How can you not be talking about hockey right now? Tell me. So what if pitchers and catchers and fielders have all now reported to Florida? Spring training or hockey playoffs? Come on, that's easy. You're taking the cold beer, the hot sun, and the hot dog in Jupiter every time.
But let's not totally forget about the puck either, the season is coming down the stretch and there are a host of questions concerning ours truly, the St. Louis Blues.
The playoff scenario is, technically, still in the situation. Here's how to breaks down:
*The Blues are nine points back from a playoff birth. As of 12:30 Wednesday the Blues sat with 61 points. They are chasing four teams, three of whom must be passed in order for the Blues to reach the playoffs. Standing in their way is, essentially, the entire Northwest conference. Minnesota (71) trails Vancouver by three points for the division lead. Calgary (70), Colorado (62), and Edmonton (62) round out that division and are all ahead of the Blues in points. In their next five games, they play two against the Northwest conference, both at home. Tuesday February 27 against Vancouver and March 6 against Calgary. The trade deadline is February 27, which means the only game the Blues have before then is this Sunday at Chicago. The most they can do before the trade deadline is improve two points, which would put them seven points back if Calgary doesn't win before the trade deadline.
*All signs still point to the Blues loaning Billy Guerin and Keith Tkachuk to another potential playoff team. But what if the Blues keep them both in hopes of a playoff run? They have 21 games remaining on their schedule, two against Calgary (March 6, 12), two against Vancouver (February 17, March 15), two against Edmonton (March 17, 29), and two against Minnesota (March 22, April 7 - last game of the year). So of the 21 games remaining, eight of them come against wild card playoff opponents. The Blues would have solid work to do, but it can certainly still be done.
*If the Blues do decide to dish either Guerin or Tkachuk they are rumored to be asking a prospect and a first round draft pick for the veterans. Apparently they are in heavy talks with Anaheim, although the two sides haven't reached a deal due to Anaheim GM Brian Burke complaining about the asking price. The nice thing is that the Blues pretty much have the market cornered on this trade deal. Both Guerin and Tkachuk are probably the most talented of the trade bait left, and we need Larry Pleau and John Davidson to take a lesson from BIG Walt on this one and not screw it up. Somebody will cave in and fork over a big deal for these two veterans, lets make sure we get the right side of the bed on this thing.
*I wish I knew where I truly stood on this whole situation. Yesterday I was "SELL, SELL, SELL" but another win last night by a Blues team who responded with spirit in the third period and overtime makes me wanna say "beat the hell out of Chicago on Sunday, then buckle up, and lets make a run at this thing." In the long run, I know a trade would benefit the Blues in tremendous ways. However, it's hard to let go of a chance, especially after watching what the Cardinals did last season. There's something about the smell of playoffs in St. Louis that makes me wanna go to bed with Guerin and Tkachuk under my pillow.
I love those boys.
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2 comments:
I say keep em & lets see if the cinderella slipper fits this team. One good reason for not unloading is the fact that Larry Pleau is one awful GM. He hasn't made a decent trade at the deadline in a long, long, long, long, long time. The odds of Pleau actually making a good trade are about as good as Jason Marquis actually listening to a pitching coach. Another reason for not unloading is for the fans. People are starting to come back. I attended the game last Friday vs. the Preds, and it was intense the whole game. Just like old times. If they unload, the Blues might lose what they've gained in terms of fan support.
On a Mizzou note: Did anyone catch the epic post battle last night between Mizzou's Leo Lyons and OU's Longar Longar. If those two aren't the two best big men in the country, then I'd sure like to know who is.
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