Leddy, Loof, Kessel, Saad, Neighbours, Binnington and Ellis all played well. Everyone else was kind of invisible or in the case Kaskimaki and Perunovich played poorly. Perunovich can not be our PPQB come regular season, he is too indecisive and predictable with the puck.

 

[BleedBlue14]

Just got home from the game, couple of thoughts.

- First Dvorsky, I thought he played well. His line created chances and he didn't seem out of place. The one thing I will say is there are moments when he has the puck where you can see him thinking instead of just playing. I know it sounds ridiculous but I don't know any other way to describe it.

- Parayko was the best player on the ice tonight. Man was he moving well tonight. Do more of that 55, use your skating.

- Holloway was excellent, the most dangerous forward on the ice tonight. Was everywhere on the forecheck and looked like a legit top6 forward.

- I thought Texier played well but was playing a different game then his linemates. Not saying Toropchenko and Walker played poorly but I don't feel like their games meshed well.

Leddy, Loof, Kessel, Saad, Neighbours, Binnington and Ellis all played well. Everyone else was kind of invisible or in the case Kaskimaki and Perunovich played poorly. Perunovich can not be our PPQB come regular season, he is too indecisive and predictable with the puck.

In the Dvorsky front, you see that a lot with young players in almost all sports. Someone’s going to eventually tell him to stop and play his game and it’ll click.

I noticed it as well when I was watching. He needs some form of a confidence boost or just a little bit of time.

 

[Overkamp]

I think he's borderline. Part of the speed problem is that he's a "slow down the game" type and he's been played with a lot of "off the rush" type players. I'd really like to see him and Tex together for a bit. I think they could really develop some chemistry together.

But even if you're right, is that really going to improve in the AHL?
The AHL isn't a "speed" League. It's a "physicality" league. It's where you send guys when they need to add some muscle/toughness. I'm not sure that's the area Dvorsky needs to work on.

Well he needs ice time first and foremost. And a lot of it. He looks good at times but he needs some seasoning and it wouldn’t hurt to put on some muscle. He will still be playing with men.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Parayko was the best player on the ice.

Holloway is a top 6-9 player. There is no reason and no one in front of him that has played to where he doesn't deserve a spot. I see a 20+ goal scorer. He and Joseph seemed to have some chemistry.

Texier is quite the player. He is impressive with the puck and also made some slick passes. I wasn't expecting that much from him.

Schenn just was invisible. Saad, Torp, Walker, and Faksa played well. Kaskimaki did some things and covered up defensively when other forwards didn't. He needs some AHL time, but the light might come on.

Loof looked really good tonight. Good, crisp, safe first passes. Very solid D. Couple big hits that didn't take him out of position. Stood up for his teammate. Maybe a more disciplined version of Burns at this point.

Kessel played well. Smart.

The Blues may need to watch the waiver wire and maybe trade or pick up a center. They need another player at the bottom winning faceoffs. They have plenty of wingers. I don't know if it is worth Dvo's development to keep him for faceoffs. I think the AHL is worth a shot.

I just see enough players stepping up and improving to where Tucker and Peru are expendable. Joseph seems to be able to do a bit of what both of them can and passed them. He isn't afraid and he isn't a slug with the puck. Hockey smurf can do some things with the puck. Slick passes, etc. He is a turnstile on defense though. Athanasiou saw him later after he blew by him like nothing and cut to the middle.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Parayko was the best player on the ice.

Holloway is a top 6-9 player. There is no reason and no one in front of him that has played to where he doesn't deserve a spot. I see a 20+ goal scorer. He and Joseph seemed to have some chemistry.

Texier is quite the player. He is impressive with the puck and also made some slick passes. I wasn't expecting that much from him.

Schenn just was invisible. Saad, Torp, Walker, and Faksa played well. Kaskimaki did some things and covered up defensively when other forwards didn't. He needs some AHL time, but the light might come on.

Loof looked really good tonight. Good, crisp, safe first passes. Very solid D. Couple big hits that didn't take him out of position. Stood up for his teammate. Maybe a more disciplined version of Burns at this point.

Kessel played well. Smart.

The Blues may need to watch the waiver wire and maybe trade or pick up a center. They need another player at the bottom winning faceoffs. They have plenty of wingers. I don't know if it is worth Dvo's development to keep him for faceoffs. I think the AHL is worth a shot.

I just see enough players stepping up and improving to where Tucker and Peru are expendable. Joseph seems to be able to do a bit of what both of them can and passed them. He isn't afraid and he isn't a slug with the puck. Hockey smurf can do some things with the puck. Slick passes, etc. He is a turnstile on defense though. Athanasiou saw him later after he blew by him like nothing and cut to the middle.

Schenn being invisible totally makes sense. He didn't play.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Schenn being invisible totally makes sense. He didn't play.

I don’t know why I thought he dressed. Haha. My bad

 

[Joelhead]

Schenn being invisible totally makes sense. He didn't play.

That sounds like an excuse... I want results!

 

[Snubbed4Vezina]

"This guy here is Dead!"

"Cross him off then..."

 

[Celtic Note]

I think he's borderline. Part of the speed problem is that he's a "slow down the game" type and he's been played with a lot of "off the rush" type players. I'd really like to see him and Tex together for a bit. I think they could really develop some chemistry together.

But even if you're right, is that really going to improve in the AHL?
The AHL isn't a "speed" League. It's a "physicality" league. It's where you send guys when they need to add some muscle/toughness. I'm not sure that's the area Dvorsky needs to work on.

The AHL is a faster and more physical league than where he played last year. He would also be playing against men, some with NHL experience and some who will be future NHLers. It’s not a bad place for him to continue to evolve his game and build confidence in his ability to play against men/a next tier of talent.

