"Dont be surprised to see the blues out in the first round" - John Shannon

Due to inexperience and thinks they will run into limitations. Discuss.

Anything can happen in the playoffs.

Who's John Shannon?

"The Blues are located in St. Louis" - John Shannon


Discuss.

Well, that's the thing. And not really going out on a limb.

We've never seen St. Louis or NYR this high (with their current teams/rosters/past years). Playoff experience counts.

However, if they draw Phoenix, they probably will advance fairly easily (awaits people to point to tonight's game despite not knowing that St. Louis won the first 3 games in the series.)

Same with New York. If New York draws Washington, that could present a problem (I doubt it but it could be) versus them drawing Florida.

While I won't have either being upset in round 1, it may count in future rounds.

"The Blues are located in St. Louis" - John Shannon


Discuss.

Source? :sarcasm:

John Shannon is an idiot. Discuss.

I agree

I would not be shocked if the Blues are gone in round 1, but I also think if they get past round 1, they can go all the way.

John Shannon is an idiot. Discuss.

Not really.

I would not be shocked if the Blues are gone in round 1, but I also think if they get past round 1, they can go all the way.

I agree.

They have the coach for it, halak could get red hot again, if he gets into god mode again watch out, and they got some vet horses in langenbrunner (who is a big playoff performer) and arnott.

i hope they win so he can eat crow

I don't think "experience" matters at all.

They could win any number of playoff games between zero and 16...and I wouldn't be surprised.

If they play SJ i could see it happening.

John Shannon and his soothsaying glasses. Gimme a break.

Great tempo but after watching them against the Bruins and a few times versus the Wings, I get the feeling they don't have the skill to go with their intensity and they will run out of gas. That said, as long as Halak stays hot, I think they go to the finals.............

If they play SJ i could see it happening.
yes, the team they have absolutely destroyed every game this year, well done, you literally picked the team 99.999999% of blues fans want them to face

Blues are a wild card,

Could happen. This isn't groundbreaking. Any team can lose

As long as they don't play SJ they could easily go out in the first round!

I could see them losing to the Kings. They would still be favourites in that series.

Seeing how they can very well end up playing the Sharks, I hope he's right.

Don't be surprised to see any team go out in the first round. That said, the Blues are the best team in the NHL.

They could win any number of playoff games between zero and 16...and I wouldn't be surprised.

Yep. Personally I don't see the Blue's out in the first round. The only way they'd implode is in the unlikely event where they keep giving up early goals and get away from playing their system. I just don't see that happening with two solid goalies.

Now the Canucks on the other hand (whom I support and have followed since their entry into the league), show every sign of a team ripe to be upset in round one. Poor team play, terrible PP, confusion between the D and forwards, no chemistry on the important (for them), second line, complete confusion with the D pairings and missing their top line winger.

Of course they also have a decent PK and good goaltending, but that has often hidden all the warts and allowed them to win games they didn't really deserve to be in.

If this had just been a recent development, I would be less likely to worry, but they've been putting up games like this for most of the season. The Blues on the other hand, have played a very solid, defensive team game (like the Bruins last season), that's allowed them to get to the top of the league. Teams like this rarely get upset early. Certainly they get beaten, but not often in the first round.

Don't be surprised to see any team go out in the first round. That said, the Blues are the best team in the NHL.

Not the last 4 games they're not. Giving up over 30 shots a game and 12 non shootout goals.

I could see them losing to the Kings. They would still be favourites in that series.

Yeah, LA has been amazing this year, especially against the Blues.

1Tgklh-xnXw

Nobody can compete with that.

yes, the team they have absolutely destroyed every game this year, well done, you literally picked the team 99.999999% of blues fans want them to face

Careful what you wish for.

Yeah, LA has been amazing this year, especially against the Blues.

1Tgklh-xnXw

Nobody can compete with that.

So you think the Blues would be locks to beat LA? I even said the Blues would still be favourites. Don't get so defensive.

yes, the team they have absolutely destroyed every game this year, well done, you literally picked the team 99.999999% of blues fans want them to face

Regular season means nothing come playoff time. I seem to recall Ottawa sweeping a season series (intra-division too, ie. more games) against Toronto back in the day only to be swept by Toronto in the first round. Not to mention the last time St. Louis played San Jose in a 1 v 8 matchup, things didn't end so well. ;)

With the parity in the league, I don't see how anyone could consider St. Louis a heavy favourite in the first round. It looks like there is a good chance they'll play either San Jose or Los Angeles and those matchups might as well be a coin toss. LA is hot, they are top-5 scoring team post-deadline & can play tit-for-tat defensively with the Blues. SJ has far more experience and is a more talented team on paper.

