Offensive expectations?

[bleedblue1223]

Originally Posted by BleedBlue1967

Yes the Blues were but that was with Payne as coach and not Hitchcock i'll add.

Payne was not an offensive architect by any means. The players have even said that they have more freedom on offense with Hitchcock as the coach.

When McDonald was in the lineup, we were scoring closer to 3 goals a game. If McDonald is healthy for the majority of the season, we will have a top 10 offense. Even if just Perron is healthy and back to full strength, we should have a top 10 offense.

I really think the Hitchcock and offense thing is blown way out of proportion.

[Blue Note]

I belive if the Blues are all healthy, and the key players/playmakers stepping up we will excel past last year easily. The only downside to this is Hitch's Defensive system. I hope he gives them the opportunity to excel and lets the players do what they do.

I believe that Stewart was binded down with the defensive system, and if he was free to be more offensively aggressive like he was in the final stages of the playoffs last year he could very well be the key to an explosive +/- for his line. Any thoughts?

I also really hope that we the fans don't put too much pressure on Schwartz and Tarasenko to perform higher than their already high potential.

[Blue Note]

Originally Posted by zachws6

Lots of question marks...but I'll say:

Perron- 34 goals, 65 points

Pietrangelo- 15 goals, 60 points

Tarasenko- 21 goals, 48 points

Side note: I would think if we took a step back a couple seasons, we might all predict Oshie to have a 30 goal break out by now. Seems as though he really has stayed exactly what he was his rookie year (with more maturity on/off the ice I'd think). I mean that in a positive way though. His game has stayed so consistently the same every year, regardless of shortened season or age. ...almost like a Mike fisher type player (a fan favorite, great vibes, can always count on to produce near that 50 point pace).

I would like to see Osh put a few more in the net, but I'm happy with his electricity on the ice. During his last injury, it seemed like the whole team was down in the dumps. I remember his first game back the energy levels were so high it felt like a playoff game to me. I think if Osh scored less his job is still to put energy on the ice and butts in the seats. Winner in my book!

[Alklha]

Originally Posted by Blue Note

I belive if the Blues are all healthy, and the key players/playmakers stepping up we will excel past last year easily. The only downside to this is Hitch's Defensive system. I hope he gives them the opportunity to excel and lets the players do what they do.

I believe that Stewart was binded down with the defensive system, and if he was free to be more offensively aggressive like he was in the final stages of the playoffs last year he could very well be the key to an explosive +/- for his line. Any thoughts?

I also really hope that we the fans don't put too much pressure on Schwartz and Tarasenko to perform higher than their already high potential.

Stewart wasn't binded down. Perron was on pace for 30-30 and McDonald was nearly PPG, neither of those players are defensive and were basically allowed to play their own game. Stewart was just terrible, and part of that will be down to the fact he was out of shape. He watched the team succeed last year, and knows he didn't do anything close to enough and is at least trying to rectify that for next season. If Stewart gets his act together next season, Hitch will let him play largely how he wants.

I'm not worried about the pressure that Schwartz and Tarasenko will be under either, management will do a good job with them. Fact is that if the team is winning on the ice, the fans will be understanding of any initial struggles they have. If the team starts really badly... then there will be bigger targets than the rookies!

[ZaphodBeeblebrox]

There better be better targets than the rookies I like to give all forwards three years before I even try to form my own realistic opinion of where they're going to settle in the NHL.

And defensemen, well we all know that you have to bring them along slowly.

I know people are excited about their potential, but right now it's just that and I'm just ecstatic that Tarasenko is coming over and excited that he and Schwartz will get some ice time!