They're getting no love from experts, or from the St. Louis Post, but nonetheless the Blues begin their push for the Stanley Cup tomorrow night. And that's what it is, whether or not you think they can do it or not. Lord Stanley awaits and I'm with the experts in saying that I don't think you'll see that silver hunk of hockey floating around St. Louis anytime soon, however I think you do have something to look forward to as the year begins.
Manny Legace won the starting job over Curtis Sanford, and he will looking to prove that his numbers last year weren't a sole reflection of playing in Detroit. Many people in the area who are involved with hockey aren't expecting big things from Legace, despite last year's numbers. I, for one, think he'll be solid if the Blues give him enough of a chance. I think he needs to be the established starter for the first four weeks or so and if things get ugly between now and then, we can start considering Sanford as our new No. 1. But I know what will happen, one bad start for Legace and St. Louis fans will start calling for Sanford. Unfortunate in my book. We should at least give him a chance, and hopefully we will.
In some what of a surprise move, Blues coach Mike Kitchen has announced that second year youngster Lee Stempniak will be starting on the front line for the Blues along with Keith Tkachuk. This leaves former All-Star Bill Guerin on the second line.The Blues could do a number of things at the center position with either Doug Weight holding the top line together or Petr Cajanek. I had heard that it would be Cajanek on the top line and Doug Weight playing with Guerin on the second line, but the STL Post reported today that Weight would be the top-line starter. We'll see how this works out. I think I might like it in the long run but I was looking forward to seeing Guerin and 'Chuckers on the same line, and that may still happen before too long.
Jay McKee starts the year with a bum knee but shouldn't miss any games. From what I understand, he still remains on the top defensive line despite missing a couple preseason games.
We get things fired up tomorrow night at San Jose. Get excited, but don't get too down if the Blues get off to a rough start, they play two legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in the first five games (San Jose and Anaheim).
GOOOO BLUUUUEEESSS
Questions or comments: dunterreiner@semosportsweb.com
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Dave, you're right about the experts. Here's what si.com had to say about this season for the blues:
"Davidson inherits a team that ranked last in the league in goals (197) and counts on aging power forwards Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin, who scored only 13 times last season in Dallas and looked overmatched in the Olympics. Handing the reins to a man who had no managerial experience was a bold move that could eventually pan out. For now, St. Louis fans should prepare for another long year." -- E.M. Swift
Forget E.M. Swift and si.com...Go Blues!!!
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