Western Quarterfinal: (2) St. Louis Blues vs. (7) San Jose Sharks

Poll to come...

SJ in 7

Blues in 6

Sharks in 6.

STL in 6

Blues in 7. It'll be closer than people think.

Sharks in 6.

Blues in 4.


They destroyed us during the season, depressing match up for the Sharks, easy for the blues.

Blues in 4 all shutouts... FML :cry:

Blues in 4.

SJ in 6

SJ in six.

Sweep by the Blues. Not only will it be sad but it will be boring as ****.

Sharks in 7

Go sharks!

Sharks in 4 to make series 4-4 for the year.

Blues in 7

Blues in 7.

Sharks are gonna get embarassed.

well ****...

at least i'll have beer.

They say St. Louis is built for the playoffs. Now is the test. It all comes down to how much the Blues have remaining in the gas tank. If they have plenty, they will win it in 4. If not, I see San Jose taking it in 6.

I feel like either St. Louis sweeps this or completely craps the bed and the Sharks take it with nothing in between.

Blues in 5 very exciting games

Bring it on Admiral Hitchcock

Blues in 5. I think the Sharks can steal a game here.

Sharks in 6.

pI1qELUYZaM

Seven game series for sure.

Taking bets on Sharks shooting percentage this series. Over/under is 4%.

I don't know. I think being in, as "underdogs" will help San Jose this year. Going with them in 6. Should be a hell of a series anyways.

Halak is a monster in the playoffs.

St. Louis in 5.

Ask me after Game 1 :nod:

pI1qELUYZaM

YES :handclap:

Well I picked Sharks in 7... but honestly, as others have said, I could see a Blues in 5 too.

This is gonna be a good series, blues depth blows away the sharks especially on the third and fourth lines.

Blues in 4. Swept Sharks in the regular season pretty convincingly

Game 1 Wednesday, game 2 Sunday? What the hell?

Sharks in 5

So what's the under/over for the number of goals the sharks score in this series? 3?

Blues in 5, just a bad matchup for the Sharks

I'll say Blues in 6

Game 1 Wednesday, game 2 Sunday? What the hell?

Where'd you read that?

I can guarantee you guys ONE thing: the Sharks' GDT will be centered around Kent Huskins.

Blues in 6 or Sharks in 5. How the Blues show up in this series will depict the winner. If they get back to playing their game, the Sharks are in trouble. I'm sure you all know the old saying...You can dictate defense, etc.

Blues in 4.

Blues in 4, they've clowned San Jose all year. It won't even look like a playoff series. The Sharks' coaching staff and players literally have no idea how to win against St. Louis.

Game 1 Wednesday, game 2 Sunday? What the hell?

where are you getting this?

Sharks in 7. Gonna be a long series.

Sharks in 7.

where are you getting this?

Andy Strickland's twitter. It was re-tweeted by Puck Daddy. It is a rumor, but being reported by multiple people.

Blues in 6.

Just like the old days. I can see this series going either way but I will guess Blues in 6 or 7.

Blues in 6.

Blues in 5

At least we're the underdogs this time. :laugh:

Andy Strickland's twitter. It was re-tweeted by Puck Daddy. It is a rumor, but being reported by multiple people.

It was corrected



"correction...make that wed, sat if # Blues play #Sharks or #Yotes Thurs , Sun if they play #Kings #badtyping"



Pretty sure this was due to Staples Center's busy schedule. I assume they play in Van on the same days (Thurs/Sun)

Realistically Blues in 4, but I'll be rooting for the Sharks!

hey st louis, remember 2000? i sure do :-D

Sharks are a much bigger team, theyd have to use their size to advantage

Sharks are a much bigger team, theyd have to use their size to advantage

Sadly this doesn't happen often. :(

Blues in 4.

It was corrected



"correction...make that wed, sat if # Blues play #Sharks or #Yotes Thurs , Sun if they play #Kings #badtyping"



Pretty sure this was due to Staples Center's busy schedule. I assume they play in Van on the same days (Thurs/Sun)

Thank God. It's still too long though.

I expect this to be a longer series than people seem to think for the mere fact that the Blues are playing pretty poorly lately.

I expect this to be a longer series than people seem to think for the mere fact that the Blues are playing pretty poorly lately.

Yep. I'd bet on the Blues, but The Sharks are a wily veteran team, and anything can happen in the playoffs.

Sharks in 6!

just to remind everyone, we started sucking cuz we lost havlat for the entire middle frame. when he came back we won 7 of 9. sharks are somewat hot rolling in while stl has muddled in with an iffy record in their last 11.

hey st louis, remember 2000? i sure do :-D
Oh yeah....I remember quite well...
iyQswGcQiN0
What a disappointment :laugh:

Calling the upset. San Jose in 7.

I voted Sharks in 7, but I'm thinking Sharks in 5.

Based purely off what happened in the regular season...the Blues will cruise through this series.

That being said, I don't see it happening.

sharks in 6

Based purely off what happened in the regular season...the Blues will cruise through this series.

That being said, I don't see it happening.

I think the Sharks are underrated because of their regular season record. They had the highest point percentage at the all star break. If not for the hell road trip and subsequent suckage, they would probably have run away with the Pacific. They were more or less the same steady team for the rest of the year.

That said, it is pretty scary when your team's success depends on Marty Havlat's health...

Blues in a 4 game shutout.

Don't have too much confidence in the Sharks playing the Blues. In the regular season the series pretty much said it all but at the same time it's the playoffs and anything can happen. If we want to show we have heart this is the time and place to show it. That said I'm going to say Sharks in 7.

:amazed:

So once the Sharks lose is it still a choke according to HF? :sarcasm:

That what I'm really interested in knowing.

blues in 5

Preseason Sharks cup bet, so I am going to roll with them.

Regardless, I think this will be a tight series as Blues are a nice young up and coming team, but will pick SJ to take it in 6 in the tank.

Sharks in 7 is my guess. More experienced, more hunger I think.

So once the Sharks lose is it still a choke according to HF? :sarcasm:

That what I'm really interested in knowing.

I think it depends how they lose.

Sharks in 7

hey st louis, remember 2000? i sure do :-D

Karma my friend, karma.

Oh yeah....I remember quite well...
iyQswGcQiN0
What a disappointment :laugh:

It's been 12 years, and that's still a blown call.

If you catch the puck and grab it with your hand, it's a penalty. If you posses the puck, play is stopped.

That should have a 2 minute delay of game on Bergevin.

You know, just sayin'...

EDIT
I say Blues in 6. But this is a really interesting matchup.

