NHL 15: St. Louis Blues - Quest for the Cup!

[MizzouRah]

Not a good start to the 2nd half of the season as we lose 4-1 to Nashville. I scan the trade blocks.. not much out there that grabs me yet, many are older vet players who might be a good fit, but only at the right price and only if we are in a position to fight for a playoff spot close to the trade deadline.

We head out on the road after a disappointing 3-4 home stand. Maybe we need a road trip, who knows at this point.

(24-20-3)

[MizzouRah]

Three losses in a row. Carolina hands us a 4-1 loss. We came out hitting and played well in the first period, but we put Carolina on the PP 6 times and they score twice and add two more to send the Blues packing.

Jake Allen was great for a good part of the game, but Carolina took advantage of their PP chances.

Next up we head to Washington to take on Ovechkin and the Capitals.

(24-21-3)

[MizzouRah]

Tarasenko scores two goals as the Blues edge the Capitals, 5-4.

Finally.. the bleeding stops, we still didn't play a very good game though and on the flight back to St. Louis, I hit the phones.

I get Martin Brodeur's agent on the phone once again and we verbally ink him to a 1 year, $1.150 deal. Good news is, he's been training and will be ready to start in the next game vs Tampa Bay in St. Louis.

I waive D Chris Butler and was hoping he would clear waivers.. he doesn't as the Buffalo Sabres pick him up. Not much of a loss.. but now I'll need to sign another D for depth.

Last item is to check free agency and I offer D Joe Corvo a 1 year, 2-way deal at $0.550 as well as LW Ryan Jones a 1 year, $1.300 deal. This would add D depth and Ryan Jones would immediately head to the big club and start on the 4th line.

I also send LW Chris Porter back to the AHL and will go with Lehtera - Lapierre - Reaves on the 4th line for now. Porter has been decent, but Jones would add a bit more skill to that line. If we don't sign Jones, then we have youth depth in the AHL.

Tampa Bay is (27-19-5) and G Ben Bishop returns to St. Louis to take on Martin Brodeur.

(25-21-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues squeak by Tampa Bay, 6-5 - Brodeur gets win #689

Martin Brodeur put on the Blue note for the first time in his 21 year - NHL career and would allow a goal on the very first shot from Tampa Bay. The Blues scoring was back in full force though as they would outlast the Lightning, 6-5 in front of a sell out crowd at the Scottrade Center.

"I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the team welcomed me and the fans were really loud tonight.", said Brodeur.

The Blues win their 2nd game in a row and are hopefully back on the right track in a very competitive Western Conference.

D Kevin Shattenkirk took a huge hit from Lightning D Jason Garrison and is out 3-4 weeks with a separated shoulder.

LW Ryan Jones agreed to terms and will start in the next game on the 4th line next to Lapierre and Reaves.

LW Chris Porter was traded to the Florida Panthers for a 2015 5th round pick. The Blues then traded their 2015 2nd (FLA), 5th (FLA) and 6th round picks to Anaheim for their 2015 2nd round pick.

Anaheim has been decimated by injuries and is in last place in the Western Conference.

Next up the Blues travel to Buffalo to take on newly acquired D Chris Butler and the Sabers. Buffalo is (19-28-4)

(26-21-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues stay perfect in February.. shutout Buffalo, 5-0

Brian Elliott stopped all 38 Buffalo shots and Patrik Berglund scored two goals as the Blues get their 3rd shutout of the season. Blues win their 3rd game in a row and are 3-0 in February.

Next up they travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. Columbus is 27-20-2 on the season.


(27-21-3)

[MizzouRah]

Late Rally lifts Columbus past Blues, 5-3 (EN)

Columbus started off on fire, taking a quick 2-0 over the Blues in the first 5 minutes of the game. The Blues would come back though, scoring the next 3 goals for a total of 5 goals scored in the first period for both teams combined. The 2nd period was all defense as neither team would score. Late in the 3rd period, TJ Oshie would take a goalie interference call and Columbus would capitalize with a PP goal and tie up the game. Only 48 seconds later Columbus would put the game away with another goal and the Blues were shocked taking the loss in what was a game of domination on the ice by the Blues. The Blues out shot Columbus 44-21.

Next up the Blues travel back to St. Louis as the Western Conference leading Chicago Blackhawks come to town. Chicago is 30-18-4 on the season and are fully healthy.

(27-22-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues handle Blackhawks, 2-1 behind stellar goaltending!

