Murray Must Revive Kariya, Tkachuk, Backes
Sending Lars Eller back to Peoria was the right thing to do . . . for.
Andy Murray’s top priority is to get Paul Kariya, Keith Tkahcuk and David Backes going again. Those three have been relegated to checking or “energy” line roles and they have all but disappeared from the score sheet.
All three are getting power-play opportunities, but the Blues aren’t clicking with man advantage.
Eller flashed some big-time potential during his brief stint here, but he needs to continue his development. Hockey Guy loves his willingness to get into the fray and through himself around, but he still needs to mature.
Back when David Perron broke in, the Blues had fewer scorers and they had some use for the kid as he moved in and out of the lineup. The current Blues have lots of scorers (in theory), so keeping Eller as a part-time guy makes no sense.
Perron did not have the option of playing in the AHL during his first pro season, due to junior eligibility restrictions. Eller has that option and has made the most of it.
As for Kariya, Tkachuk and Backes, working hard isn’t enough. These guys must make a positive difference or this team will remain the Back Seven of the Western Conference all season.
The Blues are playing those three a lot of money to help drive the offense. Murray needs to put them into positions to score and start coaxing goals out of them.
Enough is enough.
AROUND THE RINKS: Down at Peoria, Eller had a shaky return as the Rivermen suffered a 6-0 loss to the Abbotsford, B.C. Heat. . . . Fabian Brunnstrom has high-end scoring potential, but he is not prospering in Marc Crawford’s system in Dallas, which has scoring-impaired teams elsewhere showing some interest . . . The Blues are catching a Sharks team that has gotten healthier with the return of Joe Pavelski and Devon Setoguchi. They will also be agitated after losing blowing a two-goal lead over Dallas and falling in the shootout . . . In their last six games, the Flames have scored just 12 goals – half of them by Jarome Iginla . . . The Thrashers are pretty happy to have Ilya Kovalchuk back. Back from his broken foot, he led the Thrashers to a 7-0 victory over the visiting Kings. The addition of Maxim Afinogenov has made Kovalchuk all the more dangerous. Atlanta has won three consecutive games, which is rather unusual . . . All of this bodes well for Atlanta locking up Kovalchuk before he reaches free agency. Russia’s KHL dreams of getting him, but Ilya would get bored playing in that second-tier pro league . . . Also coming off the injured list are Evgeni Malkin for the Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin for the Capitals. Finally, the NHL’s brightest stars should be aligned correctly . . . Former Leafs goon Nick Kypreos, not a TV analyst, had an interesting sit-down with former Blues whack job Mike Danton. It was quite an experience for Nick. Not as much as falling on Grant Fuhr during the playoffs, but interesting nonetheless.
MURRAY’S SYSTEM IS A BLACK HOLE FROM WHICH ONCE TALENTED PLAYERS FLUSH THEIR RESPECTIVE CAREERS DOWN THE TOILET. Recently, Murray stated “Paul Kariya, is battling on every puck and is our best forward”. Really Aye? Clearly, statements such as this suggest Murray is completely incompetent and may well be blind. Paul Kariya is a complete bum and should retire. He is totally ineffective on the ice. Kariya is a coward and refuses to venture into the high-traffic areas needed to score goals in the NHL. Instead, Kariya just figure skates around the perimeter ala Disney on Ice. If Murray can’t see this he needs to take his head out of the sand. CHECKETT’S AND JD NEED TO LET MURRAY GO.
Saw the Kypreos/Danton interview, the whole thing was a joke. Nothing but a propaganda piece for Danton to find himself a hockey job. Kypreos never was and never will be a credible reporter. His questions only grazed the surface, and failed to seriously address the inconsistencies and contradictions in Danton’s story. I’d be very interested in seeing a real reporter like Bob McKeown of the CBC’s Fifth Estate do an interview with Danton. However, I doubt Danton would consent. As for Danton, I feel sorry for him, I think he’s more messed up and in denial than he realizes.
Whoever is writing about the Blues doesn’t seem to be going to the games. Kariya and Tkachuk are not contributing and sucking the puck form the younger players as well as their energy. It would seem the more you make the less enthusiasm you play with. Eric Johnson needs to go to the AHL for more work on his game. He is often out of position and breaks the flow of the game leaving the point unattended. Jackman must still be on pain medication given his passes in the past few games. I can give Brewer a break for a few more games but not after that. If these guys are afraid to play then let them sit out and let the younger guys have at it. Even if we don’t win at least the game will be more intense and exciting.