You have the Blues, who have been in a funk for probably 3 weeks now, entering the post season, very unfamiliar territory. It's super easy if you look at it that way to predict an upset.

But they made such quick work of San Jose in the regular season, and the Sharks have had a core that has never shown playoff success. Not to mention I think it's fair to say the Sharks underachieved this season in the first place.

The Blues try to return to form from earlier this year, and the Sharks try to return to the form they're supposed to show.

Interesting...

Going to say Blues in 6.

Blues in 4

Blues sweep. Kent Huskins out-scores the entire Sharks team.

So once the Sharks lose is it still a choke according to HF? :sarcasm:

That what I'm really interested in knowing.
HF logic states that you've already choked by not successfully tanking to the 8 seed, thus avoiding the Blues. :sarcasm:

Sharks in 6
Lack of star power upfront will haunt the Blues

SJ in 6.

I voted Blues in six but it could easily go seven with either team winning it.

Frankly, there is no easy match-ups in the West. None.

I'm suprised anyone would take the Sharks... they are an old whithered team. Blues are going to hit the crap out of them, and Niemi can't stop the puck at all.

Blues in 5.

Sharks in 6

I just hope we score a goal in St. Louis...

Kill! Maim! Destroy! I want blood, and lots of it! Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh!!!!! C'mon! You both hate each other's guts and you want to utterly crush their bones, even at the expense of your own! Yes! RAWR!

Who wins the series? Uh...dunno. Probably Blues.

Blues in 6 cuz big Joe will never win.

If it's anything like the regular season, I'd say Blues in 5. However, I think it will be much tougher than that to the point where I'm pretty nervous. The optimist in me voted Blues in 6 though.

I'm suprised anyone would take the Sharks... they are an old whithered team. Blues are going to hit the crap out of them, and Niemi can't stop the puck at all.

Blues in 5.

Old and Withered?

:laugh:

I'm suprised anyone would take the Sharks... they are an old whithered team. Blues are going to hit the crap out of them, and Niemi can't stop the puck at all.

Blues in 5.

Thornton and Marleau: 32
Henrik and Daniel: 31
Kesler: 27
Pavelski: 27
Edler: 26
Burns: 27

Yeah, the Sharks are sooooo much older than the Canucks. :laugh:

And that's not considering Couture, Vlasic, Demers, and Braun.

Blues in 5.

Old and Withered?

:laugh:

I seem to remember when Burns was acquired how amazing the Sharks were going to be. They were better than the Canucks. They were more complete blah blah blah...

They are an old battered team past their prime and the Blues are going to expose them big time. The Sharks Core is old, whithered and past their prime.

Blues in 5.

Sharks in 5.

If the Blues play Kent Huskins, Sharks in 4.

I seem to remember when Burns was acquired how amazing the Sharks were going to be. They were better than the Canucks. They were more complete blah blah blah...

They are an old battered team past their prime and the Blues are going to expose them big time. The Sharks Core is old, whithered and past their prime.

Blues in 5.

I don't recall seeing any of this.

I think most people would agree the Canucks have been one of the best teams in the NHL the past two years

I don't recall seeing any of this.

I think most people would agree the Canucks have been one of the best teams in the NHL the past two years

At the beginning of the season there were so many calling the Sharks the best team in the west, many picking them... and I called it then. They will be beaten soundly. Time for a rebuild in San Jose after the first round exit.

At the beginning of the season there were so many calling the Sharks the best team in the west, many picking them... and I called it then. They will be beaten soundly. Time for a rebuild in San Jose after the first round exit.

Okay, ignore my post about how the Canucks' core is just as old as the Sharks'. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. :laugh:

I can't take anyone who still uses ICQ seriously. :sarcasm:

I can't see the Blues taking this. Not enough top end talent up front and I don't think their D will be good enough to contain Thornton. They'll need Halak to stand on his head again if they want any chance at winning this series.

I seem to remember when Burns was acquired how amazing the Sharks were going to be. They were better than the Canucks. They were more complete blah blah blah...

They are an old battered team past their prime and the Blues are going to expose them big time. The Sharks Core is old, whithered and past their prime.

Blues in 5.

Stop trolling.

I like being a homer, so I'll say Sharks in 6.

I'm worried about Halak, but the Sharks seem to always be facing a stud goalie in the first round. Two wins in a row coming back from 2-goal deficits. I think we're starting to see the team that should have won the division show up and play.

...and the Sharks are 4-0 since I started my playoff 'stache early this year ;)

I can't see the Blues taking this. Not enough top end talent up front and I don't think their D will be good enough to contain Thornton. They'll need Halak to stand on his head again if they want any chance at winning this series.

Who had top end talent on the Bruins last year?

Hmmm..

I can't see the Blues taking this. Not enough top end talent up front and I don't think their D will be good enough to contain Thornton. They'll need Halak to stand on his head again if they want any chance at winning this series.

Blues pretty much shut down the "talent" for the Sharks this year with a bunch of Shutouts, they have the ability to shut down the Sharks big offensive players.

Blues in 5. I think the Sharks can steal a game here.

Yup.

Blues in 5.

Sharks in 7

Blues in 5.

Who had top end talent on the Bruins last year?

Hmmm..
Who has had meaningful playoff experience on STL besides Arnott, Langenbrunner, and McDonald? Halak?

Who has had meaningful playoff experience on STL besides Arnott, Langenbrunner, and McDonald? Halak?

Huskins Nichol Jackman. You have to win a first playoff series sometime, and the vast majority of the Blues have at least been there. Counting them out because they haven't won a playoff series is silly.

Okay, ignore my post about how the Canucks' core is just as old as the Sharks'. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. :laugh:

He chose to comment on mine because it was easier for him and he didn't want to admit the Canucks are just as old as we are....and both teams aren't exactly full of grandpas.

:laugh:

Who has had meaningful playoff experience on STL besides Arnott, Langenbrunner, and McDonald? Halak?

Jackman, Nicol, Huskins..

Sharks in 6.I sure hope so. A 2nd round matchup with the Canucks would be fun. :)

Blues in 6. Time to find out if they really are built for playoff hockey.

Also, playoff experience and regular season head-to-head really doesn't matter now. The team that executes more often and makes the fewest amount of mistakes will win the series. My head says Blues but my heart says Sharks. I hope my heart is in the right place.

Jackman, Nicol, Huskins..

What I think he means is that the core players don't have experience. Yes, you have a lot of experienced bottom-6 forwards and bottom-pairing defensemen (besides Jackman). But Backes, Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, Oshie, Berglund, Perron, etc. don't.

