St. Louis Blues Once Again Make An Early Exit

COMMENTARY | The St. Louis Blues have been heavy favorites for the past two seasons to go all the way and win the Stanley Cup. Both years, the Blues have made a hasty exit from the playoffs, not winning a series. Fans and commentators were excited this post-season when the Blues faced off against the Minnesota Wild. Many thought the Blues would have a tough series but would prevail in the end. That is until small mistakes began to add up and the offense crumbled.

History did, in a sense, repeat itself once again.

Blues Explode in Game 2, Fade In Game 3

COMMENTARY | | The St. Louis Blues made a strong comeback in Game 2 after an embarrassing loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 1. The Blues have not been solid in the playoffs in years past, but are ever hopeful to win a playoff series.

Blues fans were in agony after two empty-net goals were scored by the Wild in Game 1, contributing to their team’s 4-2 loss. The Blues redeemed themselves to their fans in Game 2, winning 4-1. That redemption only lasted a short time before the Blues were bested in Game 3 by a score of 3-0.

Blues Outplayed By The Wild In Game 1

COMMENTARY | St. Louis fans were hyped up prior to the start of Game 1; there was a feeling of expectancy within the air at Scottrade Center. Players and coaches claimed to be ready to get out there and prove that they could play a strong hockey game during a playoff series. There was just one little problem – the Minnesota Wild were hungrier and played a better hockey game than the Blues.

Former Blues forward and fan favorite, Chris Stewart, came back to St. Louis as a Wild and he had something to prove. Although Stewart did not score any points, he made his presence known when on the ice with strategic checks and vocal encouragement for his team.

Rookie Goaltending

Rookie goaltenders, appearing in their first playoff game, dominated the game. While the Blues’ Jake Allen was handed the loss, 2 of the 4 goals allowed by the Blues happened when Allen was not even on the ice. Wild goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, was solid in goal and showed no signs of losing his composure when the Blues rallied in the third period.

Having solid, unshakable goaltenders during the playoffs is essential for any team to win hockey games and advance towards the finals. Both Allen and Dubnyk showed their respective teams that they can handle the pressure of playoff hockey, but can they both keep the momentum going and carry their team to a series win? This will be the series to watch and analyze their stamina as well as their confidence in themselves and their teammates.

Out Played

Fans cannot even blame bad calls from the referees as the reason their beloved Blues bombed in Game 1. True there were a few iffy calls, but find a game where that is not the case. The truth of the matter is that the Wild out strategized the Blues, played harder and dug deeper to pull off the win. Overall the Blues took a long time to find a groove of any kind and in playoff hockey that can spell disaster.

Blues players did not look prepared for Game 1 and they looked unsure of how to handle the determined Wild team. The Blues were able to defeat the Wild in their last game of the season and it may be that they felt too comfortable and confident in their ability to beat them again.

The most painful thing to watch during a playoff game is the empty-net goals that occur when a team, in desperation, pulls their goalie for the extra attacker. The Blues were burned not once, but twice during Game 1 when head coach, Ken Hitchcock, pulled Allen in the final minutes of the game. He was hoping for a last-minute miracle from his offense, but what he got instead was a push from the Wild. To lose a playoff game by one goal is difficult for any team, but to lose because of two empty-net goals is almost too much to swallow.

Game 2 Changes

The Blues need to step it up in Game 2 and come out strong from the first puck drop. The Wild had something to prove in Game 1 and came out with a vengeance. The Blues now have something to prove in Game 2. It will be interesting to see if Hitchcock mixes up his lines to try and get more offense going or if he will stick with what has worked in the regular season.

The Wild’s head coach, Mike Yeo, has found a winning combination and is showing that the Wild can be a contender. Now, it is the Blues’ turn to step it up and prove to St. Louis and the NHL that they will not once again fizzle in the first round of the playoffs.

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An Early Season Look at the St Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have been off to an interesting start. You would think injuries to key players would set the team back, however, lesser known players have been able to step up and make things happen. Head coach Ken Hitchcock has been working his magic and quickly adjusting lines to put players together who complement each other.

This is definitely not last season’s team. This is a team that has to scratch and claw their way through every win and make every play count. It is not always pretty, but it is somewhat effective. From key injuries to bacterial infections to uncertain coaching and inexperienced goalies, the Blues players have gotten off to a rocky start. This has been creating a precarious balance within the team that has been producing wins.

St. Louis Blues: Can They Finally Bring Home the Cup?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Another day, another brilliant new writer for hockey fans to enjoy! Our latest recruit is Micki Holley, a resident of St Louis, Missouri, USA. An experienced author with regular contributions published at Yahoo Sports, not to mention her own blog and several other projects on the go, Micki will surely bring a unique voice to our little corner of the internet. Primarily focusing on the St Louis Blues, we are excited to bring her on board at Ice Nation UK!

The Blues are favourites to win the cup in many experts’ eyes. (Image courtesy of bleedinblue.com)

It’s official. The St. Louis Blues will be making another playoff run; their fourth attempt at claiming the cup in the last nine seasons. Now their focus is on getting home ice advantage through the playoffs and if they keep steam rolling other teams as they have done all season, it should be achieved with no problems.

Breezing their way through the playoffs to win the ultimate prize will be a completely different story though as they are not mentally prepared for such a feat – the expectations thrust onto their shoulders may prove too much for them to handle.