Quote:
Originally Posted by EastonBlues22
They're playing well right now, but I fear a healthy Detroit the most. They're the one team in the league that can play a better possession game than the Blues when the Blues are at the top of their game. That team is the total package, and they also have the intimidation factor working for them (which could be a factor if things go poorly early for the younger Blues).
Fortunately, it looks like the Blues will have a chance to get a round under their belt before having to worry about that matchup.
With all that said, it doesn't look like there's going to be any rollovers in the West this year. Every matchup should be a battle.
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Oh, certainly. Detroit, Nashville and Vancouver are head and shoulders more dangerous above those seven teams fighting for the final four spots. I completely meant round one only. I watched most of Phoenix' February and they are very well coached and have sneakily good personnel. It's Phoenix, so it's always hard to envision them winning a playoff series but among that group I think they're constructed most similarly to the Blues and thus hardest to beat of that group of seven.
The interesting thing about the potential San Jose matchup: in 2000, it was clear the Blues had more skill so the Sharks had to be more physical and drag the Blues down into their game. Still one of the weirdest series I've ever watched as the Sharks got the craziest bounces and the Blues weren't good enough to overcome that adversity. But the interesting thing is this time the Sharks have more of the premier talent, supposedly, while the Blues are built on a team concept and a work ethic. Almost a full reversal of styles. Would love the Blues to meet them under those circumstances.
Dallas would be kind of a pain. Just an irritating team to play. Beatable but I see cheap shots galore in that potential matchup. Steve Ott would injure someone for the season.
I think Blues would beat Chicago in an entertaining series. Chicago, if they got suddenly strong goaltending, could make it dangerous because they have the experience.
Calgary doesn't really worry me. They're banged up, not deep enough, and the Blues match up really well. These are also reasons they might not squeak in.
Colorado plays the Blues hard, and they could make it nervous time for us, but I think we win in six. Landeskog is so freaking good and Downie's perfect on that line. That was a great trade.
LA has great goaltending but their offense doesn't worry me. They're also too inconsistent with their effort. I think they miss the playoffs.