Personally I don't think it'll matter, but I wanted to clarify.

I can't see the Blues taking this. Not enough top end talent up front and I don't think their D will be good enough to contain Thornton. They'll need Halak to stand on his head again if they want any chance at winning this series.

You're joking, right?

October 15, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
December 10, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a 0
February 12, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
March 3, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1

Gee, how can the best defensive team possibly contain Captain Joe Thornton? It's impossible!

What I think he means is that the core players don't have experience. Yes, you have a lot of experienced bottom-6 forwards and bottom-pairing defensemen (besides Jackman). But Backes, Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, Oshie, Berglund, Perron, etc. don't.

Personally I don't think it'll matter, but I wanted to clarify.

Right, and that still doesn't change my question he quoted about having no top end talent.

It's semantics at it's best.

Somebody saying the Sharks are bigger? If they are, it's not by much.

Backes, Berglund, Arnott, Stewart (who is actually throwing his weight around lately), Reaves, Pietro, Polak, Huskins. The Blues are one of the biggest teams in the league. And some of their average height players, like Oshie, Sobotka, Jackman, Porter, and Cole, are tanks.
The difference is mostly that the Blues' best scorers, Perron and McDonald, are not big, while San Jose's are.

We'll see if it becomes a factor, but San Jose did not exhibit or exploit a size advantage during the regular season.
I actually suspect that speed will be a bigger factor in the series.

You're joking, right?

October 15, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
December 10, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a 0
February 12, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
March 3, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1

Gee, how can the best defensive team possibly contain Captain Joe Thornton? It's impossible!

Calm down, he's not a Sharks fan.

I can't see the Blues taking this. Not enough top end talent up front and I don't think their D will be good enough to contain Thornton. They'll need Halak to stand on his head again if they want any chance at winning this series.


Not a chance, the Sharks are about to be out played hardcore.

The Sharks will not out play the Blues in one game. But it doesn't mean they can't win some games. But the depth issue will be tough. Talent is best measured by the sum of parts. The Blues carry a big bucket of it as team.

But hey I guess you never know. But Halak won't be facing the toughest scoring opportunities nor the most shots. The Sharks goalies will be.

But they made such quick work of San Jose in the regular season, and the Sharks have had a core that has never shown playoff success. Not to mention I think it's fair to say the Sharks underachieved this season in the first place.

They haven't won a cup, but to say they haven't shown up or played well in the playoffs is a fallacy. They've won 4 of their last 6 playoff series. To put that into context, the Coyotes have lost their last 12 playoff series (7 in Phoenix, 5 in Winnipeg).

Blues pull an upset. Win in 7

Blues pull an upset. Win in 7

:biglaugh:

How the hell would the Blues winning be an upset? Oh well whatever it takes to make sure you can say the Sharks choked amirite?

Winner of game 1 takes the series in 5

Not a chance, the Sharks are about to be out played hardcore.

The Sharks will not out play the Blues in one game. But it doesn't mean they can't win some games. But the depth issue will be tough. Talent is best measured by the sum of parts. The Blues carry a big bucket of it as team.

But hey I guess you never know. But Halak won't be facing the toughest scoring opportunities nor the most shots. The Sharks goalies will be.Why even play the games then? Since you can tell the future.

The Blues dominated the Sharks in the regular season. But that was just it, the regular season. The standings have been reset and the series starts at 0-0. 2-7 matchup or 4-0 in the regular season series doesn't matter now.

You're joking, right?

October 15, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
December 10, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a 0
February 12, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
March 3, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1

Gee, how can the best defensive team possibly contain Captain Joe Thornton? It's impossible!

Pff. Everyone knows that Thornton never shows up in the regular season...






...Wait.

:sarcasm:

Not a chance, the Sharks are about to be out played hardcore.

I do think that the Blues will win, but the player that is suited best for opponents like the Blues, Marty Havlat, hasn't really played in any of the games against the Blues. And Clowe has been exponentially better in the past 5 games than all season.

While a degree of confidence is acceptable, because the Blues are by far the better team, the amount of cockiness I see from a lot of Blues fans is disturbing.

You're joking, right?

October 15, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
December 10, 2011: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a 0
February 12, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1
March 3, 2012: Blues win, Thornton 0-0-0 and a -1

Gee, how can the best defensive team possibly contain Captain Joe Thornton? It's impossible!

so what was the +/- against the bottom 6? .... oh it doesnt matter because SJ has had a major overhaul.

I do think that the Blues will win, but the player that is suited best for opponents like the Blues, Marty Havlat, hasn't really played in any of the games against the Blues. And Clowe has been exponentially better in the past 5 games than all season.

While a degree of confidence is acceptable, because the Blues are by far the better team, the amount of cockiness I see from a lot of Blues fans is disturbing.

If you filter all of the noise, you see that knowledgeable fans are wary, but hopeful. Everybody else is just excited the Blues are in it and are in smacktalk mode because they either don't remember 2000 or it still hurts.

Plus, a lot of the cockiness I'm seeing is from fans of other teams, so it's important to filter that, too.

If you filter all of the noise, you see that knowledgeable fans are wary, but hopeful. Everybody else is just excited the Blues are in it and are in smacktalk mode because they either don't remember 2000 or it still hurts.

Plus, a lot of the cockiness I'm seeing is from fans of other teams, so it's important to filter that, too.

Fair enough, but I feel like we're being written off too soon. I'm as cynical and pessimistic as anyone, but if Blues fans really think that Thornton is going to go pointless in the series, they're in for a shock.

I picked Sharks in six assuming that the Sharks team that played this entire regular season doesnt show up.

sharks with the upset, win in 6

Fair enough, but I feel like we're being written off too soon. I'm as cynical and pessimistic as anyone, but if Blues fans really think that Thornton is going to go pointless in the series, they're in for a shock.

I agree. But how many people were even involved in that part of the conversation? Two? Three? That's hardly "a lot of Blues fans." And just because they're quoting stats, that doesn't mean they believe it will translate absolutely. It's just an argument against the claim that San Jose's top end will roll the Blues. When you see a claim that approaches extremity, check to see if it's in response to an extreme claim. That's how trolls continue to succeed, because reasonable people react unreasonably to unreasonable provocation, and then everyone else misses how the conversation began and keeps the ball rolling.

I picked Sharks in six assuming that the Sharks team that played this entire regular season doesnt show up.

What does that even mean? :laugh:

wow... tough to pick a winner here.

Great match up.

What does that even mean? :laugh:

Sharks finally show up.

Crazy aint it? It makes more sense in my head.

