John McClane: Hey Jeremy,

The Blues have made public that they don't want to 'rush' any kids into the lineup. Even though Alex Pietriangelo seemingly looks good moving the puck up ice, he still lacks defensive attributes.

Being Alex IS only 19, and in spite of what Blues fans really want, is it a given that Alex is going to stay with the Blues the entire year?

I contend that it is not a 'given' that Alex will play more than his 9 games with the Blues irregardless of his offensive upside. What are your thoughts on this matter?

Jeremy Rutherford:
At this point, Pietrangelo's offensive abilities are ahead of his defensive abilities, but that's to be expected for a 19-year-old in the NHL. If Darryl Sydor, who has played 17 years and won two Stanley Cups, is stilling learning something every day (as he told me Wednesday), then it's no wonder how difficult it must be for a rookie like Pietrangelo.

For anybody who remembers, I thought he would stay with the Blues last year. Looking back, that wasn't very smart. He physically wasn't ready to handle the load. Now he is ready. Will he stay past nine games. Take it for what it's worth, but I think he will. The Blues could soon have eight healthy defensemen, but if Pietrangelo is still playing well, he will stay.

The Blues won't let Pietrangelo be a victim of a number's game. If he is playing well, he stays . . . that simple.

Ryan: JR, did you catch Backes on the Today Show on Wednesday morning? Is this a sign that he's a lock to make the team? I wouldn't think he would be one of the few representing USA hockey if they weren't planning on him being on the team. With his slow start, I'm not so sure though.

Jeremy Rutherford:
I would never say that a guy is a lock to be Olympian because he was on a TV show, BUT yes, I think you're onto something.

USA Hockey approached the Blues about taking Backes away from practice for a day and using him to promote the 2010 Olympics on the Today Show. I suppose if Backes has only two goals through December, Brian Burke could leave him off the roster. But Burke has never hidden his feelings for Backes as a player, not to mention that would be pretty shady to make Backes fly him up to New York for an appearance on the Today Show and then not include him on the team. I think Wednesday's developments were a good indicator that he'll be on the team.

The question now is, could Backes be the captain???

Thomas: Hey JR

If the offense continues to struggle, do you see the Blues unloading a top tier prospect to land a scoring winger??

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't think so. Not this early. The Blues are in a funk offensively, but this happens throughout the course of a long season. The team could score 10 goals in the next two games and we're not talking about this anymore. If the Blues are averaging a goal a game and the calendar says "December," then yes, something will happen. But right now, I think the club is looking at the slump as part of the ups and downs of the season.

But let's say the Blues were interested in a scoring winger . . . who's available?

djm448: Are the Blues planning on having a Brett Hull Hall of Fame night this season?

Jeremy Rutherford: I haven't heard about one, but I'm sure it's been talked about. I've more talk about a statue of Hull joining the statues of MacInnis and Federko in front of Scottrade Center. I don't know when it will be ready, or when the Blues will unveil, but it's definitely on the way.

FYI, the Blues are planning to honor John Davidson on Nov. 14 before the team's game against San Jose. JD will be in Toronto with Hull on Monday to receive the Foster Hewitt Award.

Dan in San Antonio: What is your sense of how the players are taking this offensive drought?

You frequently hear players say that they are gripping the stick too tight and aren't playing loose when they are in a scoring drought. But how does that get undone? After two straight games with no goals, and a game against a good team coming, are they able to keep their attitudes positive?

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues just have to relax. They have seemed uptight lately, and the only way to get out of that is to relax. It's easier said than done, but I expect that you'll see the team play a little looser tonight.

bugmanblues: Hey JR...It seems to me that one constant in the NHL is that the team that plays a more physical game, wins most games. One needs to look no further than the Blues whipping on Carolina last week. Fights aside, the Blues seem to finish every check, hit anything with the puck and pretty much dominated the game end to end.

This team has the tools to do this night in and night out. What, then, is the philosophy of them NOT being as physical as the could be or SHOULD be?

