33 Games - 39 Points. How Did We Get 39 Points?

When the season began, the St. Louis Blues, came out like gang busters. They won their first 3 games, fairly convincingly, and already appeared to be operating at a playoff level. To a fan base, that needed a shot in the arm, the Blues looked like they were picking up, right where they left off, in the 2015-16 Conference Finals. They looked dominant. They looked Fast! Jake Allen had been handed the keys to the "Bus." The "Heir Apparent" to Coach Hitchcock, Mike Yeo, was also on board. This Blues team was running like a well oiled machine, hitting on all cylinders.

It wasn't just any ol' cupcakes they beat that first week, either. On opening night we recall, they knocked off Chicago, at home. Then they came back to St. Louis, where they beat Minnesota, and the Rangers. They had the city buzzing, on the heels of the Cards missing the playoffs. While we were all forced to endure... **cough** **gag**... the Cubs, winning the World Series. The Blues, were playing good hockey. We fell right into this 2016-17 Hockey Season in St. Louis, with no distractions. Perhaps, we even started "Bleeding Blue," a little earlier than usual, this year. After 9 games, the Blues had 12, of a potential 18 points, and seemed to be steamrolling towards another 100 point season. The month of October, which is normally reserved for the Cardinals faithful, to either, win the World Series, or get it all out of their system, was actually a pretty darn good month, for the #Blues!

Then, November arrived, and without warning, the machine started running funny. Especially on the road. You could actually peek back into the last week of October, and see the engine misfiring. They suffered a bad loss at Vancouver, although they managed one point that night. Next, they dropped one at Edmonton. All of a sudden, things weren't feeling quite right. The Blues managed a win at Calgary, to semi-salvage the road trip, but things definitely appeared to be going in the wrong direction. (Insert, "Small sample size" comments, here.) All of a sudden, they looked slow. They started taking bad penalties. Couldn't score the puck. OH NO! "The Wheels Are Falling Off! Everybody PANIC!"

Playing well at home, was the one thing the Blues had going for them, winning every home contest in November. They needed every point too, because they certainly were not doing anything well, away from Scottrade Center. Around town, the grumblings began. "Where's the buy in?" "Has Hitch lost the team?" "Has the game passed him by?"

The Blues have managed to hang around the top of the Western Conference, into December. Even without the benefit of a single road win in November. The home heavy schedule, was proving to be their best asset. But for how long?

An overtime home loss to Winnipeg, seemed to be a mere blip on the radar, when they found a way to win the next game, against a strong non-conference opponent. They knocked off the Montreal Canadians 3-2, again in OT. The problem was, the Blues did not play well in that game. For the first time all season, they were looking vulnerable, at home. More Panic.

Back out on the road, the Blues dropped a 3-2 contest against the Islanders, but managed their first road win since October 22, the next night, in New Jersey. Ironically, that road win, and a home win against those same Devils, are 2 of their 4 wins on any ice, in December. Have the wheels truly fallen off? Blowing big leads, has become commonplace for this Blues team. Taking bad penalties, and putting far too much pressure on their net minder. Jake Allen has a 2.60 goals against average, while facing 681 shots. He can't do it alone. Where's the Defense?

In this "Lame Duck" season for Ken Hitchcock, who will pull this team, out of the current nose dive? Are the Blues "Stars," playing well enough? Well, lets see. Aside from Vladimir Tarasenko's 16 goals, and 22 assists, the answer would have to be No. Where is Alexander Steen's output? 3 goals? Sure, he has 14 helpers, but only 3 goals. That simply isn't good enough. Where is Patrik Berglund? 4 goals, 6 assists. Not exactly what Blues fans were expecting from #21.

Winger Jaden Schwartz, is second in scoring with 11 goals, and of all people, Defender Kevin Shattenkirk, is second in total points, with 23. There are several players, making strong contributions to the team's success. Robbi Fabbri, David Perron, Alex Pietrangelo, and Paul Stazny, are all playing very well. Still, if this team is going to find a way to stay relevant, they are going to need more, from their leaders. Guys will step up, but every team has certain individuals, they rely on, to be game changers. This team needs someone, to become That Guy, as soon as possible. 