Blues go down 1-0 early, but would tie the game at 1-1 after one period and then David Backes would put in the game winner early in the third period to edge the Blackhawks, 2-1. G Brian Elliott would save 39 out of 40 shots on goal. The Blues are now 3-0 against Chicago this season.

League notes: San Jose acquires RW Martin Frk and RW Mitch Callahan from Detroit for D Scott Hannan.

Next up for the Blues, Arizona will come to town with a record of 25-23-6.


(28-22-3)

[MizzouRah]

Coyotes down blues 4-3

Martin Brodeur started in his 2nd game as a Blue note and was shaky in goal, allowing 4 goals on 27 shots.

Blues hit the road the road next and will take on Tampa Bay, 28-23-5.


(28-23-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues rebound with 3-1 win!

Blues defense was stingy, only allowing 21 shots and Elliott was stellar in goal as the Blues take care of the Lightning, 3-1.

Next up the Blues travel to Florida to take on the Panthers who are 30-15-9.


(29-23-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues come up short, lose 2-1

Blues couldn't find a way to score on Panther's backup goalie, Al Montoya as he stopped 23 out of 24 shots. The game was tied 1-1 until late in the 3rd period when C Aleksander Barkov would score to put a W in the Panther's win column.

The Blues come home to take on the Dallas Stars who are 1 point ahead of the Blues at 30-24-2.


(29-24-3)

[MizzouRah]

Blues see stars.. lose 5-1

Dallas G Kari Lehtonen stopped 33 out of 34 shots and C Jason Spezza scored a hat trick as the Stars pick up another 2 points on their assault to the top of the Central Division. G Brian Elliott allowed 4 goals on just 18 shots and Brodeur allows a goal on just 2 shots.

Notes: Anaheim acquires D Mikko Vainonen (66) and G Marek Mazamec (73) and in return sends D Bryan Allen (80) to Nashville.

Blues waive G Martin Brodeur (84) and Boston picks him up. Blues management said in a statement they won't have much ice time for Brodeur or backup Jake Allen and needed to make room for call ups from the AHL. Brodeur had 1 win, 1 loss and played two games in relief of Elliott.

San Jose offers RW Tyler Kennedy (83) for Blues AHL D Joel Edmundson (70) and their 2015 2nd round pick. The Blues REJECT the trade.


Next up for the Blues, Boston comes to St. Louis with a record of 27-28-2.


(29-25-3)

[MizzouRah]

Bruins bruise Blues, but Blues hold on for 3-2 win!

Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester took a viscous hit from Patrice Bergeron and would leave early in the first period with a concussion. The Blues would go up 3-0 and then hold on for a 3-2 win. The Blues look to the farm club and call up FA signee Joe Corvo. Blues now have two of their top defensemen hurt as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh has the best record in the NHL, 36-16-6 (78 pts).


Blues team stats:
Record: 30-25-3 (63 pts) (7th)
Home: 20-10-0
Away: 10-15-3
L10: 6-4-0
GFPG: 3.121 (5th)
GAPG: 2.948 (20th)
PP%: 22.34 (3rd)
PK%: 80.34 (26th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues battle Penguins.. lose in shootout 4-3

Blues would go up 1-0 in the first period on a goal by Elias (15). The second period would belong to the Penguins on goals by Kunitz (22) and Malkin (27) to put the Penguins up 2-1 after two. Crosby would extend the lead to 3-1 netting his 31st goal of the season. The Blues would battle back on goals by Schwartz (11) and Stastny (7) to send the game into OT. No goals in OT and in the shootout Crosby would score the only goal to give Pittsburgh the 2 points.

All 3 regulation goals by Pittsburgh were on the power play.

Montreal comes to St. Louis for the last game of the home stand. Montreal is 28-23-8 in 9th place, just a point behind Columbus for the last playoff spot.


Blues team stats:
Record: 30-25-4 (64 pts) (7th)
Home: 20-10-1
Away: 10-15-3
L10: 5-4-1
GFPG: 3.119 (5th)
GAPG: 2.949 (21st)
P%: 22.34 (3rd)
PK%: 78.33 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Note: I changed the camera from dynamic medium to ice, I just couldn't see my point men on dm view.

Blues win BIG, score 7 goals to beat Montreal, 7-2

Blues goal scorers were on fire tonight, netting 7 goals on Montreal and starting goaltender, Carey Price.