Look at the BEEF on this team...we should be the Broad Street Bullies of the 21st century...

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues should be much more physical than they've been. They have played that way in a couple of their victories - at Anaheim (5-0) and at Carolina (5-2).

The Blues haven't been good on the forecheck, which was their bread and butter last season. That's not totally reflective of the play of the forwards. The defensemen have to make short crisp passes, so the forward can gain the offensive zone with some speed, and then when you dump it in, you can be physical on the forecheck. We've seen too many defensemen trying to make long passes and it affects the team's style of play.

Wild Bill: Hi JR,
Thanks for taking my question.
I haven't heard alot about the Blues 1st round pick David Rundblad, How is he doing this season and where does he fit in the Blues future plans.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Rundblad has no goals and one assist in 14 games with Skelleftea HC in the Swedish Elite League. As far as how he's playing, I haven't heard any reports since early October. When the Blues were in Sweden, a couple members of the team's management team took a trip to see Rundblad play. They said then that he looked pretty good. But obviously that was just one game. Sorry, that's all I've got.

Ryan: JR, word on McDonald is that he was hurt a lot less than he could have been but nothing specific of his injuries or how long he might be out has been said. Can you tell us any more details about McDonald - is he likely to play Saturday for instance?

Jeremy Rutherford:
McDonald was on the ice this morning, although he was wearing an orange "no contact" jersey. He did skate and shoot, which I have some video of and will post in a Morning Skate blog this afternoon. John Davidson said Wednesday that McDonald would play "sooner rather than later" but I don't know if that means this weekend. Even if he doesn't play this weekend, it seems to me that he'll be back next week at the latest.

David: JR, out of all of the folks that could have represented USA hockey, why was David Backes selected to go to NY to appear on the Today Show? Not that I'm complaining as it's great to have a Blue get national exposure like that but I find it a bit puzzling they didn't send someone more established. Perhaps he was picked at least partially due to his good looks? Also, were the Blues at all concerned that he missed a day of practice traveling to NY and back? I could see that affecting his game tonight.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Is this the real David Backes?

USA Hockey asked the Blues a few weeks ago if they would allow Backes to do this, and they said yes. John Davidson is a big believer in getting exposure for the Blues. (Backes also was on NHL Live while in New York). I understand where you're coming from, but I'm not sure missing one practice is going to affect a player that much. Backes is already slumping offensively, so maybe this ends up helping his confidence and thus helping his offense.

Ryan: JR, do you know who Lars Eller will be playing with tonight?

Jeremy Rutherford: Eller will play left wing on a line with Patrik Berglund at center and T.J. Oshie at right wing.

Matt: What is the correct pronunciation of Alex Pietrangelo's name? Kerbs insists it's pronounced "Puh-TRAN-je-lo," but I've heard Murray and others call him "Pet-ro-AN-je-lo." There are other pronunciations, but those are the most common.

Jeremy Rutherford: Kerbs is right: Puh-TRAN-je-lo . . . that's straight from Alex.

Jonathan: Hey JR
Just a few quick questions...

will Mase be in net tonight or Conks?

Was the game time moved to 7:30 for our friends to the North?

Did Eller already have a number assigned or is he picking one today?

Go Blues!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeremy Rutherford:
1. Mason
2. I've gotten this question a lot and I'm working on an answer.
3. 61

Wild Bill: Hi JR,
What NHL player (past or present) does Eller remind you of?

Jeremy Rutherford: I haven't seen Eller play much. But I'm told by those who saw him in Peoria that he has a lot of skill and he plays very physical. Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to watching him play.

KK: JR,

What do the Blues see in Brewer? Are they still trying to justify the Pronger trade? Time to send him packing or release him. Cut their losses and move forward. He's already a minus 3 this season and a minus 94 for his career, never finishing a season with a positive +/-. It is any coicidence that the Blues made the playoffs last year without Brewer?

Jeremy Rutherford: He hasn't played in 11 months. You can't judge him after two games.