The Good News is, there is a lot more hockey left to play. The Blues have 49 games remaining. The problem is, 27 of those games, are on the road. The struggles cannot continue, if the Blues want to stay in the playoff picture. This team has got to figure it out, on the road. Especially when February and March arrive. There are no more excuses, and we can stop using the "Small Sample Size" argument. This team has been under the same Head Coach, for 5 1/3 seasons. When does it just become, "Who you are?" This team has developed some disturbing traits, such as blowing big leads, and taking horrible penalties. Championship caliber teams, don't routinely take Delay of Game, and Too Many Men On The Ice penalties. Yet, they are regular occurrences, on this Ken Hitchcock led team. So is it the Coaching, or are the Players, not doing their job? Something has got to change, and change quickly.

One thing Hitchcock defenders point out, is the 5 straight playoff appearances, and of course, the Conference Finals run, a year ago. "Hitch" is definitely a quality #NHL Coach. Could it be however, that he is simply not prepared to win, in today's NHL? Why does this team seem to be so satisfied with just "getting a point?" Points are great, in the regular season. But the teams that succeed in the playoffs, know how to WIN games. They know how to FINISH games, in regulation. The Blues, and this fan base, have been force fed, "Points" for so long, we've come to simply accept mediocrity. 

We can no longer be satisfied. If you look at the "Regular Season," Ken Hitchcock has been among the top Head Coaches, in the League, in St. Louis. That said, we can no longer accept being one of the best teams in the Conference. This town is ready to taste the ultimate victory, that Hockey has to offer. If it's Ken Hitchcock, or Mike Yeo, or The Easter Bunny, somebody has to change the "Point" culture around this organization.

Winning teams, WIN games. There's no 3-on-3 in the playoffs. There's no shoot-out, in the playoffs. This is one rule, that has never made much sense, to The SPortz Yak. Sure, it's great for the Fans! Who doesn't like to see the wide open ice, and the speed, of 3-on-3 competition? They don't use this format in the playoffs though, and in the humble opinion of this Blues enthusiast, the overtime and shootout, which are strictly in place to increase fan participation, and ticket sales, have become the St. Louis Blues' "Achilles Heel." 

In the past, when games ended in a tie, both teams earned a point. There was no extra point available, which placed a higher premium on winning games, in Regulation Time! The St. Louis Blues, have completely forgotten how to win games, in regulation time, under Ken Hitchcock. Again, points are great, for Division and Conference standings. In fact, some teams, seem to actually play for the tie, these days. The difference between our beloved Blues, and the elite organizations, is a killer instinct. An ability to win in 60 minutes. Yes. There is overtime in the playoffs. But it's a 5-on-5 format, first goal wins. There are no "Points," for getting to overtime, in the playoffs. Until everyone in "The Room," decides that playing better hockey for the first 60 minutes, is the most important thing they can do, it's safe to assume that Blues fans can probably expect another fruitless trip to the playoffs.

The future is NOW, for this organization. The pieces seem to be in place. The City is primed and ready. We've been ready for 50 years. Ownership is present, and engaged. We all know how important that is. #KroenkeSucks. On paper, the Blues have everything they need, to finally win a Stanley Cup, except seemingly, the actual desire and drive, to go out and win it.

Who instills the desire? Where does the drive originate? Does it come from within each player? Or is that the Coach's job? Wherever the answer lies, this team is in a very transitional position, as we approach the end of 2016. There's still plenty of time to get it together, and play the kind of quality hockey, that we have become accustomed to. There is also another direction this season could go, and nobody wants to be a part of that. This is supposed to be the Blues' "Cinderella Season." If I may paraphrase the great Bum Phillips, "The Blues have knocked on the door, and beat on the door." This year they need to, "Kick the SOB in."

We're waiting for some magic. Can somebody please pull a rabbit out of their hat? Or maybe wave a wand, and make the Blackhawks disappear?

