The Blues haven’t shown the underlying numbers to really predict they could function like they did in 2019 playoffs. But there just aren’t that many rules about post-season outcomes that don’t have exceptions. That’s why they play the games.
Playoff Watch 2021
- Thread starter Ted Hoffman
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This is such an abysmal description of that Kings team that it has to be refuted. You are looking at record without deep diving into what every analytical person was saying that entire year: The Kings were a sleeping giant who just had an incredibly unlucky season. They not only outshot there opponents by 150 shots on the season, they did so while finishing 11th in shots for and 5th in shots against. The only reason they were not one of the top teams in the West is they put up a putrid 7.5 shooting percentage, dead last in the league. Everyone that paid attention knew if that shooting percentage even got up to league average they would be one of the best teams in hockey. There shooting percentage in the playoffs was 9.3, which wouldn’t have been too 10 in the NHL in the regular season but was more then enough.
By comparison, this Blues team has been outshot by 35 this year, but our shooting percentage being up at 10% has actually bailed us out and kept us alive. We aren’t close to the type of team that Kings roster was, at basically any element of hockey.
Ted Hoffman
The other Rick Zombo
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It's OK, Novacain. This Blues team will just "flip the switch" when games become important again. I hear it's really easy to do, and there's no proof at all of teams - especially really good, even recent Cup-winning teams - in the past also trying to float into the postseason and then "flip the switch" and being unable to do so.
We won in 2019 on a run for the ages; doing it this year will be like taking candy from a baby.
This seems like a prime spot to check out.
We won in 2019 on a run for the ages; doing it this year will be like taking candy from a baby.
This seems like a prime spot to check out.
Thought we were trading you? What happened?
BlueMed
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I just want to clarify what I stated earlier about "turning it on" in the playoffs. I was referring to effort moreso than success itself. The success of our system predominately depends on effort (forechecking, hitting, and backchecking). And yes, I did reference those caring about regular season success, but there's no denying the fluctuating effort that our players are putting in throughout the season. I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing but rather indicative of the player's confidence and ability to pace themselves. Contrast this team with the Hitch-Backes team that had little talent upfront outside of Tarasenko, and you'll see them sprinting throughout the regular season and ultimately getting bounced in the first or second round or getting burned out by the third round.
I don't know how far this team will go. It will largely hinge on Tarasenko, Parayko, Krug, Schwartz, and Schenn getting back into their regular form. None of those players are playing anywhere close to their potential right now, and given the lack of effort at times, it's hard to tell where the problem stems from. I'm not getting my hopes up seeing how teams that do go far require a lot of stars to line up properly, and we just haven't had that consistently throughout this season. However, I do think the effort level rises markedly once the puck drops in round 1. What that effort translates to remains to be seen.
I don't know how far this team will go. It will largely hinge on Tarasenko, Parayko, Krug, Schwartz, and Schenn getting back into their regular form. None of those players are playing anywhere close to their potential right now, and given the lack of effort at times, it's hard to tell where the problem stems from. I'm not getting my hopes up seeing how teams that do go far require a lot of stars to line up properly, and we just haven't had that consistently throughout this season. However, I do think the effort level rises markedly once the puck drops in round 1. What that effort translates to remains to be seen.
Louie the Blue
Because it's a trap
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The 2019 team also didn’t deal without playing arguably two of their top wingers, 1D, Thomas, and Bozak for significant stretches of the season. Also, that 2019 team was very, very fortunate with regards to in
Sorry for the optimism if I think this team can perform well if healthy for more than a handful of games.
Am I expecting a SCF run? No. But at the same time I don’t understand the doom and gloom sentiment.
The Blackhawks dropped 4 straight before the 2015 POs. I think they turned out OK. Kings lost 4 of 5 before the POs in 2014.
Regular season success, more so in the NHL than any other major 4 sports league, doesn’t indicate much.
Also, making the POs in 2009 was way more crazy/unexpected than 2019.