Andrew Sampson: Hi Jeremy

How much ice time do you think Lars Eller will get if he plays?

Jeremy Rutherford: He's playing on a line with Berglund and Oshie, so unless Andy Murray double shifts somebody else with Berglund and Oshie, I would think that Eller will at least get 14-16 minutes.

rich4mde: Thanks for taking the time to take questions!

What do you think about Sydor? Me personally I don't care for him. He's slow and seems lost defensively most of the time (also see Weaver). The Blues say they brought him in for a veteran presence but that doesn't win games. We have Vets Jackman, PK, KT, McDonald,Brewer, etc. Now he's taking up spots for our younger guys like Junland who is doing amazing right now. He's scoring goals, makes great passes and carries the puck good!Now how much more is Junland going to have to do for the Blues to bring him up?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I've said before that Sydor is what he is, and that's a steady veteran. Anybody looking for more is going to be disappointed.

To me, the Sydor signing has been more of a blessing than originally thought, and that's because of the injury to Barret Jackman. Without Jackman and without a completely healthy Eric Brewer, where would the Blues be without Sydor?

And if you don't agree with that, I talked to Erik Johnson yesterday and he Sydor has been integral in his development. Johnson said that Sydor has told him: "You have the green light to join the rush. I will be here to back you up." So if you think Johnson has played well, you've got to give Sydor credit.

Junland is playing well, but he's got to do it over a longer stretch. Junland played great in Peoria at the start of last season, becoming an AHL all-star. But then his play dropped off dramatically.

Xavier: Hey Jeremy,

Andy Murray changed his lines a lot since the beginning of the season, can you tell me what will be the lines tonight and the powerplay units?

do you know if paul kariya prefers to play the point rn the right side for the powerplay, he had so much success on the right side during his days with the ducks and the preds so i was wondering why he wasnt playing there since our powerplay struggle.

any word on pietrangelo staying with the blues this year?


blues fan from montreal

thank you
merci

Jeremy Rutherford:
Murray has changed his lines a lot this year. Some of it is coach's decision, some of it is the lines aren't scoring, and some of it is the injury factor. When one guy goes out of the lineup (like Steen, like Oshie), then it likely affects multiple lines. Also, fans wanted Cam Janssen in the lineup. Well, when you add a guy to the lineup, you also have to change the lines.

I will post the lines in my morning skate blog after the chat is over. But as I mentioned earlier, Eller will play with Berglund and Oshie. You might be able to figure out the rest of the lines.

PP groups . . . Boyes, Tkachuk, Kariya, Pietrangelo and Sydor in one group and Oshie, Johnson, Perron, Backes and Berglund in the other.

So Kariya will be on the half-wall tonight.

rich4mde: If Eller starts tearing it up, up here in the NHL do you think the Blues will find a way to keep him up? Say he scores 3 goals and has 2 assists in 2 games and McDonald is ready to come back. Do you see the Blues sitting someone like Winchester? Thanks JR.

Jeremy Rutherford: Yes, that could happen. If Eller produces and McDonald comes back, the Blues will come up with some plan to keep Eller hear. I don't know if it will be Winchester who goes . . . the Blues have 12 forwards, so they could keep Eller and make somebody a healthy scratch.

Mark: JR, in your opinion, what's wrong with this team? Why are they playing such lackluster hockey? Where did the intensity, tenacity and all out effort of last season go? Is it the players fault or the coaches fault?

Jeremy Rutherford:
They're not playing desperate hockey like they did in the second half of last year. Right now, I would point to the players.

Bloop91: J.R.

Wondering what kind of money does a player make in ECHL.
Thanks and can't wait to see Eller tonite

Jeremy Rutherford: If I'm not mistaken, it's around $35,000 or so. Obviously some players can make more.

Ty: Is Jackman's ankle injury less serious than Oshie's last year? They're two completely different players so I would assume an ankle injury to Oshie would affect his game more than Jackman's. I was just curious if Jackman's time table to return is shorter just because he is affected less (not because it is actually a lesser injury)?