"words"

- John Shannon, 2012

Not the last 4 games they're not. Giving up over 30 shots a game and 12 non shootout goals.

So we should ignore their other 77 games? A 4-game sample size is utterly meaningless, especially considering they've had precious little to play for.

doesn't really matter with the blues, they'll prob be contenders for the next 5+ years

I agree 100 %.

The only thing that could surprise me in the playoffs would be an 8th seed winning the cup. Other than that, even an 8 seed taking it to game seven in the finals, nothing will surprise me.

It's the playoffs, anything could happen.

I agree with that - a first round defeat would not be incredibly shocking, especially with so many damn good teams in the 6-7-8 seeds.

I suppose he's just taking a stab at it. Anything can happen.

Shannon is right considering STL has the unfortunate task of facing Scott Glennie on Saturday so who knows if they even make it out alive.

Shannon is right considering STL has the unfortunate task of facing Scott Glennie on Saturday so who knows if they even make it out alive.

I'll have to keep an eye on this game as well as the Jets game. Reppin' Winnipeg. :D

So we should ignore their other 77 games? A 4-game sample size is utterly meaningless, especially considering they've had precious little to play for.

Les, all I said is that the last 4 games they haven't been the best team. Is that factually incorrect?

"Don't be surprised to see the Blues out in the first round."

The Blues have made the playoffs once in their previous 5 seasons and only went on a magical run after firing their coach mid-season. It's not hard to see a team without recent playoff experience being upset.

I don't think "experience" matters at all.

When you're a favorite, like the Blues will be, it's nice to have experience because you are under pressure to win. When you're a bottom 4 team, then, you don't have the pressure to win. They do have some experience with Halak, Langs, Arnott, MacDonald having gone deep into the playoffs in the past. The core of the team, Backes, Oshie, AP, Shattenkirk, Stewart, Berglund, Perron, etc. have only the 2009 experience to draw on (and some don't even have that....) It's different when you are expected to win versus not having the pressure of expectation.

All 3 possible 1st round opponents for the Blues have made the playoffs the past 2 seasons. Phoenix, took Detroit to 7 games in 2010, but got swept last year. Sharks made the Conference finals the past 2 years. Kings bowed out in round 1 the last 2 years in 6 games.

Blues were last in the playoffs in 2009, getting swept in round 1.

Wouldn't be shocked to see them go down, but they have a team that can get to the conference finals too. Phx and LA are very defensive, so a bounce or a PPG could be the difference in a series. SJ, their core has playoff experience.

Once in a while the fabled monster comes out of the water.Rumors is that he's lurking under the water waiting for the playoffs to start.

http://cdn.nhl.com/blues/images/upload/2010/12/halak_net_monster.jpg

Um, I'm a Devil's fan and so I am aware that anything can happen, however, I'd be shocked if the Blues are out in the first round.

Who the Heck is John Shannon anyway?

Considering which possible opponents they could match up with, I'd hardly find it surprising if they go out that early. Just remember that in 3 weeks, only 8 teams out of a 30 team league will still be playing. A lot of teams don't make it that far.

As a wings fan, I hate the blues but this should really be "dont be suprised to see the blues in the wcf"

Don't be surprised to see any team go out in the first round. That said, the Blues are the best team in the NHL.

The penguins say Hi

As long as they play halak they will be fine. He can go into legendary mOde and has proven he can handle the craziest pressure in Montreal.

they remind me of the 08-09 hawks. good enough just inexperienced. they likely lose to SJ, DET, NSH, VAN. they easily beat phx, la and chi

The playoffs are unpredictable, who knows what's gonna happen..

Arnott, McDonald, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Halak, Huskins, Jackman have all been through it before as well as the mini stint the Blues had 3 years ago against Vancouver in the playoffs, a few players on their roster this year went through.

Not to mention an extremely experienced coach. They'll be fine.

They've been the third best team this season. I believe they will win their first round no matter who they draw.

they remind me of the 08-09 hawks. good enough just inexperienced. they likely lose to SJ, DET, NSH, VAN. they easily beat phx, la and chi

Maybe I'm missing something here. How on earth do they remind you of the 09 Hawks?