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SwivelSchwartz
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Zynbanejad
To Blais or Not To Blais
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CaliforniaBlues310
Registered User
I’d guess Binner tomorrow, and Husso in the last one.
Zynbanejad
To Blais or Not To Blais
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CaliforniaBlues310
Registered User
I don't know. It's always worried me thinking about players, especially goalies, sitting the last couple games before the playoffs. If I were Berube, I'd play Husso tonight and then have Binnington finish the regular season. There's just something off about having your starter sitting on the bench as the regular season ends. I get it, you want to rest them and avoid injury, but I'd rather limit my starter's games leading up to the last few games as opposed to right at the end. I'd want him to finish the year strong and get into a groove. It kinda sucks that the last two games are a back-to-back, though. I don't know what it's like being a goalie, but I'd feel a little weird starting game 1 of the playoffs after sitting my last game. Maybe I'm wrong.
Also, some of you believe these last couple games are meaningless, and in terms of the standings they are, but in my mind they are still important games. I'd hate for our players to view these games like a lot of people around here are. That's just asking to start some bad habits. In my opinion, we should be playing these last two games like they are playoff games. By game 1 we'd be already in the swing of things. I'd hate to start game 1 less prepared than whoever we are playing, because it's going to be the Avs or the Knights and we can't afford a slow start against teams like those.
Just my two cents.
I’ve seen Binnington getting run over enough times lately to think it’s wiser to let him sit. I’m not worried about him getting mentally ready for the playoffs.
TheDizee
Trade Jordan Kyrou ASAP | ALWAYS RIGHT
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Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Out next two games
hope we play the refalanche and paste this guy into the boards every chance we get
hope we play the refalanche and paste this guy into the boards every chance we get
Blues slotted in as the 13th best team heading into the playoffs: Stanley Cup tiers: Anonymous exec, coach, scout and player rate every playoff team
Standings aside, the 13th best team would pick 20th...but barring a run to the Final-4, the Blues are picking 17th(?)...so...arbitrage? They've at least got that going for them, even if they're likely out in 5 at the hands of the West's top seed (whoever that shall be).
Standings aside, the 13th best team would pick 20th...but barring a run to the Final-4, the Blues are picking 17th(?)...so...arbitrage? They've at least got that going for them, even if they're likely out in 5 at the hands of the West's top seed (whoever that shall be).
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joe galiba
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- Apr 16, 2020
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Yuck. The only good thing is that there is a good rhythm of every other day.
Colorado wins and they get Presidents Trophy and face the Blues. Anything else and Vegas gets the same.
The schedule is imbalanced, so these rankings are flawed, but the top 2 teams in points in the league are in the West Division.
I have no idea what to expect out of Minnesota in the postseason.
The schedule is imbalanced, so these rankings are flawed, but the top 2 teams in points in the league are in the West Division.
I have no idea what to expect out of Minnesota in the postseason.
Give me Colorado. They’re a good team but aside from the MacKinnon line, they aren’t that scary.
Vegas meanwhile is built more on depth and it seems like a new guy can kill you each game. Stone, Pacioretty, Tuch, Theodore, Smith, Marchessault, etc. They are also a lot more physical, where as Colorado is a softer team.
I think we lose to Vegas in 5 or 6.
I think we take Colorado to game 7 and potentially pull an upset.
Vegas meanwhile is built more on depth and it seems like a new guy can kill you each game. Stone, Pacioretty, Tuch, Theodore, Smith, Marchessault, etc. They are also a lot more physical, where as Colorado is a softer team.
I think we lose to Vegas in 5 or 6.
I think we take Colorado to game 7 and potentially pull an upset.
I like the thought of facing the Presidents Trophy winner. Time to be on the other end of that upset.
TheDizee
Trade Jordan Kyrou ASAP | ALWAYS RIGHT
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agreed but i think colorado goes down before 7 games. it all depends on the type of officiating that occurs. that team gets suffocated without their help. i havent been impressed in a single game vs em this year. one trick pony team.
vegas beats us in 6. we dont match up with them well unless 91 is actually the 91 of old.
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