The Sharks look rejuvenated. If the sharks get any type of decent tending, they have a shot.

I agree. But how many people were even involved in that part of the conversation? Two? Three? That's hardly "a lot of Blues fans." And just because they're quoting stats, that doesn't mean they believe it will translate absolutely. It's just an argument against the claim that San Jose's top end will roll the Blues. When you see a claim that approaches extremity, check to see if it's in response to an extreme claim. That's how trolls continue to succeed, because reasonable people react unreasonably to unreasonable provocation, and then everyone else misses how the conversation began and keeps the ball rolling.

No, it's definitely more than 2 or 3.

And I totally get where you're coming from Trolls will be trolls. But I just don't think it will be quite so lopsided as it was in the regular season.

Here's to a good, safe series. :cheers:

Sharks finally show up.

Crazy aint it? It makes more sense in my head.

Honey, what you see is what you get. :laugh:

For some odd reason I feel bad for Sharks fans saying this....


Blues is 6, I think the Sharks steal a few.

this is honestly the worst matchup for the sharks...

the blues play with so much tenacity, physicality, and they are such a fast skating team. the Sharks lack all of those.

blues swept the season series 4-0... and held the sharks to 3 goals.. got shut out twice in STL... also the sharks PK has got to be better. Allowed 6 PP goals in the last 2 games to LA.

like i said, worst matchup. Blues in 5.

Fair enough, but I feel like we're being written off too soon. I'm as cynical and pessimistic as anyone, but if Blues fans really think that Thornton is going to go pointless in the series, they're in for a shock.
Reading through the predictions here, if anybody is writing off the Sharks too soon it seems to be neutral fans. And I only count one Blues fan in this thread (and he isn't a regular) foolishly acting like the series is already over. Trust me, we're worried about the way our boys are stumbling into the playoffs and most of us think it's anybody's series if the Blues don't get their act together. Should definitely be a good battle.

Halak is a monster in the playoffs.

Wait, Halak is going to play like Gustavsson? Maybe the sharks do have a chance.

Nobody wins. Series ties 3-3, Game 7 goes to OT for eternity as both teams troll the entire league

Reading through the predictions here, if anybody is writing off the Sharks too soon it seems to be neutral fans. And I only count one Blues fan in this thread (and he isn't a regular) foolishly acting like the series is already over. Trust me, we're worried about the way our boys are stumbling into the playoffs and most of us think it's anybody's series if the Blues don't get their act together. Should definitely be a good battle.

And just as many neutral fans are claiming the Sharks should win so they can call us chokers after it's over. :laugh:

What's been going on with the Blues lately? From what I've see, they haven't been as sharp lately. Injuries?

Nobody wins. Series ties 3-3, Game 7 goes to OT for eternity as both teams troll the entire league

Maybe if it were the Blues and Kings.

Nah, that'd be four games 1 - 0 Blues.

Blues are my West team! Go STL.

And just as many neutral fans are claiming the Sharks should win so they can call us chokers after it's over. :laugh:

What's been going on with the Blues lately? From what I've see, they haven't been as sharp lately. Injuries?

The team is entirely healthy. I mean entirely. Hitchcock has been scratching players and flipping the lines around for basically the last week. I think there will be some surprises to some if he benches D'Agostini and Coliacavo. But the Blues need a gritty fourth line..and so I don't see Porter/Reaves/Nicol sitting out much, if at all. You can interchange Crombeen with Porter/Reaves.

The Blues are too healthy.

There will be four 3-0 games in favor of the Blues. I don't care if they're not playing that well. They own the Sharks, know how to beat them, and the Sharks haven't figured out how to even get through the neutral zone on them, let alone score. The size advantage is only useful if you play physically and the Sharks aren't that kind of team.

If they continue the trend of not being able to get through the neutral zone consistently, they will lose and it'll be quick. If they find some success, they might stand a chance but there's not a shred of evidence to believe that they will.

Sharks in 4

... and I am a huge UND (hence Oshie) fan so this is not what I want to see. Just got a feeling, hopefully someone brings this up in 2 weeks and laughs at me for being so very wrong.

The team is entirely healthy. I mean entirely. Hitchcock has been scratching players and flipping the lines around for basically the last week. I think there will be some surprises to some if he benches D'Agostini and Coliacavo. But the Blues need a gritty fourth line..and so I don't see Porter/Reaves/Nicol sitting out much, if at all. You can interchange Crombeen with Porter/Reaves.

The Blues are too healthy.

Huh. I guess Hitch is just messing around and trying to work out the kinks in the lineup and make adjustments? That's pretty odd.

The Sharks recently finally got completely healthy (except the injuries that guys are playing through, obviously).

And I forgot about Scotty! I love that guy. I hope he wins a Cup. :heart:

And just as many neutral fans are claiming the Sharks should win so they can call us chokers after it's over. :laugh:

What's been going on with the Blues lately? From what I've see, they haven't been as sharp lately. Injuries?

Actually, they've been goofy since everyone has returned from injury. McDonald, Steen, D'Agostini, and Polak all got healthy at the same time and the rest of the team decided they didn't have to play hockey anymore in order to win.

They looked very good against Detroit and they had flashes tonight. Their PK continues to rock, the goalies are still good, McDonald is everywhere at once, and Stewart has suddenly become a battler who is frequently the first backchecker. But other than that, they're out of sorts.

It seems like their depth is hindering them a little. Physical, energy guys like Porter, Nichol, and Reaves have been their pulse down the stretch, while dealing with injuries; but now that everyone's healthy, they're sitting or dealing with a random skilled linemate who's not conducive to their core game.

Outside of a functioning energy line, I think the Blues have been going where Backes, Arnott, and Langenbrunner take them. Colaiacovo has been a numbskull lately, but those forwards are their conscience. None of those three have played their best lately and the Blues need them to lead by example.

Blues pull an upset. Win in 7

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Wow.

Blues NEED to win this series, they're so much better than the Sharks.

Sharks in 7

go sharks! even though most of you ppl hate Canucks..

Blues in 6. The system will do it.

Sharks in 7

go sharks! even though most of you ppl hate Canucks..

we just hate SNSD and talentless idols

Ugh, of all the teams. :shakehead

we just hate SNSD and talentless idols

that's got nothing to do with Canucks. :shakehead

and my sharks fan friend likes SNSD too. ;)

that's got nothing to do with Canucks. :shakehead

and my sharks fan friend likes SNSD too. ;)

SNSD = Sedin N Sedin Duo

SNSD = Sedin N Sedin Duo

How can anyone not like freaky swedish twins.