The Blues have the second lowest goals for amongst western playoff teams and the lowest goals against by far on average. Not exactly an offensive powerhouse/weak defensive team like the Hawks.

doesn't really matter with the blues, they'll prob be contenders for the next 5+ years

This.

It's been a great run and while I would be disappointed with a first round exit, I know the future of this team is extremely bright.

It's steady playoffs from here on out.

they remind me of the 08-09 hawks. good enough just inexperienced. they likely lose to SJ, DET, NSH, VAN. they easily beat phx, la and chi
Obviously you are a biased Sharks fan but we lose to San Jose but easily beat LA or Chicago?

No. Other way around, if anything.

I can very much see them losing in the first round.

It could happen ,, These Blues remind me of 00 Q's Blues who were best team in NHL defensively and won President's trophy only to fall to Sharks in round 1

Defensively they are stronger then that unit + In goal but offensively they aren't as good as that 00 team

When it comes to playoffs anything can happen

Yeah, LA has been amazing this year, especially against the Blues.

1Tgklh-xnXw

Nobody can compete with that.

Are you aware that Kings are 3-1 against Blues this season?

Well obviously but the same can be said about every team.

I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the Blues out in the first round or go and win it all.

If the Blues go out on the 1st round I would still say they are one of the top teams in the NHL and still expect them to have a great chance to win it all next year, more so in fact, barring injuries.

No one would be surprised to see the Blues outed in the first round because:

1) The Western Conference is a crapshoot(more so than it has been the past few years) 1-8.

2) St. Louis has vastly overachieved all season long

If they play SJ/LAK I would have to agree.

naw I think they'll be good, but at least if they do go out in the first round there shouldn't be any choke talk because this is really there first year of being a playoff team.

Can't say I'd be too surprised to see anyone go out in the first round. Really deep field this spring, especially out west.

If experience meant anything the Red Wings would win the Cup every year.

Yep. Personally I don't see the Blue's out in the first round. The only way they'd implode is in the unlikely event where they keep giving up early goals and get away from playing their system. I just don't see that happening with two solid goalies.

Now the Canucks on the other hand (whom I support and have followed since their entry into the league), show every sign of a team ripe to be upset in round one. Poor team play, terrible PP, confusion between the D and forwards, no chemistry on the important (for them), second line, complete confusion with the D pairings and missing their top line winger.

Of course they also have a decent PK and good goaltending, but that has often hidden all the warts and allowed them to win games they didn't really deserve to be in.

If this had just been a recent development, I would be less likely to worry, but they've been putting up games like this for most of the season. The Blues on the other hand, have played a very solid, defensive team game (like the Bruins last season), that's allowed them to get to the top of the league. Teams like this rarely get upset early. Certainly they get beaten, but not often in the first round.

Yeah, they've only won 7 of 8 without their leading goal scorer, who will return next week. No biggie.

The Bruins had three lines of scoring depth and a ton of experience. The Blues have none of either. That comparison could not be more bogus.

IMO the Blues just executed a team system well and have recently been 'figured out'. Elliot had a great year, but he's only been to the playoffs once with Ottawa, and was unimpressive.

09-10 playoffs with Ottawa
1 Win 2 Losses 203 SA 14 GA 4.14 GAA .853 Save %

Up until this year, his regular season stats hovered around the .900 mark. Either he truly did have a break-out year and took his game up a notch, or he simply benefited from playing behind a team that was executing their system well.

If Elliot starts to falter, will they switch to Halak soon enough to save their post-season?

not really a surprise.

Tons of examples over history of great teams with now playoff experience falling flat.

Yeah, LA has been amazing this year, especially against the Blues.

1Tgklh-xnXw

Nobody can compete with that.

:laugh::laugh: That is AWESOME.

If Elliot starts to falter, will they switch to Halak soon enough to save their post-season?

I don't get it...Are you assuming Elliott is our starting goalie for the play-offs? If so, you are highly mistaken. It's funny how so many people speculate who are starting goalie is. Both are great goalies...both can be played on any given night, but Halak is our main guy. He will start for us in the play-offs. If he falters or needs rest then Elliott is there. Not the other way around. Just an FYI for anyone who's curious.


BTW love the tone in here. Please send more of that negative energy our way. ;)

If they draw the Sharks, they'll make it because everyone knows the Sharks will choke in the playoffs. :sarcasm:

Well, in order for the Blues to make the playoffs in the first place, they would have to survive their date with Scott Glennie tonight :sarcasm:

Hardly a groundbreaking revelation, is it? The Blues are vulnerable because they lack playoff experience, aren't playing at their best right now and will face a good team. Pretty meaningless comment.