(I forgot to write down the goal scorers)

Next up the Blues travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets who are 26-30-6.


(31-25-4)

[MizzouRah]

May the Schwartz be with you! Jaden Schwartz scores twice and the Blues coast to a 4-0 shutout over the Jets

The first period was quiet, no goals. In the second period, Schwartz (13) and Cole (2) scored for the Blues, 2-0. Berglund (14) and Schwartz (14) would score in the third period and Brian Elliott would get his 3rd shutout of the season.

Notes: Tampa Bay acquired D Jeff Petry from Edmonton, in return Edmonton acquired D Dan Milan and a 2016 2nd round draft pick.

The Blues travel to Edmonton to take on the Oilers. Edmonton is 26-31-5 (57pts) and 13th in the Western Conference.


Blues team stats:
Record: 32-25-4 (68 pts) (7th)
Home: 21-10-1
Away: 11-15-3
L10: 5-4-1
GFPG: 3.197 (4th)
GAPG: 2.885 (17th)
PP%: 23.47 (2nd)
PK%: 78.05 (30th)

[BYU 14]

Great job! This dynasty prompted me to get the game and I am glad I did. It got horrid reviews, but it has been my best experience of the series so far in terms of consistently fun game play.

Playing as the Kings, currently 6-2-3 and getting a great variety of games. Curiously though I am 4-0-0 on the road and 2-2-3 at home, must be all the SoCal distractions.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Great job! This dynasty prompted me to get the game and I am glad I did. It got horrid reviews, but it has been my best experience of the series so far in terms of consistently fun game play.

Playing as the Kings, currently 6-2-3 and getting a great variety of games. Curiously though I am 4-0-0 on the road and 2-2-3 at home, must be all the SoCal distractions.

I'm glad someone is reading!

BeaGM is excellent so I don't really miss the other modes. The only big issue is the AHL teams don't play games. On the ice, it's a fantastic game. I'm much better at home, but I go up twice at home and have to play going down twice on the road - I play much better going up. GOOD LUCK!

[MizzouRah]

Blues stay hot, double up Edmonton, 4-2

The first period was tight checking and no goals were scored. In the second period goals were scored by STL-Lapierre (8), EDM-Gordon (9) and STL-Tarasenko (24), Blues lead 2-1. The third period saw three total goals, STL-Berglund (13), STL-Stastny (8) and EDM-Hall (26), final score Blues - 4 Oilers - 2.

After the game, Blues GM MizzouRah received a call from the San Jose Sharks GM offering C Tyler Kennedy (83) in return for AHL RW Cody Beach (69) and the Blues 2015 2nd Round Pick (from ANA). A spokesman from the Blues front office said the trade was turned down quickly.

The Blues travel to Vancouver to take on the Canucks who are 32-21-9 (73pts) and are in 3rd place in the Western Conference. This is the last game before the trade deadline.

Speaking of trade deadline, the only player on the block that is gaining interest from the Blues GM, is New Jersey Devils 42 year old RW Jaromir Jagr (86). Jagr has 18 goals and 42 assists (50 pts) on the season for New Jersey, a team who is still in the playoff picture. Reports are New Jersey is looking for a top 4 D or a top 6 F with high potential.

"He would look great in a Blue Note, but our depth at defense is lacking and we really do not want to depart with our younger players." said GM MizzouRah when asked about the possibility of Jagr coming to St. Louis. "If the right deal was in place, we would definitely entertain any offers." he added.

The trade deadline is an exciting time for teams looking to upgrade, but the Blues are back to winning hockey, I'm not sure you want to mess with the chemistry this late in the season. Jaromir Jagr is a proven veteran player though and I'm sure the fans would cheer his arrival if a deal was to get done. -STLTODAY.com


Blues team stats:
Record: 33-25-4 (70 pts) (7th)
Home: 21-10-1
Away: 12-15-3
L10: 6-3-1
GFPG: 3.210 (4th)
GAPG: 2.871 (15th)
PP%: 23.23 (2nd)
PK%: 78.40 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues win it OT, 6-5 over Vancouver

Blues score 26 seconds into the first period, Shattenkirk (6) Vancouver would tie it up H. Sedin (13), Blues would take the lead on a goal by Berglund (16) and then Steen (21) would put them on top 3-1, Vrbata (26) would score to end the first period, 3-2. Vancouver would strike three times in the 2nd period, Burrows (16) (17) and Higgins (24), Canucks up 5-3 after two. Blues would tie the game on goals by Jones (1) and Steen (22) and the game would go into OT. David Backes would score his (18th) to give the Blues a 6-5 win!