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't know if Jackman's injury is less serious, but he seems to be bouncing back quicker. Oshie missed 24 games, I believe, with his high-ankle sprain. Jackman will miss his 10th game tonight, but he's been practicing every day and looks like he will be back soon.

Ty: I heard Strachan got hurt in the AHL. If so, what kind of injury is it?

Jeremy Rutherford: Strachan suffered an upper-body injury. I'm not sure of the nature, but I don't think he's expected to play tonight for Peoria.

Scott L: Hey JR,

Since Eller is making his NHL debut tonight, what can we expect this guy to be like in the NHL? Also which player would you compare him to?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Eller is a skilled forward who plays physical. I asked him today if he can play the same way in the NHL as he has in the AHL and Eller says that's his intention.

cbleedsblue: Hey JR,

I know this topic is like beating a dead horse, but it baffles me how no one will give this an honest response.

Why is it that Cam only plays 4-7 mins on average? Let's clarify a little further. When you have 4 rotating lines (which seems reasonable, yet improbable on this team), why make other forwards double shift on the oft chance that you think Cam is a liability?

I can't really pull stats into this argument because he hasn't been on the ice long enough to really compare to anyone else, but think about it. When you are double shifting forwards all night and then another one goes down for the game (ie MacDonald), the other forwards are making up for more slack. Tiring out your forwards will not help you win games.

Does Nashville sit Jordin Tootoo the whole time? No! I know he brings some more offense to the game, but Cam worked hard on his game this summer and when he is out there it shows (in flashes). Not to mention, I have seen a few scoring chances and a goal caused by a great hit he layed on a opposing player. All I am saying, is if you dress a player, you should play him!

Jeremy Rutherford: I looked this up the other day.

Janssen played 5 minutes per game last year, and this year he's up to 6 minutes per game. So he is playing more. Janssen is a much improved player this season, but you're not going to see him playing 10 minutes a game. He brings a unique element to the Blues and deserves the playing time he's getting, but the Blues need offense and Janssen isn't one of their top offensive players. But as I mentioned, he is getting more playing time this season, albeit a shift of two.

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: Over/Under

Lars Eller - 10 Minutes of Ice Time

Lars Eller's first career point

Lars Eller even in the +/-

Jeremy Rutherford:
1. Over
2. Assist on Oshie goal
3. +1

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: Nic Drazenovic has put up solid numbers so far in Peoria. How was his camp, and how does his future look in hockey?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Drazenovic was considered for the call-up that wound up going to Eller. Drazenovic has been very good in Peoria this season. He will get a shot at some point.

Zac: JR,

Any idea who will be in goal tonight? Mason I assume?

Jeremy Rutherford: Mason tonight.

John: What are the Blues going to do when Jackman and Carlo come back?

Jeremy Rutherford: Good question. No one in the organization is ready to answer it yet. I would expect one of the veterans to sit, perhaps Mike Weaver. Also, Pietrangelo might not be in the lineup every night. Even if he spends the year in St. Louis, he may not play every night.

The question is if everyone on defense stays healthy for a long stretch, do the Blues make a trade. And how long after that trade does the first defensive injury happen ;)

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: Why all the bad talk already about Brewer? He's played two games, and the team has not scored in either of them. Still many fans and a few media members are concerned about his +/-....already, two games in. Not many players are going to be in the + column when the offense doesn't score. I think Brewer and Pietrangelo are playing well. These are the guys that should be playing, not five foot nine, one hundred eighty pound, defensive defensemen.

Jeremy Rutherford:
It's way to early in Brewer's return to begin criticizing.

Although Pietrangelo was a minus-4 against Florida, he had a pretty good game. He could have done something different on the first Panthers' goal. The second and third goals weren't glaring mistakes and the last goal was an empty-netter.

taycky22: I have a feeling that Backes and Boyes will snap out of their funks at some point; however, the player I'm most concerned with is Berglund. Watching a developing talent play without confidence is hard to watch--given that we know what he can do.