When asked about potential "upsets" all the analysts will basically say the same thing, Blues and Rangers.


IMO the Blues just executed a team system well and have recently been 'figured out'.

:laugh:

To be fair, I expected more of this kind of nonsense.

Funny how the Blues only got "figured out" after they had effectively clinched the Central Division. The recent record has been ugly, 3-4-4, but until last night only teams missing the playoffs had beaten us before the shootout in that stretch.

They're going to have Arnott and Langenbrunner in the locker room. I'm not too worried about a lack of experience. (but I am worried that I spelled Langenbrunner wrong)

I think it's becoming a bit trendy to pick the Blues as a high seed to go out in the 1st round, but I don't think it will happen. Maybe if they play LA because of how Quick is playing right now, he could steal the entire series by himself. But I'd still have them the favorite and definitely like their chances to beat San Jose and Phoenix.

The fat man is a 1 trick pony. The Blues will be a 7th or 8th seed next year. He got Columbus to the playoffs and Philly but he wore out his welcome. His style of play is grueling and its obvious the Blues are starting to get tired both physically and mentally. The team is limited in talent and has to play a perfect game to win. The Blues have had a great season but don't compare this team to Chicago of a few years ago. Chicago actually has high talented players, not a bunch of scrubs that are buying into a system. Pretty sad when you look at the highest scoring player and he has 24 goals.

It wouldn't surprise me, the same as it wouldn't surprise me to see them win the Cup. in the playoffs anything can happen.

if they face LA i can see quick stealing a few games and the series

The fat man is a 1 trick pony. The Blues will be a 7th or 8th seed next year. He got Columbus to the playoffs and Philly but he wore out his welcome. His style of play is grueling and its obvious the Blues are starting to get tired both physically and mentally. The team is limited in talent and has to play a perfect game to win. The Blues have had a great season but don't compare this team to Chicago of a few years ago. Chicago actually has high talented players, not a bunch of scrubs that are buying into a system. Pretty sad when you look at the highest scoring player and he has 24 goals.

Pretty sad when they're still in a better position than most teams for a bunch of scrubs...Backes, Oshie, Perron, McDonald, and Pietrangelo are scrubs? Name a single team in the league that wouldn't take those guys. The Blues are finally healthy and will have two of the best prospects in the world playing for them next year. Anyone that knows anything of the Blues realizes that this team's future is beyond bright.

To all the Blues' fans wishing to play the Sharks, I hope that comes back to bite you. The Blues are a great team, and I think they'd likely advance past the Sharks, but I've found that wishing for the so-called easy match-up never ends well. Season series tends to go out the window come playoffs, so we'll see what happens...

It's not that we want to face the Sharks...It's that none of us want to see Quick or Smith in the first round. Who would you rather face if you were the Blues?

To all the Blues' fans wishing to play the Sharks, I hope that comes back to bite you. The Blues are a great team, and I think they'd likely advance past the Sharks, but I've found that wishing for the so-called easy match-up never ends well. Season series tends to go out the window come playoffs, so we'll see what happens...seems to me it's more like shark's fans are wanting to face the blues.. simply because they pulled the upset 10 or so years ago. there isn't one single blue on this team, that was on that team.

I won't be surprised to see any team out in the first round. Nothing to get bent out of shape about.

.Backes, Oshie, Perron, McDonald, and Pietrangelo are scrubs? Name a single team in the league that wouldn't take those guys.

Not to go completely off topic, and I'm not saying that a team wouldn't "take" those guys, but:

On a healthy Boston team (and not even counting Savard as an option), Oshie, Perron, and McDonald are 3rd liners. They'd be the best 3rd line in the league, but they'd be 3rd liners.

And to get back on topic: I'd be "surprised" if StL lost in the 1st round, but not shocked.. if that makes sense. And I'd say the same thing for any of the top 3 seeds in either conference (except Florida, as I won't be surprised at all if they lose in the 1st round).

I see your point, but that's like saying Bergeron would be a 3rd liner on Pittsburgh. McDonald has hovered around PPG as a Blue. Who is your 2nd line left winger that can produce those numbers? Not trying to argue, but you cherry picked that a bit.

Maybe I'm missing something here. How on earth do they remind you of the 09 Hawks?