Let's Go Blues!

SPzY 

2016 MLB Playoffs

October is winding down, and one half of the World Series picture, has been fully developed. The Cleveland Indians have punched their ticket, with a resounding 4-1 series win, over the Blue Jays. It's only the 6th Pennant, in franchise history, the last coming in 1997. The Indians haven't won a World Series, since 1948. Cleveland fans have waited 60+ years, for a World Series title, after falling short in 1995 and 97. The Indians dominated the series with Toronto, and now they will have a few days to rest, before hosting games 1, and 2, of the World Series. The question remains, who will they face?

In THIS CORNER, the mighty Dodgers. 21 Pennants, and 6 World Series Titles. It has been almost 30 years, since their last Championship, in 1988. Seems like quite a while, until you consider their opponents 108 year, World Series drought. That said, it might surprise some people, to know that the Cubs have actually won 16 Pennants. The last one however, was all the way back in 1945. 71 years, is a long, LONG time, for a fan base to wait. Which is why Cubs fans, are among the most loyal fans, in all of sports. With the series tied at 2 a piece, we can expect more nail biting, playoff caliber baseball, tonight, and this weekend.

Whatever happens, over the next 2 weeks, one thing is clear. Whoever wins the 2016 World Series, will finally have a King Kong sized monkey, removed from their collective backs. Someone is going to win a World Series, for the first time in 28 years, or 68 years, or 108 years. Lots of 8s in play here. One of the three remaining fan bases, will celebrate like never before, simply because huge portions of each fan base, hasn't been alive, to celebrate a Championship. The drought will end for one fan base, while the other two will once again sing the sad song, "Wait til next year."

Change is GOOD! Sure, it would be great, if our St. Louis Cardinals, were in the playoff mix. We've been incredibly spoiled, in this town, with a special baseball team. In their absence, the rest of the Baseball World, is being treated to some really exciting playoff action, and we will see 1 of 3 cities, party like never before. There's going to be a GREAT story, no matter who wins.

Time to Chime In. Which team will finally exorcise their demons, and realize a World Series Championship?
1) Cleveland Indians 2) Los Angeles Dodgers 3) Chicago Cubs

Chime In with The SPortz Yak

#SPzY

SPortz Yak Week 4 BCS Power Rankings

Week 4 BCS Power Rankings

It was a very interesting weekend, in NCAA College Football. Quite a bit of movement in the Top 10, and a few surprises, in the BCS power rankings. Here's how I see it.

Alabama moved to 3-0, with their first win over Ole Miss, in three years. It was a tremendous football game, and it's possible, while scoring 43 points in the loss, that Ole Miss exposed some chinks in the mighty Alabama armor. Still, #1 wins, and I see them as #1, without question, at this point.

Speaking of exposed, (#2)FSU was absolutely dismantled by (#10)Louisville. The truth is, FSU could be in even bigger trouble, in the weeks ahead, with Miami, Clemson, and Florida, still on their schedule. Surely, another loss ends their BCS hopes for good. That said, I could also see them right back in the BCS picture, with just the one loss, if they can run the table. FSU is in trouble. I don't think they'll be in the Tourney, without some big time help. Louisville on the other hand, is averaging 65 points per game, and they look ridiculously good through 3 weeks. I think their strength of schedule hurts them a little bit, moving forward, but they do have a couple of "signature" games left to play. One with Clemson, on 10/1, and another with Houston, 11/17. For my money, they made the biggest power jump this week, up from #10, to #6, and they looked strong. I still think the reality is, Louisville must win out, to be in the BCS tourney.

Ohio St, went into Oklahoma, and pounded them, solidifying the #2 spot for me this week. The problem I see with Ohio St., is also strength of schedule. One loss, would most likely squash their BCS hopes. I don't think Wisconsin will be a Top 10, or even 15 team, by the time OSU gets them, but Nebraska should probably be ranked, by the time OSU sees them, which could give them another "signature" win down the line, if they can get it. Then of course, they close out the season with Michigan St., Michigan, and a potential Conference Championship Game. So as long as they keep winning, the Buckeyes will be in the middle of the BCS picture.