Murray has his rules--and systems--but does a fear of riding the pine crush the confidence of a player who possesses a fierce talent with the puck?

I've seen Berglund throw away the puck virtually everytime he's held it for more than a second. He's one of the best puck posession players on the team...and I'm sure the coaching staff is aware of this. Is Berglund the type of person that responds to punishment? I'm starting to think he should be 'encouraged' to play with the puck--despite his obvious response in his physical/defensive game to being benched.

The talent is there--the confidence is not...what do you feel needs to be done? Is there cause for concern (for Berglund) if Eller plays his way to the NHL?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I've been told by some of the Blues young players that they are playing in fear of making a mistake at times. They don't feel comfortable playing that way. It's good to play with pressure, but there's a fine line on how much is too much.

Berglund, to me, isn't the type of player that you have to threaten to get him to play better. He's mature enough and he knows how important it is to play better. But I think he's pressing at times. Perhaps playing with Eller tonight, a change of scenery, will help.

HuntsvilleBlues: Did Eller pick his own number, or was it just given to him?

Any significance?

Jeremy Rutherford: Eller wore 16 growing up. When it was taken last year in Sweden, he flipped the numbers and wore 61. Since 16 is off limits in St. Louis, he chose 61.

Sam: With all the blues prospects in peoria and juniors, who is projected to be in the nhl next year? And how will that affect who the blues sign or trade away? With all this talent could the blues possibly try to package a deal for a top tier goalie or skill player? Also, who is the #1 rated prospect in the blues system? Thank you for taking my question.

Jeremy Rutherford: With Eller in St. Louis now, the only prospect who I believe has a chance to play with the Blues next season is defenseman Ian Cole. The Notre Dame standout may need some time in Peoria, but he has a chance to make it in the NHL next season.

Jonarthan: Hey JR

I have always been curious how the players manage their shift times? Do they look at the jumbotron and do the math? Is there someone on the bench barking at them?

And who figures the toi time for each player?

Thanks again

Jeremy Rutherford: These guys have been playing hockey their whole life . . . they know how long 40 seconds is. Murray might disagree with that since he's been upset recently with how long some players have stayed out.

Murray determines how many shifts a player gets, and thus his ice time.

alex mathenia: Thanks for answering my question J.R.! Why hasn't Johnson's booming shot been utilized very much on the point? Is it his own hesitancy or a lack of guidance from upper management? Thanks.

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't think Johnson has been hesitant, but he certainly hasn't used the shot like the Blues would hope.

Ryan: Why was Eller brought up on "emergency" conditions as opposed to just recalling him the normal way? He's not subject to waivers and the Blues have plenty of room on their 23 man roster so why attach the "emergency" tag to his recall? I mean, once McDonald returns, Eller HAS to go back since he's up on an emergency whereas if they had simply recalled him, they could keep him even after McDonald returned. It's probably a moot point since he's likely going back to Peoria once McDonald returns either way but I'm just curious. I assume there must be something within the business aspect of the game that I'm not getting here.

Jeremy Rutherford: To my knowledge, the Blues can switch Eller's status to a normal call-up and take away the emergency tag when McDonald returns.

Aaron: how's Oshie doing

thanks

Jeremy Rutherford: He will be back in the lineup tonight. He says he's 100 percent.

gojohnnygo: JR-

Thanks for the chat...a couple of questions.

1) A long homestand is around the corner. Is that a bad thing for a team that is looking for its identity right now?

2) Has Murray thought of going to 5 forwards again on the power play?

Jeremy Rutherford:
1. To me, anytime you're upset about home games, there's a bigger problem somewhere. The Blues should use the home games to find their identity.
2. The Blues used five forwards last year, but that was out of necessity. Yes, it worked for them, but they prefer a booming shot from the point.

Jeremy Rutherford:

Thanks for the questions today. Now I'm going to figure out why a Lars Eller video interview I did this morning won't upload onto my blog. Please continue to check back on the Blues Talk forum for the interview.

Thanks,
JR