The Blues have the second lowest goals for amongst western playoff teams and the lowest goals against by far on average. Not exactly an offensive powerhouse/weak defensive team like the Hawks.

He just flippin told you how they reminded him of the 09 Hawks. GOOD, BUT INEXPERIENCED. Stop entrapping yourself in semantics just so you can disagree

the pens got knocked out in 5 games in the 1st round the first time they made it with Crosby + Malkin


Some teams do well and some don't so no you shouldnt be surprised

If experience meant anything the Red Wings would win the Cup every year.

so your argument is that because experience does not meant everything, it is completely worthless.

Fantastic

To all the Blues' fans wishing to play the Sharks, I hope that comes back to bite you. The Blues are a great team, and I think they'd likely advance past the Sharks, but I've found that wishing for the so-called easy match-up never ends well. Season series tends to go out the window come playoffs, so we'll see what happens...
It's not that Blues fans consider San Jose an "easy" matchup. It's that out of our three possible opponents, most of us like our chances against San Jose the best.
It's not that we want to face the Sharks...It's that none of us want to see Quick or Smith in the first round.
...and this is one of the reasons why. Quick and Smith can steal games. Niemi doesn't scare anybody.

seems to me it's more like shark's fans are wanting to face the blues.. simply because they pulled the upset 10 or so years ago. there isn't one single blue on this team, that was on that team.

Ducks vs Sharks 08-09.

It's not that Blues fans consider San Jose an "easy" matchup. It's that out of our three possible opponents, most of us like our chances against San Jose the best.

...and this is one of the reasons why. Quick and Smith can steal games. Niemi doesn't scare anybody.

I'm not surprised to see comments like this considering how poorly the Sharks have played for most of the year. The Sharks do have alot of talent and experience. If they play up to their abilities, they can be as good as any team in the league.

The west is so tight, I wouldn't be surprised to see more than one 1st round upset. I wouldn't single the Blues out as the only team that is vulnerable.

I see your point, but that's like saying Bergeron would be a 3rd liner on Pittsburgh. McDonald has hovered around PPG as a Blue. Who is your 2nd line left winger that can produce those numbers? Not trying to argue, but you cherry picked that a bit.

Good point about Bergeron, but I was responding to a challenge that EVERY team would take those players. Yeah, they'd take them, but when we are now talking about the top 6 or 7 teams in the league we are talking about some really good teams with really good players, and, at this point, the Blues top line players aren't "special" compared to other teams'. That's not really a knock because they are elite in net and on the blueline.

As for Andy Mc and the B's lw: No, Marchand and Lucic aren't ppg scorers, but I feel like YOU are cherrypicking by using that stat. I can turn it around and say this: The last 2 seasons-

Lucic- 56 goals
Marchand- 48 goals
McDonald- 30 goals

Of course McDonald is hurt by playing only 1/2 as many games as the other 2, but..... that's not exactly unexpected giving his history.

so your argument is that because experience does not meant everything, it is completely worthless.

Fantastic

Babcock loves to say "experience is everything, unless you don't have it."

Blues all the way, baby!

Cups winners since 07

Anaheim - Lost to EDM the year before
Detroit - Lost to EDM in 06, ANA in 07
Pittsburgh - Lost to DET the year before (SCF), Ottawa in 07
Chicago - Lost to DET the year before (WCF)
Boston - 3 appearances in the semi-finals prior.

All with playoff experience prior to a long playoff run.

Grinding tea- oriented teams like this almost never lose in the first round. After that I have some questions, but I still pick the Blues to go to the finals if they get any scoring...and they do have some scoring.

To all the Blues' fans wishing to play the Sharks, I hope that comes back to bite you. The Blues are a great team, and I think they'd likely advance past the Sharks, but I've found that wishing for the so-called easy match-up never ends well. Season series tends to go out the window come playoffs, so we'll see what happens...

As a blues fan I agree with. Regular season records don't mean anything time. Who ever the blues play it will be tough.

John Shannon is an idiot. Discuss.

This person speaks the truth. How John Shannon has a job as an analyst baffles me. The man has no clue. And he's ugly.

I don't think "experience" matters at all.
You must be young!!

Would anyone be surprised if any of the top seeded teams in the west were eliminated in the first round? They shouldn't.