 

[PocketNines]

The thing about Dvorsky is he has already decided inside of himself nothing can stop his improvement because that is a defining quality he has. He's relentless inside himself. So to me it doesn't matter whether he is sent down to start the year or not

 

[ChicagoBlues]

The AHL is a faster and more physical league than where he played last year. He would also be playing against men, some with NHL experience and some who will be future NHLers. It’s not a bad place for him to continue to evolve his game and build confidence in his ability to play against men/a next tier of talent.

Agree. I think the confidence boost that someone mentioned will come in the form of consistently playing against some physically mature men and having success.

 

[Reality Czech]

Agree. I think the confidence boost that someone mentioned will come in the form of consistently playing against some physically mature men and having success.

Agree as well. I know I might sound like a broken record, but he's playing against a lot of AHL competition right now. It's great to see young players doing well this preseason, but it's still the preseason. The intensity level is gonna go up a lot once the real season starts.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Dvo sent down to Springfield

 

[BlueDream]

Dvo sent down to Springfield

Good, glad that “debate” is over. This was a no brainer.

 

[Overkamp]

Good, glad that “debate” is over. This was a no brainer.

Yup. He needs to dominate down there which we think he will. He will be fine. And he will get some NHL action with injuries this year.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Agree as well. I know I might sound like a broken record, but he's playing against a lot of AHL competition right now. It's great to see young players doing well this preseason, but it's still the preseason. The intensity level is gonna go up a lot once the real season starts.

Yeah, I've always been a pop cherry, get punched in the mouth, get in the game type of person. Hockey is a combat sport. When Alexandrov didn't respond with what "should" be instinctual vigor after tasting his own blood, I knew he was not fit for the NHL. I had high hopes for him because he's a center. Bedard got jacked the f*** up and he's like, f*** y'all!

Holloway plays like a center. I know he's jumped around the wings in practice and games, but I think the plan for him already is to slot at 2 or 3C . I expect him to play at least one more preseason game, but at center.

DVo is going to be fine. The confidence will come via success against physically mature players.

 

[blueper]

Yeah, I've always been a pop cherry, get punched in the mouth, get in the game type of person. Hockey is a combat sport. When Alexandrov didn't respond with what "should" be instinctual vigor after tasting his own blood, I knew he was not fit for the NHL. I had high hopes for him because he's a center. Bedard got jacked the f*** up and he's like, f*** y'all!

Holloway plays like a center. I know he's jumped around the wings in practice and games, but I think the plan for him already is to slot at 2 or 3C . I expect him to play at least one more preseason game, but at center.

DVo is going to be fine. The confidence will come via success against physically mature players.

Bannister keeps talking about how he loves the Holloway Faksa Joseph line because of the speed on the wings. I think that Holloway COULD play center but I don't see that happening very soon. His goal scoring ability is better than his play making ability currently (although both are plus). I don't want him to get bogged down with added defensive responsibility until his goal scoring confidence is sky high.
I've been advocating getting Holloway on a line with a better set up man.
I was thinking 3C originally but he could be a dangerous goal scorer until (if ever) he shifts to C.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Bannister keeps talking about how he loves the Holloway Faksa Joseph line because of the speed on the wings. I think that Holloway COULD play center but I don't see that happening very soon. His goal scoring ability is better than his play making ability currently (although both are plus). I don't want him to get bogged down with added defensive responsibility until his goal scoring confidence is sky high.
I've been advocating getting Holloway on a line with a better set up man.
I was thinking 3C originally but he could be a dangerous goal scorer until (if ever) he shifts to C.

And Faksa is still fast. He's older and has lost a step, for sure, but he is not slow. That big guy can still skate.

The flexibility on the roster is very good. The best I've ever seen.

 

[aceoutdoor]

And Faksa is still fast. He's older and has lost a step, for sure, but he is not slow. That big guy can still skate.

The flexibility on the roster is very good. The best I've ever seen.

Its been a positive revelation to see, and props to Army for getting creative and working.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Its been a positive revelation to see, and props to Army for getting creative and working.

Yes, sir! The creativity is most fun! DA pulls out deals that few expect. Source needs a lil shake n bake? DA obliges.

 

[aceoutdoor]

Yes, sir! The creativity is most fun! DA pulls out deals that few expect.

I know he has gotten a lot of crap from fans. But you can't do much better than him as GM. I know he wants to take a step back and golf more etc when Steen takes over, but he is major asset to the Blues who behind the scenes probably leaves no stone unturned and stays up late at night with the Blues on his mind. Hes not perfect, but he is a top shelf GM. And in addition he is leaving Steen in a great situation to hit the ground running strong.

 

[Thallis]

Agree as well. I know I might sound like a broken record, but he's playing against a lot of AHL competition right now. It's great to see young players doing well this preseason, but it's still the preseason. The intensity level is gonna go up a lot once the real season starts.

Preseason hockey always reminds me of when Dimitrij Jaskin would look like a superhero until the regular season started and he just couldn't hack it offensively.

 

[542365]

Preseason hockey always reminds me of when Dimitrij Jaskin would look like a superhero until the regular season started and he just couldn't hack it offensively.

Sammy Blais too. He was Brady Tkachuk in the preseason.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Sammy Blais too. He was Brady Tkachuk in the preseason.

Logan Brown 2 years ago lol

 

[joe galiba]

Preseason hockey always reminds me of when Dimitrij Jaskin would look like a superhero until the regular season started and he just couldn't hack it offensively.

And the guys who look like dogshit until the regular season starts, because they are either just trying to get their reps without getting hurt or they are working on something specific to the exclusion of other parts of their game