:shakehead

This is one of the most intriguing matchups for me. I have no idea for what to expect in this series. Blues owned regular season, but Sharks have the playoff experience and talent to potentially break out offensively. Could be a fun series, hope it goes 7. Can't even call it, first series i haven't voted for.

Sharks in seven.

Either Blues in 5 or Sharks in 7

As much as the Blues have struggled down the stretch, one thing that has remained excellent has been the penalty kill. They were dead last in both PP and PK when Hitchcock took over and both units have improved, but down the stretch in this final bit of malaise it was the PK that stayed very strong and the PP (0-for-19) that faltered. San Jose may be just what the Blues' PP needs, as they're 29th in the NHL (just barely ahead of Columbus), and coming in having allowed 6 power play goals over the last two games to LA, not exactly a unit firing on all cylinders.

The Sharks are the more experienced playoff team, even though the Blues have individuals with lots of Cup-winning and playoff experience in general. It does matter that teams learn to win together in the playoffs. Sharks also have more potent scorers with three 30-30 guys this year.

Blues have an edge in net. Significantly.
Blues have an edge at coach.
Blues have an edge as a deep team having home ice for last change against a two-line team.
Blues have a major, major edge in secondary scoring.

Spread out offense, Blues:
1. McDonald .88 PPG
2. Perron .74 PPG
3. Oshie .675 PPG
4. Backes .66 PPG
5. Steen .65 PPG
6. Pietrangelo .63 PPG
7. Shattenkirk .53 PPG
8. Arnott .47 PPG
9. Berglund .46 PPG
10. Stewart .38 PPG
11. Langenbrunner .34 PPG
12. D'Agostini .33 PPG

Top-six heavy Sharks:
1. Thornton .94 PPG
2. Couture .81 PPG
3. Marleau .78 PPG
4. Pavelski .74 PPG
5. Havlat .69 PPG
6. Boyle .59 PPG
7. Clowe .59 PPG
8. Burns .46 PPG
9. Handzus .36 PPG
(No other forwards above .26 PPG)

If the Backes line can continue its effectiveness thwarting the Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski line, then the Blues have two other two-way line options they can put out there against one scoring line (Clowe-Couture-Havlat) and force the Sharks to win with goals from the unlikely sources.

The Blues are generally a faster team and certainly can match the Sharks in size and physicality. For the Sharks to win the series they're going to have to get unexpectedly strong goaltending, and have a significant edge in special teams play. These things are not impossible. They happen all the time in the playoffs. Goalies in particular are mercurial.

However, if the special teams are roughly equally effective and the Blues' defensively stalwart forwards thwart the Sharks' top two lines, the secondary scoring depth and goaltending edge and home ice should take care of the rest.

We'll see.

I never pick against the Sharks. Can't do it.

4-2 Sharks

Blues is better than the Sharks this year. Blues in 5.

This is the year of the Blues. St. Louis in 6.

I definitely think the Blues are the better team, but I see the Sharks taking this.

Sharks in 6.

San Jose in 6.

This one will go the distance.

I'm saying Sharks in 7.

Blues in 6.

Joe Thornton chokes again.

I do think that the Blues will win, but the player that is suited best for opponents like the Blues, Marty Havlat, hasn't really played in any of the games against the Blues. And Clowe has been exponentially better in the past 5 games than all season.

While a degree of confidence is acceptable, because the Blues are by far the better team, the amount of cockiness I see from a lot of Blues fans is disturbing.

Actually most blues fans are worried about this series. Dont just pick out 2 or 3 blues fans and act as if thats the majority. It would not shock me either way how this thing goes.

And playoff experience is not gonna matter in this series. The Blues have more experience then they are being given credit for and the guys that dont are the type of players who are built to succeed in the playoffs.

i think the blues get the job done here

Sharks in 7.

St.Louis in 7.

Sharks in 6.

One key piece missing in the season series against the Blues was Martin Havlat. The first two games against them, he wasn't meshing well. Second two games, he was out on IR. since returning he has been a key part of the Sharks offense. I see him making a huge playoff performance and the team elevating themselves. Hopefully I won't be biting my tongue later.

I am worried too. But then I'm never one to guarantee anything, I don't see how you could. Like someone pointed out, the Blues have beaten the Sharks in their 4 match-ups - what are the chances any team could beat another team 8 times in one year? I would bet money the Sharks will at least win a few. There's no way they'll be swept.

Who the hell knows what the Blues will do - they haven't been as good lately, where as the Sharks have picked it up. Just because something happened in the season, or even in 2000 or whatever, doesn't guarantee squat now. The Blues do well in so many aspects, they could win the series. Or they could tank due to lack of experience.

Who knows? I can't even pick a winner, or how many games, or anything, I could probably guess that it'll go to 6 games or even 7. I haven't seen the Blues in the playoffs much, if at all, so I don't know what to expect out of them. I have seen the Sharks, and even when they have trouble they do seem to find a way to make it past a couple rounds at least.

No cockiness here, at all. When the Blues beat the Sharks, I don't say a word. I married into a family of Sharks fans who have the WORST attitude, win OR lose, against the Blues because they know I like them so they give me a lot of **** no matter what, and it gets really old, really fast. So yeah... this is the match-up I was dreading most for personal reasons.

Bottom line, I think that this series will be nothing like the four games of the regular season. If it is, I'll be shocked.

Sharks in 4

... and I am a huge UND (hence Oshie) fan so this is not what I want to see. Just got a feeling, hopefully someone brings this up in 2 weeks and laughs at me for being so very wrong.

i'll bring it up and laugh at you now.

you are so very wrong.:laugh:

This will be a very interesting series. I don't see either team sweeping. My head says SJ in 7 but my heart says STL in 6.

As a side note, I feel like every series this year is a really interesting matchup that could go either way. 4 really good teams are going to be knocked out in the first round this year.

Blues in 5. Certainly not taking it for granted, every game is going to be tough, I just think we match up well with the Sharks.

Blues fan predicting Sharks in 6...and hoping to be dead wrong.

The Blues don't score enough to run-and-gun with San Jose...and over the last month haven't defended well enough to hold the Sharks to one or two goals.

Sharks have the post-season pedigree...the Blues don't.

Another STL heartache at the hands of the fish coming I suspect.

Blues in 6.

Sharks in 6

I picked Blues in 7....but could easily see SJ taking it, there is no added pressure of "choking" for them in this situation...so maybe they breath easy and just bring game.

Sharks bottom two lines are terrbiel, blues depth is gonna be what decides this series.