As a Blues fan, it shouldn't matter who you play. The Blues only concern should be is that they get their game back. Tonight's game in Dallas should be the start.

seems to me it's more like shark's fans are wanting to face the blues.. simply because they pulled the upset 10 or so years ago. there isn't one single blue on this team, that was on that team.

There isn't a single intelligent Sharks fan that wants to face the Blues. I can promise you that. :laugh:

Anyway, this season is almost a trial run for the Blues. They have Pietrangelo, Halak, Backes, Oshie, Perron, Berglund, Sobotka, etc. who are all extremely young. They'll be contenders for the next 5+ years at minimum.

Arnott, McDonald, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Halak, Huskins, Jackman have all been through it before as well as the mini stint the Blues had 3 years ago against Vancouver in the playoffs, a few players on their roster this year went through.

Not to mention an extremely experienced coach. They'll be fine.

This to the max. Yeah, a lot of their "future" has little to no playoff experience, their vets have lots and a coach that has been there too.

Experience won't be the reason they lose, if they do.

This is the healthiest the team has been in 2 seasons... don't be surprised if bold assumptions are worthless.

all great points, but the blues will have home ice advantage and only lost at Scottrade 5 times in regulation...

i was at two of those games!! and have not yet purchased any playoff tickets


LGB!

Don't be surpriesed about anyone being knocked out in the first

Don't be surprised if any team exits the first round. derp.

With VAN/STL having to play either LA/SJ in the first round along with Det vs Nash, I would say Chi is probably in best position. So it would not shock me if any team in the west gets bounced in the first round including Van.

LA, SJ, and Chi as the 6-8 seeds that tells me how deep the West is this year for the top 8.

Everyone is so conscious of the fact that upsets can happen that many are starting to think that they always will happen. But the smart money is still on the top 2 seed in a 1st round matchup, every time. There's a reason they're called upsets.

So he'll be surprised if St. Louis wins? Doesn't sound like he's making a strong prediction; sounds like he's playing both sides.

Thanks Captain Obvious.

I'll be surprised if they make it out of the 1st round.

First off...who is John Shannon?

Anything can happen in the playoffs, absolutely anything. Just a few years ago we had a 7v8 seed in the ECF.

That being said, I really don't expect them to lose in the 1st round. Too structured, too well coached. However, it could most certainly happen.

Again, and most importantly, who the **** is John Shannon.

First off...who is John Shannon?

Anything can happen in the playoffs, absolutely anything. Just a few years ago we had a 7v8 seed in the ECF.

That being said, I really don't expect them to lose in the 1st round. Too structured, too well coached. However, it could most certainly happen.

Again, and most importantly, who the **** is John Shannon. He used to be the executive producer of HNIC and has done the same for hockey in the olympics including NBC. I agree, not the best analyst.

Don't be surprised to see them represent the West in the SCF - me.

Don't be surprised to see them represent the West in the SCF - me.
First off...who is Segchise, what does he know, and why should we listen to him? :sarcasm:

They could win any number of playoff games between zero and 16...and I wouldn't be surprised.

This. When they're on, the Blues can beat any team in the league. The question is, how will they respond to the increased intensity of the playoffs? The acquisitions of veterans like Arnott and Langenbrunner should help, but the only "core" player with any experience is McDonald. How will the young core handle the playoffs? That will determine how far the Blues go.

I completely agree. I've seen about 130 Blues games over the past 2 seasons and I think they are a good team, but not top 3 good. LA or San Jose(I'm watching on DVR so I'm behind) would be the favorites in my bets. I don't see them getting very far when teams will be matching their intensity level.

its a guarantee now... :sarcasm:....

well this should be interested hope they fix the ice... :sarcasm:

St. Louuuuuuuuis!! You're going to the 2nd round!! :sarcasm:

I think the San Jose matchup is bad for them, but not in the way many would think. My issue is that arena in San Jose for a relatively young and inexperienced playoff team like the Blues. The great news is Halak has been through this before but most of the rest of the team minus Arnott, Langenbrunner, and Nichol have not, at least not multiple times. I see this going 6 or 7 but picking the winner is pretty tough, I want to say if San Jose splits the first two their chances are very good.

You have to file a report for experience before the start of the second round to Gary Bettman. Unfortunately, John Shannon is correct. Teams with little to no experience are not allowed in the 2nd round.

If the Sharks actually bother to make an adjustment or two midgame, they could do some damage against the Blues. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be their style.

SJ is probably the best matchup for his hypothesis, major playoff experience

I love how people are picking the Sharks so that when they lose embarrassingly to the Blues, they can call the Sharks chokers. :laugh:

Congrats on the 2nd round, St. Louis.

