The Blues didn’t miss Erik Johnson on the power play Friday night as they strafed the Thrashers scrubs. Paul Kariya looks ready to take charge this season, which is huge.

Coach Andy Murray is experimenting with a five-forward unit, with is interesting. This is a process, as they say in the business world.

Rookie defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is making the case to at least start the season with the big club, but it’s tough to gauge his real progress in preseason play.

The Blues took a look at Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider, but Anaheim dealt him to Atlanta instead for defenseman Ken Klee and two throw-ins. Bryan Berard could be another possibility – if he can’t stick with the Flyers on his tryout.

Friday night also a brought good showing for winger Lee Stempniak, who inexplicably lost his jump and scoring touch last season. His even-strength work with Andy McDonald and Brad Boyes was most encouraging.

That’s a pretty good line. So is Kariya working with rookie center Patrik Berglund and David Perron. That would still leave David Backes and T.J Oshie to work with Jay McClement – a group that could feed off Oshie’s speed and playmaking ability.

AROUND THE RINKS: The NHL is no league for old men. Old friend Petr Nedved discovered this after the Rangers cut him despite his reasonably good showing. That team has also been slow to offer anything to another old friend, Brendan Shanahan. Shan the Man worked out on his own as the Rangers prepared to leave for their European adventure . . . Along those lines, Claude Lemieux is working out in hopes of making a comeback. Never say never, especially as contenders take some big injury hits . . . Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar could miss the bulk of the regular season with a shoulder injury, should he opt for surgery. That is why Evgeni Malkin is working on the power-play point these days . . . The Ducks will use their cap relief to re-up winger Teemu Selanne – once another moderate salary is dumped. Look for Anaheim to enjoy a flying start this season, since top forward prospect Bobby Ryan is finally ready to make his mark in the NHL . . . The Canucks may elect to move rugged defenseman Kevin Bieksa for additional scoring help up front. The Sedin Twins and old friend Pavol Demitra could use some help . . . The Kings have made no effort to get their salary up to the “floor” mandated in the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. The team is still taking a hard line with restricted free agent Patrick O’Sullivan, one of its up-and-coming scorers. LA fans wonder why the team didn’t take Schneider’s salary from Anaheim . . . If Todd Bertuzzi doesn’t make a mark in Calgary this season, it won’t be for the lack of opportunity. Coach Mike Keenan seems to have a man-crush on Big Bert. Look for him to play on one of the top two lines.