Peepin' Foes: St. Louis Blues

Pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix pix ... hopefully the Rangers shoot as much tonight as the kids used to do when they were trying to win that damned video game on Channel 11 back in the day. The Blueshirts will be on WPIX at 8 pm to faceoff against the St. Louis Blues.

Where We Are: Coming off one of weak half-assed excuse for an effort after one impressive run. Was the 2-0 loss to the Sens an aberration like the 6-0 destruction at the hands of the Flyers? We will certainly find out.

Where They Are: St. Louis is on a three game win streak after a disappointing 0-5-2 run that saw them drop down the Western Conference Standings. Amid that slide, they ditched their head coach. They are 13th in the west but are just seven points behind eighth place LA with a game in hand. Sadly they just lost a megafan and my condolences go out to his family.

Who To Watch For: All American hero David Backes is a tough bastard who can score and he leads a large contingent of skilled kids: roller hockey star TJ Oshie (he of the check on the hit-happy Cal Clutterbuck in front of the hot chick in the picture on the right), David Perron, Patrik Berglund and Erik Johnson. Walt Keith Tkachuk is playing the part of toothless Bobby Clarke after taking a puck to the grill two weeks back while Paul Kariya has returned from another concussion; they are old and far from their prime but there is still a little left in the tank. Not much, but a little. Brad Boyes and Andy MacDonald are 1 and 2 in St. Louis in points but that isn't saying much as neither is close to a point per game. Andy Mac leads the team in goals with 14. Yeah. With our luck, they should put up six or seven on us, right? Let's hope not.

What To Watch For: If Tortorella needs to blow a timeout to motivate his players. Donald Brashear possibly being out with injury after getting his ass kicked by Matt Carkner, and thus avoiding B.J. Crombeen and Cam Janssen - both of whom would clobber the caveman. Barret Jackman playing the kind of tough, strong defensive defense that the Rangers have needed for years. Erik Christensen to get a single shot on goal - one more than against the Sens.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: The convincing win we wanted on Thursday. Avery yapping at Janssen like they did in the old days, with Avery showing up the cement-headed former Devil with a goal or two. Marian Gaborik to get back to his scoring ways. Vinny Prospal to get his legs back. Hobey Gilroy to put college dropout Erik Johnson in his place. MSG to realize that Micheletti is no real replacement for JD and convince Davidson to give up his cushy gig as king of the Blues kingdom.

Also Check Out: I don't check many Blues sites to tell you the truth. I should, seeing as they are at times a very exciting team. I have always enjoyed St. Louis Game Time, even after SBN snatched him up and I occasionally look at Let's Go Blues.

Peepin' Foes: St. Louis Blues - A Glimpse into the Challenge Ahead

In the fast-paced and fiercely competitive world of the National Hockey League (NHL), teams must constantly adapt, strategize, and improve to stay competitive. As the New York Rangers prepare to face the St. Louis Blues, one of the league's formidable opponents, let's take a closer look at what makes the Blues a challenge and what the Rangers need to consider in this matchup.

A Brief Look at the St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues, founded in 1967, are one of the NHL's original expansion teams. They've established themselves as a respected franchise over the years, winning their first Stanley Cup in the 2018-2019 season. Led by a combination of veteran talent and promising youth, the Blues are a well-rounded team with a reputation for their physicality, defensive prowess, and ability to grind out wins.

Key Strengths of the St. Louis Blues

1. Strong Defensive Play:

The Blues are known for their strong defensive system. They play a disciplined and structured game in their own zone, making it difficult for opponents to generate high-quality scoring chances.

2. Goaltending Excellence:

Goaltending is often the backbone of any successful team, and the Blues are no exception. They have a solid tandem in Jordan Binnington and Ville Husso, both of whom have demonstrated their ability to steal games when needed.

3. Balanced Scoring:

St. Louis boasts a balanced scoring attack with contributions from forwards, defensemen, and all four lines. This makes it challenging for opposing teams to focus on shutting down a single offensive threat.

4. Physicality:

The Blues aren't afraid to play a physical game. They can wear down opponents over the course of a game, and their aggressive style can lead to turnovers and scoring opportunities.

5. Playoff Experience:

Winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 has given the Blues valuable playoff experience. They know what it takes to succeed in high-pressure situations.

Strategies for the Rangers

Facing a team like the St. Louis Blues requires careful planning and execution. Here are some strategies the Rangers may consider:

1. Speed and Transition:

The Rangers should utilize their speed and transition game to create odd-man rushes and exploit any gaps in the Blues' defense.

2. Forechecking Pressure:

Applying pressure on the Blues' defensemen during the forecheck can force turnovers and disrupt their breakout plays.

3. Special Teams:

Capitalizing on power plays and penalty kills will be crucial. The Rangers should focus on discipline to avoid unnecessary penalties.

4. Goaltender Duel:

In games where the goaltending battle is critical, the Rangers' netminder should aim to match the performance of Binnington or Husso.

5. Defensive Responsibility:

Defensive responsibility is key when facing a team like the Blues. Limiting turnovers and defensive breakdowns is essential to success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How have the Blues performed in recent seasons?

The Blues have been competitive in recent years, culminating in their Stanley Cup win in the 2018-2019 season.

2. What challenges do the Rangers face when playing against physical teams like the Blues?

Physical teams can disrupt the Rangers' offensive flow and force them into turnovers. The Rangers must maintain composure and stick to their game plan.

3. Are there standout players to watch on the Blues roster?

The Blues have several standout players, including Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly, and Colton Parayko, among others.

4. How important is coaching in a matchup like this?

Coaching plays a significant role in devising strategies and making in-game adjustments. Effective coaching can be the difference in a close game.

5. What can Rangers fans expect from this matchup?

Rangers fans can expect an intense and competitive game. It's an opportunity for the team to test themselves against a strong opponent.

In conclusion, facing the St. Louis Blues is always a challenge in the NHL. Their combination of defensive prowess, balanced scoring, and physicality makes them a formidable opponent. However, the Rangers have their own strengths and strategies to employ in this matchup. As they take to the ice, fans will be watching closely, hoping for an exciting and competitive game.