I think they'll have problems scoring goals. Sharks have lots of offensive players. SJ in 6.

I think they'll have problems scoring goals. Sharks have lots of offensive players. SJ in 6.

The Blues won't have to score many goals when they shutout the Sharks ever game. :shakehead

Maybe I'm missing something here. How on earth do they remind you of the 09 Hawks?

The Blues have the second lowest goals for amongst western playoff teams and the lowest goals against by far on average. Not exactly an offensive powerhouse/weak defensive team like the Hawks.

Hawks were top 5 in GA in 08/09. Explain how they were weak defensively please. Not saying they were like the Blues at all, but they were far from weak defensively if you paid attention. Top 5 in GA 08/09 and 09/10(with 4th best PK).

derp derp.

I wouldn't be surprised with any team getting knocked out in the 1st round...

Look at the Nucks. Congrats, you won the President's Trophy. Oh, btw you got the LA Kings in the first round..

The SCP is a crapshoot. Especially this year..

Sharks fans trying to reverse-jinx this. Stop it. :rant:

Sharks fans trying to reverse-jinx this. Stop it. :rant:

No fan should have a big enough ego that they think they might actually influence the result of an NHL game.

So in the spirit of that, no, we shan't. :laugh:

It's the Wild West..and nothing is predictable. It's going to be tough for any team playing any other team.

Predictions are like buttholes..they all stink and everyone has them.

Niemi doesn't scare anybody.

Except Sharks fans.

Sharks fans trying to reverse-jinx this. Stop it. :rant:

Bro look at the numbers. The Sharks are gonna get wrecked. It'll be like:

Game 1: STL 1 SJS 0
Game 2: STL 3 SJS 0
Game 3: STL 2 SJS 0
Game 4: STL 1 SJS 0

I've been thinking the same thing. 4-1 or 4-2 Sharks

Not taking anything for granted but aren't the Sharks famous for collapsing during the playoffs? Everything's going swimmingly, then the wheels totally fall off?

Don't be surprised to see any team go out in the first round. That said, the Blues are the best team in the NHL.

by what metric? :laugh::laugh:

This is the healthiest the team has been in 2 seasons... don't be surprised if bold assumptions are worthless.

This is also the most they've overacheived in 2 seasons.


I think Shannon is an idiot, but I agree with him in this case. I wouldn't go as far as saying I expect it.... But certainly wouldn't be suprised.

Why all the sj love? They are a good team but I think the blues in six. Can the sharks take the pounding? The blues are just as big as the sharks but better d while sharks are the better offensive team.

The Sharks scored more goals, the Blues gave up fewer goals. The Sharks have a better power play, the Blues have better penalty killing. The Blues have better goal tending, the Sharks goalie has won it all. The Blues went 4-0 vs the Sharks and handled them well in all of those games. The Sharks are 5-2 over their last seven games and have been battling for playoff position since March, so they are geared up. There is no reason for either of these teams to be over confident.



Odd note: Sharks center Michal Handzus was on the Blues when they imploded in the first round in 2000.

Bro look at the numbers. The Sharks are gonna get wrecked. It'll be like:

Game 1: STL 1 SJS 0
Game 2: STL 3 SJS 0
Game 3: STL 2 SJS 0
Game 4: STL 1 SJS 0


:yo:

Tj Oshie will drive his Chevy Low-rider onto the ice and break dance on the hood after they win.

well, if they don`t go back to normal form and play like they did the last couple of games I wouldn`t even be surprised if we are out after 4 games:shakehead

Wait.....Who's John Shannon?

Won't suprise me, I've seen bigger upsets in playoffs.

I think St.Louis should be happy with their season and their future regardless of what happens. They haven't seen the playoffs in years, will be nice and they will succeed, and if they dont then they will learn for next year as they have a good team for a minimum few years.

I would hate to see it happen, but I am much happier we are facing Niemi as opposed to Quick. I'm also totally fine with the experts saying stuff like this, great material for the locker room to give the guys a little extra motivation.

I really wouldn't be surprised to see any team out in the first round, or any team make it far. It seems like anyone's game, esp in the Western conference. I wouldn't bet anything on any scenario at this point.

Not taking anything for granted but aren't the Sharks famous for collapsing during the playoffs? Everything's going swimmingly, then the wheels totally fall off?