Trade Deadline News:

PHI - acquires G Jonas Gustavsson (82) and 2015 2nd Round Pick (DET)
DET - 2015 1st Round Pick (PHI)

NSH - acquires C Horcoff (81) and D Gonchar (81)
DAL - acquires LW Kirkland (64), RW Cehlin (72) and D Aronson (63)

SJ - acquires 2016 2nd Round Pick (ARZ)
ARZ - acquires C Kennedy (83)

VAN - acquires LW Heatley (83)
ANA - acquires G Markstrom (82) and D Liberati (58)

Blues acquire RW Jaromir Jagr
The Blues ink a last minute deal, acquiring RW Jaromir Jagr (86) from New Jersey and send D Thomas Vannelli (65) and the Blues 2016 3rd Round Pick. Jaromir Jagr has 18 goals and 42 assists this season for the Devils, good for 60 points. Thomas Vannelli was a 2nd round pick, 47th overall for the Blues in 2013. Jagr is expected to play RW on the 3rd line with LW Schwartz (injured) and C Berglund.

Blues GM, MizzouRah commented on the trade, "We feel Vannelli has a lot of promise as a future NHL player, but adding someone like Jaromir Jagr to this team instantly improves the club as a whole, I think his career speaks for itself and I know he fill fit right in with this team. I know the team is just as excited as our front office is awaiting his arrival tomorrow."

Jagr will meet up with the Blues in Philadelphia as they take on the Flyers next.


Blues team stats:
Record: 34-25-4 (72 pts) (5th)
Home: 21-10-1
Away: 13-15-3
L10: 6-3-1
GFPG: 3.254 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.905 (19th)
PP%: 22.77 (3rd)
PK%: 77.34 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues lose in the shootout, 2-1

The flyers would score the only goal in the first period, Gordon (8). The second period was defense and goal tending, as neither team scored. With less than a minute to play, the Blues took a penalty and would pull Elliott to even up the sides, Steen would score on a slapshot near the left faceoff circle to net his 23rd goal of the season and the Blues would tie the game 1-1 with 21.1 seconds left. Neither team would score in OT and the Flyers Read would score the only shootout goal to give the Flyers the 2 points.

The Blues head to Toronto for the last game of the road trip. Toronto is 34-25-6 (7th).


Blues team stats:
Record: 34-25-5 (73 pts) (4th)
Home: 21-10-1
Away: 13-15-4
L10: 6-2-2
GFPG: 3.219 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.875 (18th)
PP%: 22.33 (3rd)
PK%: 77.86 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues over power Maple Leafs, 3-2

Blues would come out in the first period with two goals, Steen (24) and Stastny (9). The second period's only goal was from Lupul (27), 2-1 Blues after two periods. Backes (19) would score and then Clarkson (19) and the game would end in the Blues favor, 3-2.

The Blues head home to face Winnipeg (27-33-6) who are 12th in the Western Conference.


Blues team stats:
Record: 35-25-5 (75 pts) (4th)
Home: 21-10-1
Away: 14-15-4
L10: 6-2-2
GFPG: 3.215 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.862 (18th)
PP%: 22.86 (3rd)
PK%: 78.20 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Jets fly high, beat Blues 2-1

Blues start off up 1-0 after one period on a goal by Berglund (17). The Jets tie it up in the second period on a goal by Perreault (7). Little would score his 12th goal of the season and give Winnipeg the W.

Philadelphia comes to town next (44-23-1) (89pts) (2nd in the Eastern Conference).


Blues team stats:
Record: 35-26-5 (75 pts) (4th)
Home: 21-11-1
Away: 14-15-4
L10: 6-2-2
GFPG: 3.182 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.848 (17th)
PP%: 22.64 (3rd)
PK%: 78.36 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues rebound, beat Flyers 4-2

Jaromir Jagr scores his first goal as a Blue (19) to put the Blues up 1-0, Lecavalier (27) scores on the PP and then Read (18) scores to put the Flyers up 2-1 after one. In the second period Backes (20) and Berglund (18) score as the Blues take a 3-2 lead after two. Backes (21) would add an empty netter and the Blues would beat the Flyers 4-2.

