Good news on Langenbrunner, but I wouldn't put much stock into Russell and D'Agostini riding the bike.
I would assume that they're riding the bikes to see if getting their heart rates up bring on headaches. The news of them riding bikes really doesn't tell us much (other than they're at least at the stage to where it makes sense to test how they feel after elevating their heart rates). The true news would be how they felt afterward. Of course, that's something the Blues likely won't disclose.
For Langs, I would guess that it was more of a leisurely skate to see how it felt but as long as things stay on track he should be back in a couple more weeks.
I'm pretty sure Steen is still in California visiting that specialist this week so hopefully we hear some news (and hopefully it's good news!) when he returns to STL next week.
Being an optimist, I think it is very good news for Dags and Russell. The doctor wouldn't even put them on the bike if their symptoms did not regress. Exercising on the bike is the first step to getting back on the ice, just have to hope the test went well and that there is no setbacks.
So fantasy time, lets say Dags returns around the same time as Langs how do the forward lines shake out, does Stewart get forced back into top 6? Do we put Langs there? Does D'Agostini jump to left side. Who sits? Reaves? Porter? Crombeen?
Now we just need to get Steen back before the playoffs so we can put the SOB line back together.
Being an optimist, I think it is very good news for Dags and Russell. The doctor wouldn't even put them on the bike if their symptoms did not regress. Exercising on the bike is the first step to getting back on the ice, just have to hope the test went well and that there is no setbacks.
So fantasy time, lets say Dags returns around the same time as Langs how do the forward lines shake out, does Stewart get forced back into top 6? Do we put Langs there? Does D'Agostini jump to left side. Who sits? Reaves? Porter? Crombeen?
Now we just need to get Steen back before the playoffs so we can put the SOB line back together.
Stewart stays with Arnott on the 3rd, Dags fills out the open spot in the top 6.
Stewart stays with Arnott on the 3rd, Dags fills out the open spot in the top 6.
I wouldn't mind that. I feel like Stewart has been doing better paired with Arnott. Granted i haven't gotten to see a lot of games, but i feel like he's had more good scoring chances with Arnott. Maybe Arnott will rub off on him. He'll feel the need to beat the older guy so he'll stop giving him so much crap in the locker room
From what I saw, Stewarts best games were with Arnott and Porter. I really want to keep them together, but with any of the injured forwards returning, I don't know if they would be able to(or really want to) keep that line together.
From what I saw, Stewarts best games were with Arnott and Porter. I really want to keep them together, but with any of the injured forwards returning, I don't know if they would be able to(or really want to) keep that line together.
I think a top 9 that looks like that will give us the best combination of established chemistry and playing styles. Steen and Arnott with Stewart would probably be best for Stewart, we know the kid line can produce together, and the top line has played together if I remember correctly. Oshie and D'Agostini could switch since Oshie and Backes have been together for the majority of the season, same thing with McDonald and Perron.
Langenbrunner is back for sure. I'd take Russell back before D'Ags, because they really rely on having a PMD in the system Hitch employs, and the Huskins-Polak pair doesn't have one. We'll be lucky to get one of them back by the playoffs. The regular season's over in a month.
Steen's obviously the big question mark. It's a longshot we'll see him this year IMO. Minimum two weeks of conditioning and he's not at that point yet. He's still got another week in California.
I agree with Pocket, besides Steen, which a return is doubtful, Russell is the player that I would most prefer to have back in the lineup. If Berglund continues to improve and Sobotka and Porter maintain their playing levels, not having D'Agostini really won't be that big of a deal.
Per JR and Korac, D'Ags and Russell skated with the team today for the first time. So their bike exertion must've gone well with no ill effects. That's a positive. Steen went to California from Winnipeg, about a week and a half ago, so he should be back in a few days. Who knows how that went.