I'll take the Blues in a long series. I believe SJ is a good team, but their goaltending will be their downfall, IMO.

I'll take the Blues in a long series. I believe SJ is a good team, but their goaltending will be their downfall, IMO.

Neimi is far from the sharks problems, hes won 5 of his last 6 playoff series.

Its whether or not whos gonna show up up front for the sharks, thats the problem. Is marleau gonna contribute? How about thornton?

If the Blues don't rediscover how they played in the regular season, I think the Sharks will probably win this series. Since getting all the injured guys back, Hitchcock hasn't sorted out the best set of 4 lines that can play with 60 minutes of intensity.

I think a big part of that is a youthful lack of focus once the #2 seed was wrapped up. Mentally taking it easy. But I don't believe teams can just turn it on and off, so if they DO get it back into shape there will still probably be some lapses that San Jose could exploit for a couple games.

But the Blues are a team built for a playoff run. The depth and size/speed combo is exactly what you need for a grueling playoff run. There are experienced vets levening a pretty young inexperienced roster. Often, young teams have a disappointment or two in the playoffs before they're ready to take the step to being a Cup contender.

I think most Blues fans hope that the Blues can skip that step, but the reality is that they're in the position lots of rising young teams go through where they learn the playoffs are a new season.

I think they'll win this series, but it may be ugly. I wouldn't be shocked if San Jose won, although given all the options of the other teams in the post-season....I like this matchup for the Blues the best. Any of the 4 series in the West could go to either team. Its going to be an awesome post-season.

Neimi is far from the sharks problems, hes won 5 of his last 6 playoff series.

Its whether or not whos gonna show up up front for the sharks, thats the problem. Is marleau gonna contribute? How about thornton?

I thought it was 6 of 7? 4 in 2010, 2 in 2011 before losing to Vancouver...

But regardless. He was behind the best post-lockout Cup winner in Chicago for four of those victories. From my perspective, he is the weak link. He got lit up badly by the Canucks in the WCF last year.

Sharks fans, what's the injury situation?

Blues synopsis is very simple: everyone is healthy. For the first time since training camp 2 years ago, the Blues have a fully healthy line-up. Because of that, and because of their inconsistency down the stretch....none of us know exactly what lines Hitchcock is going to use.

I think Halak gets the first start, but I believe both goalies will play in the post-season.

Forwards:
Backes, Oshie, Steen, Perron, Berglund, Stewart, McDonald, Arnott, Langenbrunner, Sobotka, Crombeen, Reaves, Porter, Nichol, Schwartz, D'Agostini (16 guys). Note that Schwartz and D'Agostini are skilled guys (D'Ags was a 20 goal scorer last season just returning from concussion) that are likely scratches. What combo of guys are in the line-up is unclear, but I expect a more traditional 4th line than one with maximum skill.

Defenders:
Pietro / Huskins or Colaiacovo
Shattenkirk / Jackman
Russell / Polak
Scratch: Cole and probably Colaiacovo. Huskins was a little slow getting up to speed, but Colaiacovo is the weak link when being asked to play the big minutes Pietro's pairing plays. However, they've shown good chemistry and been that pairing most of the season. I wouldn't be shocked for Huskins to be scratched in the first game. Frankly, I think this week of practice will determine who plays.

Goal:
Halak / Elliott

A lot of people are agonizing over who deserves to start. I think as a Blues fan I can sum up what most feel: I'm comfortable with either guy. I believe it will be Halak in Game 1. Beyond that I'm not sure, but I think Hitchcock won't be shy about playing both guys.

Sharks in 6. I think they are one of the most capable teams of a big first round upset.

Sharks bottom two lines are terrbiel, blues depth is gonna be what decides this series.

A few months ago I'd agree, but the Sharks brought in Moore, Winnik and Galiardi and their bottom six has been solid for a while now. Winnik - Desjardins - Wingels has cooled off a bit but that trio has some great chemistry and has played really well for us. Galiardi - Moore -Mitchell is a line with tons of speed, tenacious forechecking and tight defensive play. Plus we have Handzus and Winchester as depth.

As a Sharks fan, I'm more worried about Niemi and the top six showing up than I am about our third and fourth lines. It's going to be a really close series.

Sharks fans, what's the injury situation?


Just got Douglas Murray back last night, so all healthy.

I voted Blues in 7 but I'm clueless as to how the team will perform. I could see the sharks winning this series for sure but I gotta go with my boys.

:blues

In 6.

this will be closer than ppl think...

Go Sharks!

Blues in six.

Expecting blues in 5 or 6. Hoping sharks in 5 or 6.

Sharks in 7.

I think St. Louis is a better team, but San Jose is a better team than they've shown in the reg season games vs STL. I think SJ will make it a series - a long series - and win in a coin flip game 7. Plus, The Sharks are overdue to play over their heads in a PO series. This is very biased opinion.

Sharks in 6.

I think the sharks forwards have an extra gear.

Either way going to be a very physical series.

i predict the blues will be sleeping in the first 2 games and this series will heat up in the 3rd game & after.

Blues in 6.

Joe Thornton chokes again.



Aaaand there it is. A 7 losing to a 2 is choking now?

Aaaand there it is. A 7 losing to a 2 is choking now?

Ignore him. We're used to uninformed people ripping on Thornton/SJ all the time.

Aaaand there it is. A 7 losing to a 2 is choking now?
One word: regular season.

Also, Thorton is tin man.

Ignore him. We're used to uninformed people ripping on Thornton/SJ all the time.


I'm actually a Sharks fan, just wanted this AV.


But you're right, I should know better by now. Alright, carry on. :D

it's either sharks in 6 or blues in 4. i seriously don't know what to make of this st. louis team.

:blues in 6

San Jose was the team I wanted the Canucks to avoid in the first round, they just have the talent and experience to really be problematic if they suddenly find their playoff game.

I don't think anyone knows what to expect out of St.Louis, not a lot of post-season samples to work with, and they have looked beatable down the stretch here.

Sharks need to tighten up defensively and in net to win, they should be able to win with that PP and on the offensive side of the game if they can stop the Blues from scoring.

Just got Douglas Murray back last night, so all healthy.

I believe Mitchell is still hurt. Other than that, no injuries that we know of. Clowe and White sat out the third period last night so it's possible one (or both) of them are hurt, but the consensus seems to be that they were just being rested. Same reason they pulled Niemi.

