Jeremy Rutherford: Hello everyone. I hope you had a safe New Year's Eve. I just posted a "Morning Skate" blog, so take a look if you want some notes on tonight's game. The answers today may be a little short, but it's because we have a lot of questions and I want to get to as many as possible. Thanks, JR.

doctorkz: With the Kariya injury will the Note go after a veteran forward like Shanahan? In that Western Conference no team is out of it...

Jeremy Rutherford: No Shanahan, that ship sailed. It doesn't make sense on any front. The Blues aren't a playoff team, teh Blues aren't on the East Coast, and they don't have money laying around. With all of the injuries, they are spending a lot of extra money this season.

Dave: JR:

Thanks for the chats! You agreed with a fan that next year will be put up or shut up time vis-a-vis the playoffs. Yet you also forecast Mason as the number 1 netminder, seems a bit incongruous, hey?? Cheers!!

Jeremy Rutherford: Your point is understood. Mason needs to be better. But this is where I'm coming from: Mason will make $3 million next year. So if they don't re-sign Manny Legace, which I don't think they will, the Blues don't have many options outside of Mason for a starter. If they sign someone in free-agency to be the No. 1, you'd probably have to pay that player more than Mason. The Blues aren't planning on spending that kind of money. So Mason will likely be the starter . . . and regardless of who the starter is, it will be put-up-or-shut-up time.

Dale Rolando: As a former Blues' ticket holder from the late 70's and early 80's now living in Florida, I rarely get to see the Blues play. After watching the game on Versus Tuesday night, the Blues seemed aggressive in the offensive zone but passive in their defensive zone. They don't seem to consistently stand up at the blue line defensively, allowing the opposing team to gain the zone with little resistance. Fair assesment or not? Appreciate the chats.

Jeremy Rutherford: That's a completely fair assessment, but keep in mind the Blues are without Eric Brewer, Jay McKee, Erik Johnson, etc. Many will probably say those aren't players who stand people up at the blue line, and I would agree, but the defensive right now is very inexperienced without them. For their limited experience and ability, I think the Blues' current defense has done a decent job of limiting opponents' 5 on 5 scoring chances.

Damian: Happy New Year Jeremy, I watched the WJC's and noticed that Petro barely even played against the U.S. When he was with the Blues for a short period, I noticed that this kid severley lacks intensity, and seems to be the case in the WJC's. Do you know if JD and co. are concerned about this. For a #4 overall pick and ALL his potential, someone needs to LITE A FIRE under his can. Have a good one. Damian

Jeremy Rutherford: Pietrangelo isn't being used very much at the WJC and it's because of his lack of intensity. I have not talked to JD about this, but he has to be concerned that Pietrangelo isn't progressing in that area. This tournament was the chance for Pietrangelo to pick up his intensity and show what kind of player he can be. Instead, he's not playing much because of it. It's not going to get any better this season playing junior hockey, where he's not tested as much. The Blues are going a lot of work to do with him in training camp next year.