Jeremy Rutherford: As mentioned in the Morning Skate blog, Paul Kariya has returned to St. Louis for an MRI. He suffered a "lower-body" injury last night in Anaheim and won't play tonight, and perhaps not Saturday either. There's lots of questions, so let's get to it.

B in Denver: J.R.: Thanks for the time. With the note being shut out twice in the past three games, I would think there IS a need for a Shanahan type player. I would also prefer an offensive puck moving d-man over Shanny, but where can they get one NOW for the salary alone(no players cost). Should you not upgrade yourself in one area, just because you have a greater need in another, but the cost is higher for an upgrade in the area of greater need?

Jeremy Rutherford: You're right that there aren't many puck-moving defensemen available. But what if the Blues put their money in Shanahan and then one became available, via trade or whatever? While Shanahan could be good for the leadership, this team has good forwards and needs defensive help. If the defense can't get the puck down the ice, what good is Shanahan?

Adam: If Mason continues to let in soft goals (like the two short side ones last night) do you think the Blues would still want him next season?

Jeremy Rutherford: While Mason wasn't great, I thought the Selanne goal was a tremendous shot. Yeah it was shortside, but he picked a spot top-shelf and hit it. Great shot.

If Mason doesn't play well this season, it won't matter if the Blues want him or not next year. No one will take him at $3 million in 2009-10, if he doesn't play well.

MichaelS: JR, Thanks for the coverage. The Blues are obviously a developing team and have lots of skill players despite losing them to injury game after game. I like Murray, no reason not to, but is the system he teaches best for a team like this. Sometimes a general has to change tactics you know, can Murray do this? Would he do it? ESPN had interesting article about Sharks playing the way they are after changing their system to emulate the Wings with their coach having come from Detroit. At what point does Murray's system start working for this team or is it they have to fit to his style no matter what? Also, if Bishop plays tonight, and plays well, does that change anything for the Blues as to where they play him the rest of the year? Thanks for your time!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Good question. I think it's a good system if the Blues are taking more shots. Not to make too many excuses, but injuries have hurt the team. With Erik Johnson, T.J. Oshie, Manny Legace, etc. in the lineup, this is an entertaining hockey team. Now with Paul Kariya out, they're going to have to find a different way to do things.

The Red Wings system has obviously been successful, but who has Lidstrom, Datsyuk and Zetterberg? San Jose has adopted the style with new coach Todd McLellan, a former Detroit assistant, but they've got some horses in San Jose.

Legace and Mason are the goalies this year. I don't see anyway Bishop, even if he has a great game tonight, stays with the Blues when Legace and Mason are both healthy.

Rodimus Prime: JR - interesting game last night...too bad we came out on the losing end.

1. Thoughts on the Perry-Getzlaf-Kunitz line? Wow did they click and cycle extremely well.

2. Thoughts on Stempniak's play from last nights game? I thought he did a very good job on the point, moving the puck and finding ways to get shots through.

3. Transition game vs Anaheim...it seemed to be much better last night. Yes, the Blues struggled vs the Getzlaf-Perry line...but overall the Blues seemed to move the puck forward well. Petro looked good last night.

Thanks JR!

Jeremy Rutherford:
1. WOW. That line can move the puck. I've seen one great cycle in a game, but not two or three . . . BY THE SAME LINE.

2. The Blues told Stempniak specifically that he needed to shoot more. I don't have his shot total in front of me, but it looked like he got a few more off last night. I don't mind him on the point on the power play . . . he can move the puck well.

3. Transition was a little better and Petro was good. He'll be a lot better once he gets some games under his belt. It's looking like he will probably stay in St. Louis.