In six NHL games, T.J. Oshie has one goal, two assists, seven hits, nine takeaways and just two giveaways. But you would never know that by his player’s skill level on EA Sports NHL ’09.

“When I play NHL ‘09, I play as the Blues and my guy is just terrible,” Oshie said, laughing. “I feel embarrassed when he’s out there. He’s slow, every time he gets touched he falls down.”

For those of you like me who aren’t video-game junkies, the games today actually rate the players’ skill level in real life and then program those individual players to have a certain skill level in the game.

What can Oshie do about it? Can he play the game as a different team? Or if he plays as the Blues, perhaps he can call EA Sports and get his skill level improved?

“If I play a different team, I’m betraying (the Blues),” Oshie said. “I’m hoping that I just pick up my game, get some hits and they update the game where I’m a little more solid on the puck.”

Back to real life, where Oshie has been solid on the puck for the Blues . . . he feels like he’s adjusting to the NHL game, but says he can be better.

“I feel like things could be going better,” Oshie said. “I felt pretty good against Detroit. I’m just trying to keep it simple. Too often, I try to complicate things and make that one extra move or make that one extra hit that puts me out of position. I’m just trying to keep things simple and it’s been working out for me.”

One thing folks have noticed about Oshie is that he’s going all out on every shift. Of course, that’s what you want from a player, but will Oshie have enough energy in February and March? He’s currently averaging 16:44 of ice time per game.

“I don’t think I could play too well if I’m not going all out,” Oshie said. “Obviously I’ve got to pick my spots when I’m putting myself out of position. But the best part of my game is intensity and going hard.”

Oshie has one goal, which came against Detroit Wednesday. He’s not worried about scoring more at this point, as long as he’s playing his style of game.

“If we’re getting wins, I feel like I’m doing my job,” Oshie said. “Whatever it takes.”

Well, somebody must have told him the Blues’ slogan.

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Key matchup tonight:

Blues power play (1st in NHL, 40.7 percent) vs. Kings penalty kill (tied for 1st, 100 percent). The Kings have killed all 23 of their opponents’ power plays this season.

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If a player scored in his last two games of 2007-08 and he’s scored in the first six games of 2008-09, should that be considered an eight-game streak?

Keith Tkachuk has done just that, and there’s a debate among people at the rink about how it should count in the record books. The NHL and the Blues are counting it as a “personal” streak, but it would not count as an all-time league record. That record, by the way, was set by Punch Broadbent in 1921-22. Ole Punch scored in 16 straight games for Ottawa.

Tkachuk does have a chance to set the Blues’ record for most games with a goal. Brett Hull scored in 10 straight games twice, so Tkachuk would need to score in the next three games to set the new mark.

As far as an NHL record, Tkachuk still has a chance at the record for consecutive games with a goal to start the season. He’s at six games now, but has a long way to go. Mario Lemieux scored in the first 12 games o the 1992-93 season.

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There could be a few lineup changes tonight. Although it’s not certain, it looks like Yan Stastny and Cam Janssen are back in on the fourth line. Chris Porter, who was in the lineup Wednesday, was assigned to Peoria Thursday. Paul Kariya did not skate this morning, which isn’t unusual, but you never know if he’s dealing with a bump or bruise.

The defense will stay the same with Jay McKee, Barret Jackman, Eric Brewer, Roman Polak, Steve Wagner and Mike Weaver.

Manny Legace will start in goal.

JR