:laugh: I was waiting for this.

Kind sir, I suggest you not talk about hockey that you haven't watched as if you know what you're talking about.

As a Canucks fan, I'm really hoping SJ takes this series.

No fan should have a big enough ego that they think they might actually influence the result of an NHL game.

So in the spirit of that, no, we shan't. :laugh:

:laugh:


You are a subtle ninja, TJux

I was thinking about this same topic last night actually.

1) San Jose was pretty hot down the stretch, winning 7 of 9. St. Louis finished cold, losing 8 out of 12. So momentum definitely favors the Sharks.

2) St. Louis has had a really incredible season, and could call it all a success regardless how their playoffs go. They're a young team and will have a lot to look forward to next year. On the other hand, the Sharks are pretty much at the end of their window as a contender. Their core won't be together too much longer, and heads will probably start rolling soon. A lot of guys in that locker room are playing for their legacies.

3) Take #s 1 and 2, and factor in the experience levels of the teams involved.

I really do think San Jose could overwhelm the Blues if they can balance desperation with coolness under pressure.

Wait.....Who's John Shannon?

Canadian hockey analyst who works for sportsnet.
One of the few good people in the business.

well first off , john shannon is a complete idiot

im sure i have a bigger hockey background then johnny boy

being a producer on hockey night in canada doesnt mean you know anything



but besides that , the sharks are a veteran team playoff wise , the blues are not .

as a canucks fan i was fearing playing san jose in round 1 , it'll be a tough series

Canadian hockey analyst who works for sportsnet.
One of the few good people in the business.

Yet, nobody can find a link attributing this quote to him..

well first off , john shannon is a complete idiot

im sure i have a bigger hockey background then johnny boy

being a producer on hockey night in canada doesnt mean you know anything



but besides that , the sharks are a veteran team playoff wise , the blues are not .

as a canucks fan i was fearing playing san jose in round 1 , it'll be a tough series

This isn't the 2009 St. Louis Blues team who had virtually zero playoff experience that your Canucks swept.

This will be a good series.

Six games, could go to either team.

Even as a Red Wings fan I've picked St. Louis to go all the way this year.

As far as next year, for some reason I see them falling into mediocrity. Just a gut feeling and I'll gladly eat those words if they don't.

:laugh:


You are a subtle ninja, TJux

Thank you, thank you very much. I live for the praise of our precious mods. :laugh:

Yep, Shannon hit the nail on the head again.

i agree


SHARKS vs nucks 2nd round:yo:


can't wait to wear my Joe Thornton jersey downtown:help:

The way we've been playing lately, I could see us losing this series.

That being said, we've been pretty good against the Sharks this season.

Sharks couldn't establish a forecheck against St. Louis, and were always outnumbered in the Blues d-zone. If the Sharks figure out how to get through the neutral zone consistently, then I could see the team doing some damage, but if not then it will be a quick series. Sharks don't really do stretch passes or long passes to go from defense to attack, and I doubt the team starts this series. Slopping it up and playing extremely physical would work for the Sharks as well, but the team rarely does this for more than a period. Odds are against Sharks advancing.

I won't be surprised to see St. Louis lose in round 1 and I won't be surprised to see them in the Finals. They're the wild card this year.

Thanks Shannon. In other news, do not be surprised to find any of the other 15 playoff teams out in the first round.

Thanks Shannon. In other news, do not be surprised to find any of the other 15 playoff teams out in the first round.

I kinda feel like every team deserves a "haters come flame here" thread now.

I think the Blues are a great team but the only reason they are up near the top of the standings is because they've been playing playoff style hockey since Hitchcock took over. I don't think it will "catch up" to them unless they go really deep into the playoffs but I do think they will find it WAY more difficult to win out games when other teams are playing just as hard/physical/fast.

I'm with a lot of people. It will not be surprising to see any team in the West knocked out in the first round. Hell, the same can pretty much be said about the East.

I think the Blues are a great team but the only reason they are up near the top of the standings is because they've been playing playoff style hockey since Hitchcock took over. I don't think it will "catch up" to them unless they go really deep into the playoffs but I do think they will find it WAY more difficult to win out games when other teams are playing just as hard/physical/fast.

They have not been playing playoff hockey for a good 10 games. They have made some teams look far better than they really are. They are looking too far ahead, and will lose on that basis alone, if they make it out of the first round (with a removal of their heads from their behinds) you will see a team that will be scary. But that is still a big if.