That's a hockey smile...the season must be close.
Finding secondary scoring was a problem for the St. Louis Blues during the 2008-09 season. Injuries decimated an already shallow depth chart.
Many players who were going to be counted on for filling up the stat sheet on a nightly basis missed many games for various injuries.
Paul Kariya (hip(s)): 11 GP
Andy McDonald (ankle/leg): 46 GP
T.J. Oshie (ankle): 57 GP
To compound the problem, management was busy breaking in rookies Oshie and Patrik Berglund along with second year man David Perron.
As a result, the Blues failed to find consistent scoring outside of their top line and their stellar power play unit.
This year is a bit different.
Barring any injuries, the Blues should have a sufficient second line to provide supplemental scoring.
1. Andy McDonald - David Backes - Brad Boyes
2. Paul Kariya - Patrik Berglund - B.J. Crombeen
The line gives the Blues some chemistry with the power of Crombeen, the speed of Kariya and the playmaking skills of Berglund.
Kariya was seen as the major off-season acquisition by the front office. Instead of going out and signing a high-priced FA, President John Davidson opted to stay with his original plan.
In recent articles, Kariya has said he's never felt better heading into a season. During the final year of his contract, Kariya will look for a comeback season.
While his output for 11 games was phenomenal, one can only hope he stays healthy and both of his hips hold up for an entire season.
Berglund enjoyed a breakout season during the first part of the year. He recorded 21 goals, 26 assists and, what might be the most important stat, +19.
Berglund showed he was capable of performing at a high level in the NHL, but succumbed to fatigue during the latter part of his first season.
Crombeen was a surprise to both fans and the coaching staff. A mid-season pick-up from the Dallas Stars, Crombeen made a name for himself mucking up the front of the net and recorded one of the few hat tricks on the season for the Note.
But you're gonna break up the "kid" line?! Do you remember how good they were?
After the playoffs, the performance of the kid line greatly diminished. Head Coach Andy Murray would be wise to break up the trio and incorporate their skills with other linemates.
The kids are only going to get better with time and others are starting to take notice.
However, the best is yet to come for the kids. The future of the Blues depends on it.
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