And just as many neutral fans are claiming the Sharks should win so they can call us chokers after it's over. :laugh:

What's been going on with the Blues lately? From what I've see, they haven't been as sharp lately. Injuries?That's the maddening part - they finally got 100% healthy (for the first time in 160 games, according to the Blues' beat writer) over the last couple weeks but for some reason the team just hasn't been bringing it. They're having defensive breakdowns that we haven't seen all year, they're playing timid instead of with confidence, and they just seem to be lacking that Hitchcock brand of cohesion and work ethic that got them to where they are over the previous 55-60 games. There's some speculation among Blues fans that Hitch is having trouble finding the right lines or that team chemistry has been somewhat disrupted with all the returning players but nobody can really put a finger on exactly what the problem is. Obviously they've got 4 days to regroup and prepare for the Sharks so we're crossing our fingers that whatever's going on can be remedied.

All teams play defensive hockey in the playoffs.

Blues will struggle to win in 7.

When San Jose loses the poll on HF it usually turns out good. They like being the underdogs with Detroit 2 years running, this 7 seed is a blessing for them IMO

When San Jose loses the poll on HF it usually turns out good. They like being the underdogs with Detroit 2 years running, this 7 seed is a blessing for them IMO

Losing to a team that was a higher seen in the past 2 years in the WCF.. according to HFboards that's choking still.

No matter what it's choking, just change the name to the San Jose Chorkes. :laugh:

Blues will not win in 6. They take in in 5 or 7. They don't come to the tank and take the series.

Sharks win, well they were supposed to win.

Sharks lose, even when severe underdogs, they choked.

Sharks can't do anything right on HF.

Blues take the series if they win 4 games. However, if Sharks win 4 games faster, than I can safely say that they will win the series.

Whichever team wins 4 games first will most likely take the series is what I'm trying to say.

Blues take the series if they win 4 games. However, if Sharks win 4 games faster, than I can safely say that they will win the series.

Whichever team wins 4 games first will most likely take the series is what I'm trying to say.

http://i.imgur.com/uBJkB.jpg

Boom!

Blues take the series if they win 4 games. However, if Sharks win 4 games faster, than I can safely say that they will win the series.

Whichever team wins 4 games first will most likely take the series is what I'm trying to say.

:handclap: this is brilliant

Blues take the series if they win 4 games. However, if Sharks win 4 games faster, than I can safely say that they will win the series.

Whichever team wins 4 games first will most likely take the series is what I'm trying to say.

This :biglaugh:

And :laugh: at the John Madden post too.

Blues in 5

Sharks fans, what's the injury situation?

Blues synopsis is very simple: everyone is healthy. For the first time since training camp 2 years ago, the Blues have a fully healthy line-up. Because of that, and because of their inconsistency down the stretch....none of us know exactly what lines Hitchcock is going to use.

I think Halak gets the first start, but I believe both goalies will play in the post-season.

Forwards:
Backes, Oshie, Steen, Perron, Berglund, Stewart, McDonald, Arnott, Langenbrunner, Sobotka, Crombeen, Reaves, Porter, Nichol, Schwartz, D'Agostini (16 guys). Note that Schwartz and D'Agostini are skilled guys (D'Ags was a 20 goal scorer last season just returning from concussion) that are likely scratches. What combo of guys are in the line-up is unclear, but I expect a more traditional 4th line than one with maximum skill.

Defenders:
Pietro / Huskins or Colaiacovo
Shattenkirk / Jackman
Russell / Polak
Scratch: Cole and probably Colaiacovo. Huskins was a little slow getting up to speed, but Colaiacovo is the weak link when being asked to play the big minutes Pietro's pairing plays. However, they've shown good chemistry and been that pairing most of the season. I wouldn't be shocked for Huskins to be scratched in the first game. Frankly, I think this week of practice will determine who plays.

Goal:
Halak / Elliott

A lot of people are agonizing over who deserves to start. I think as a Blues fan I can sum up what most feel: I'm comfortable with either guy. I believe it will be Halak in Game 1. Beyond that I'm not sure, but I think Hitchcock won't be shy about playing both guys.

Alrighty, be prepared for a mega-post.

Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski
Clowe-Couture-Havlat

is going to be the top-6. Honestly, this is the perfect time for the playoffs to start for this bunch. Thornton and Pavelski have played great pretty much all season, so they aren't the issue. But Clowe has played like his old self recently, which is an extremely, extremely good sign for the Sharks. Couture recently got of a poor stretch of play. Havlat is finding the chemistry finally, after being on the IR most of the season. And the biggest boost is that Marleau just scored a couple of lucky goals in his past two games, despite not playing great. That's usually an indicator that he's about to go off. And when Marleau goes off, it's very, very difficult to contain him. We'll see how he does.

Winnik-Desjardins-Wingels
Galiardi-Moore-Mitchell

is the expected bottom-6, although Mitchell was hit hard two games ago and didn't play yesterday. I imagine he'll be ready, but if not, expect Handzus, Wincester, or Ferriero to replace him. Winnik-Desjardins-Wingels has turned into at the very worst an average third line over the past couple of weeks. If there is an injury to the top-6, expect Wingels to play up there. Galiardi is a bit of a pest. Expect to hate him by the end of the series, no matter how it goes.

The defense will be comprised of some combination of Boyle, Burns, Vlasic, Murray, Demers, Braun, and White. I'd add Vandermeer as a potential injury replacement, but L O L the coaching staff would rather dress Devin Setoguchi as a defenseman. I imagine that White will sit, but he's actually been pretty good recently. I would rather Murray sit, but don't be surprised to see Demers benched because the coaching staff hates him.

Niemi flat out sucked in all the games we played the Blues in the regular season, but he's been at least decent recently. He's certainly capable of going on a streak where he seems unbeatable.

You guys have much better depth, but the Sharks have more star power. Usually depth wins out, but we'll see.

That's the maddening part - they finally got 100% healthy (for the first time in 160 games, according to the Blues' beat writer) over the last couple weeks but for some reason the team just hasn't been bringing it. They're having defensive breakdowns that we haven't seen all year, they're playing timid instead of with confidence, and they just seem to be lacking that Hitchcock brand of cohesion and work ethic that got them to where they are over the previous 55-60 games. There's some speculation among Blues fans that Hitch is having trouble finding the right lines or that team chemistry has been somewhat disrupted with all the returning players but nobody can really put a finger on exactly what the problem is. Obviously they've got 4 days to regroup and prepare for the Sharks so we're crossing our fingers that whatever's going on can be remedied.

Oh dear, too much depth, the horror! :laugh:

Hitch is a smart dude, I don't think it'll be a problem.

I believe Mitchell is still hurt. Other than that, no injuries that we know of. Clowe and White sat out the third period last night so it's possible one (or both) of them are hurt, but the consensus seems to be that they were just being rested. Same reason they pulled Niemi.