Speaking of Michigan, they stayed undefeated, with a good win over Colorado. I'm moving them up a spot, to #3. They will have plenty of opportunities to stay right in the playoff mix, but they could also find themselves on the outside, looking in, if they aren't able to successfully navigate a very tough, Big 10 Schedule.

I've got Houston at #4. They have looked so impressive this season, and I think they definitely deserve to be in the BSC conversation. However, Houston could also win out, and not necessarily make the BCS tourney, again due to strength of schedule. Louisville seems to be their toughest remaining obstacle, but they cannot afford to lose a single game to anyone, if they want any shot at a BCS Championship appearance.

Then there's Clemson. I struggled with this team, because they're undefeated, but they honestly haven't played the most inspiring football. The Auburn win was big, but they still have so much work to do, to stay relevant in the BCS equation. Clemson doesn't strike me as a team that gets into the dance, with a loss. They have that proverbial "trap game," with Georgia Tech this Thursday, but I believe we'll know exactly who Clemson really is, when they run into Louisville, in 2 weeks.

Rounding out my Top 10 this week, I have Stanford at #7. They put a whipping on a tough USC team, that I think should still be a Bowl team at season's end. Losses to Alabama and Stanford, have USC waving the, "Yeah but we didn't play any cupcakes," banner. Hang in there USC. You might still get to a Bowl game. There is a long way to go out west, but Stanford's strength of schedule, makes them a bonafide BCS contender, if they can win out.

#8 Washington, is another PAC 12 team, with a huge upside. Strength of schedule makes them a legit contender as well, as long as they keep winning games. I think the PAC 12 is going to send at least one team to the final 4, unless attrition simply cancels them all out. Washington looks like they could have the talent to win the conference, but after 3 weeks, only 2 PAC 12 teams, have 2 losses. This conference is going to eat itself alive, but I believe one team comes out of there.

I kept FSU in the top 10, but just barely. Obviously they're a talented team, but that loss yesterday, may very well be the spark, that ignites their demise. I think they need to win out, to stay in the BCS hunt. Based on their schedule, I gave them another week in the Top 10. I've already said, I could see them right in the mix at the end, but only if they win out.

Finally this week, I'm going with Michigan St., at #10. Only 2-0, but an impressive road win over Notre Dame. Yes, the Irish are struggling, but Sparty still beat them at home. Move over Wisconsin, the Green Machine is moving up the ranks. Of course, if you don't want to move over, you can flip the script on them this weekend. I think Wisconsin and Michigan St. are almost the same animal. We'll see who that "Big Dog" is, on Saturday.

There you have it. The SPortz Yak Week 4, BCS Power Rankings! Agree? Disagree?
Let Me Know!!

Thanks for reading and supporting The SPortz Yak!
#SPzY

Nothing Controversial About It

There is no reason, to hit the Panic Button. There is no Goalie Controversy. There is only a tired guy, who needed a couple days off. Consider how many consecutive games, Brian Elliott has started, and how many minutes he has played, this post season. The Blues have played 17 games, in their current playoff run. Brian Elliott, has started every game, before tonight.

I'm not sure what the season record was, for consecutive starts, but when you're looking at 17 consecutive starts for Elliott, over a 3 week period, it stands to reason, maybe let the other guy get a start, after a fairly lack luster performance in Game 3. I don't think this creates a Goalie controversy. I think it simply makes good sense, to let your number 1 guy, get some air.

So as we prepare for Game 4, of these Western Conference Finals, I think the biggest problem facing the Blues, is the lack of offense. It doesn't matter which guy starts, if we can't score any goals. The Blues best players, need to be their best players, and they need to play with a little more urgency tonight.

Could someone please put some quality shots on net? Could someone force the action, and maybe draw a penalty. Can we please give our Power Play, an opportunity? There is no controversy about one thing. This team needs a goal, and they need it NOW!

Time for Game 4. The Blues just need to play some inspired hockey tonight.

#SPzY