Jeremy Rutherford: All right, sorry I'm late . . . hopefully you were able to take a look at my Morning Skate blog and get some game-day information. Let's get rolling!

Oshkosh Jeff: JR,

Read your chats from Wisconsin every week. Go Blues!

My question: The Red Wings have already locked up a playoff spot. Isn't it just maybe possible we won't see their entire A-team when we head to their barn April 2? The same with Chicago on April 1 and Columbus on April 10? Maybe those teams sitting out some star talent or their top goaltenders could be the break that goes our way?

Go Perron!

Jeff

Jeremy Rutherford:
The Blues won't be so lucky. The Red Wings and Sharks are stilling battling for the top spot in the West, which guarantees home ice throughout the Western Conference playoffs. Too bad the NHL all-star game doesn't decide home ice for the Stanley Cup ;)

Same with the Blackhawks and Columbus . . . they'll all be vying for a top-four seed and thus home ice.

Chad: JR

What is the status on Paul Kariya?

Thanks

Jeremy Rutherford:
Kariya has been skating by himself and says that he could be ready IF the Blues make the playoffs. But it doesn't look like he would return before the playoffs.

Todd: Hi Jeremy, with all we're hearing about Paul Kariya returning for the playoffs, why has there been no print and/or film interview? Do you have a timeline on the press conference you mentioned in an earlier morning skate?
This is extremely good news for the Blues and for Paul that his recovery is going so quickly and well! Can't wait to see you back in action #9!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Kariya is not a big fan of doing interviews. He mentioned one day that he would talk with reporters the NEXT day, and it never happened. Hopefully I'll be able to pin him down soon.

bigbri: Jeremy, the Blues are markedly a different team when they play against Detroit than against any other opponent. There are VETERAN players on this team that turn to mush when the Red Wings are the opponent. What is the coaching staff's approach to fixing this problem?

Jeremy Rutherford: Great question. I don't know the answer. The Blues are visibly a different team when they play the Red Wings. Normally they are the aggressors, but when they play the Red Wings, they let them dictate the tempo. I'll have to sit down with Andy Murray before the game against Detroit next week and see if there's anything specific the team will focus on to avoid that dilemma.