Wrong. We are still missing our MVP, James Sheppard:sarcasm:


But yes, other than that, the team has mostly bumps and bruises.

Blues in 5 or 6 is the easy answer :(

I'm thinking Blues in 6, we have been uninspired lately but being in the playoffs should change that. The Sharks are no pushovers but I think they are the best matchup we could have asked for in the first round.

Blues in 4

Thornton will go in beast mode.

too bad the blues couldn't have faced a team that might actually provide some adversity, was hoping they'd at least get a little roughed up going into the second round

Sharks in 7. I don't think the Blues have the goalscoring to win a 7 game series. Sharks have a dynamic offense that will bring it.

Blues in 7. Stl is 4-0 against San Jose but the Sharks aren't going to go down easy and have more playoff experience than the blues as a whole. Should be a great series that I truly hope ends with a Blues sweep but doubt it.

I'm thinking Blues in 6, we have been uninspired lately but being in the playoffs should change that.

The problem with being uninspired is that it will take a game or two for the Blues to get mentally composed. By that time it might be too late. Sharks have ran into this problem the last 3 or 4 years.
I say the Sharks take game 1, and win the series in 6.

I'm thinking Blues in 6, we have been uninspired lately but being in the playoffs should change that. The Sharks are no pushovers but I think they are the best matchup we could have asked for in the first round.

One thing about the Blues coach Hitch is that ihe thrives in the post season. Blues are going to batter and bruise the Sharks. Hitch will have them ready.

blues in 7

too bad the blues couldn't have faced a team that might actually provide some adversity, was hoping they'd at least get a little roughed up going into the second round

Getting a cake walk round helps down the road.

Sharks will wake up but Halak will steal Game 7... Blues in 7

Sharks in 5 if their offense plays to its potential. The Blues however have had their ways with the Sharks in the regular season. I still believe the Sharks are the superior team skill-wise. Ken Hitchcock has worked miracles with the Blues, wouldn't mind him coaching the Sharks when the McClellan era is done (hopefully not too soon).

Sharks in 6. Playoff experience will be a factor.

Who had top end talent on the Bruins last year?

Hmmm..

2010-11 Boston Bruins goalscorers
Lucic 30
Horton 26
Bergeron 22
Marchand 21
Peverley 18
Ryder 18
Recchi 14
Kelly 14
Chara 14
Krejci 13
Campbell 13
Seguin 11
Thornton 10

2011-12 St. Louis Blues goalscorers
Backes 24
Perron 21
Oshie 19
Berglund 19
Arnott 17
Stewart 15
Steen 15
Pietrangelo 12
McDonald 10

The Blues aren't exactly an offensive team - they will go as far as A-Pie/Halak/the defence take them.

Had the Blues been healthier, that list would look a lot different. Perron would be closer to 30 and Steen and McDonald would be at 20.

2010-11 Boston Bruins goalscorers
Lucic 30
Horton 26
Bergeron 22
Marchand 21
Peverley 18
Ryder 18
Recchi 14
Kelly 14
Chara 14
Krejci 13
Campbell 13
Seguin 11
Thornton 10

2011-12 St. Louis Blues goalscorers
Backes 24
Perron 21
Oshie 19
Berglund 19
Arnott 17
Stewart 15
Steen 15
Pietrangelo 12
McDonald 10

The Blues aren't exactly an offensive team - they will go as far as A-Pie/Halak/the defence take them.

Cool just keep pretending Perron, McDonald and Steen didn't miss half the season... it'll be that much funnier when we outscore teams.

Blues in 6

San Jose is a resilient team but Halak will win this for us.

2010-11 Boston Bruins goalscorers
Lucic 30
Horton 26
Bergeron 22
Marchand 21
Peverley 18
Ryder 18
Recchi 14
Kelly 14
Chara 14
Krejci 13
Campbell 13
Seguin 11
Thornton 10

2011-12 St. Louis Blues goalscorers
Backes 24
Perron 21
Oshie 19
Berglund 19
Arnott 17
Stewart 15
Steen 15
Pietrangelo 12
McDonald 10

The Blues aren't exactly an offensive team - they will go as far as A-Pie/Halak/the defence take them.

1. okay first of all. you can't really effectively compare a team from this year and from last due to due the massive point deflation from this year.

2. also, you aren't taking into consideration the amount of games some of these players are playing.

andy mcdonald has 22 points in 25 games...which is 72 points this deflated full season

alex steen has 28 points in 43 games....which is 65 points in this deflated full season

and david perron has 42 points in 57 games....which is 60 points in this deflated full season

(so many people underestimate the productivity of those 3)

3. i don't think its really fair to compare east teams with west teams. east teams tend to focus on more scoring while west teams are more focused on defense. (plus the west is better be about 2 teams)

4. boston and st. louis have the same management and playing philosophy. they hold defense as their highest priority and have their offense score by committee.

2010-11 Boston Bruins goalscorers
Lucic 30
Horton 26
Bergeron 22
Marchand 21
Peverley 18
Ryder 18
Recchi 14
Kelly 14
Chara 14
Krejci 13
Campbell 13
Seguin 11
Thornton 10

2011-12 St. Louis Blues goalscorers
Backes 24
Perron 21
Oshie 19
Berglund 19
Arnott 17
Stewart 15
Steen 15
Pietrangelo 12
McDonald 10

The Blues aren't exactly an offensive team - they will go as far as A-Pie/Halak/the defence take them.

Yes, and the Sharks are an offensive powerhouse. I mean they scored a whopping ten more total goals than the Blues..who had 291 man games lost compared to San Jose's 148 (as of March 25th).

Yes, and the Sharks are an offensive powerhouse.

You're crazy. The Sharks suck and will get destroyed by the Blues in the most dominating 4 game sweep in sports history.

Pietrangelo is the most overrated POS player on the planet. Vlasic > Pietrangelo. Clowe > Backes. What. Bring it Blues.

Shattenkirk is gonna try to join the rush and get blasted by Murray

Sharks are gonna freakin dominate

REVENGE for '99-'00 in 5 games

You're crazy. The Sharks suck and will get destroyed by the Blues in the most dominating 4 game sweep in sports history.

Doubtful. I think it will be a good series.

It's going to be a brutal, physical series. Maybe one of the toughest.

Sharks fans have been saying pretty much all year that St. Louis isn't as good as their record indicates and they will be out in the first round. Well it looks like you got the match up you wanted and I can't wait to see this play out. I wonder what new excuses Blues fans will see now.