Next up Minnesota comes to St. Louis with a record of (36-23-9) good for 81 points and 2nd in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Steen (sore knee - 6 days)
Bouwmesster (concussion - 8 days)
Oshie (broken nose - 8 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 36-26-5 (77 pts) (4th)
Home: 22-11-1
Away: 14-15-4
L10: 6-1-2
GFPG: 3.194 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.836 (17th)
PP%: 23.36 (3rd)
PK%: 77.78 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues go Wild, beat Minnesota 5-3

Tarasenko would get the Blues on the board scoring his 25th of the season, then Lapierre would score his 9th, Blues up 2-0 after one period. Schwartz would give the Blues a comfortable 3-0 lead scoring his 15th, then Minnesota would come storming back with goals from Parise (35) (PP), Pominville (27) and Parise again (36), Lapierra would add his 10th and the Blues would take a 4-3 lead into the 3rd period. Ian Cole would add his 3rd goal of the season and the Blues would hold off the Wild, 5-3.

Next up the Blues hit the road and will head to Dallas to take on the Stars (36-30-3) (75pts) (8th).

Injuries:
Steen (sore knee - 5 days)
Bouwmesster (concussion - 7 days)
Oshie (broken nose - 7 days) (cleared to play)
Shattenkirk (pending evaluation)

Blues team stats:
Record: 37-26-5 (79 pts) (3rd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 14-15-4
L10: 7-1-2
GFPG: 3.221 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.838 (16th)
PP%: 23.36 (3rd)
PK%: 77.37 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues reach .500 on the road, beat Dallas 3-2

Blues Paul Stastny would open the scoring for the Blues, scoring his 10th goal on a Penalty Shot after he was pulled down on a breakaway. Lapierre (11) would put the Blues up 2-0. Peverley would score his 10th to put the Stars on the board and just 42 seconds later, Jagr would put the Blues back on top by 2, scoring his 20th goal of the season. No goals in the second period. Dallas would pull their goalie late in the third period and Garbutt would score his 6th, but that was it for Dallas as Jake Allen saved 36 out of 38 shots on goal.

Next up for the Blues on this road trip is the Calgary Flames. Calgary is (34-26-9) (77 pts) good for 7th place in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Steen (sore knee - 3 days/can play)
Bouwmesster (concussion - 5 days)
Oshie (broken nose - 5 days/can play)
Shattenkirk (sore shoulder - 9 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 38-26-5 (81 pts) (3rd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 15-15-4
L10: 8-1-1
GFPG: 3.268 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.826 (14th)
PP%: 23.75 (3rd)
PK%: 77.86 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Ty Rattie scores his first NHL goal as Blues put out the Flames, 6-3

Ty Rattie scores his first NHL goal and then Blues would lead Calgary 1-0 after one period. Oshie (17) finally gets it going and gives the Blues the lead, Setoguchi scores his 25th and Schwartz (16) to put the Blues up 3-1, Setoguchi scores again, his 26th and after two periods the Blues lead 3-2. Tarasenko (26) scores but Giordano (11) scores to keep it a one goal game. Jagr (21) would score his second goal in a Blue note and Oshie (18) would add an empty netter to gives the Blues a win.

Next up the Blues travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets. Winnipeg is 29-35-6 good for 64 points and 12th place in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Steen (sore knee - 1 days/can play)
Bouwmesster (concussion - 3 days)
Oshie (broken nose - 3 days/can play)
Shattenkirk (sore shoulder - 6 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 39-26-5 (83 pts) (3rd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 16-15-4
L10: 8-1-1
GFPG: 3.257 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.829 (T14th)
PP%: 26.85 (2nd)
PK%: 78.01 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Jets win in a shootout over the Blues, 5-4

The Blues would score first, Corrvo (1) to put Blues on top 1-0, Scheifele scores his 18th and the first period end with the score tied 1-1. Blues go back on top on a goal by Pietrangelo (8) and then Backes (22) would put the Blues up 3-1 after two. In the third period the Jets get goals from Kane (24), Thorburn (4) and Perreault (8) and go up 4-3 over the Blues. Oshie would score his 19th of the season with less than a minute left in the game to end regulation at 4-4. No team would score in OT and the Jets get the two points, beating the Blues in the shootout.

Next up the Blues head to Minnesota to take on the Wild. Minnesota is 38-24-9 on the season good for 85 points and 2nd place over the Blues in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Shattenkirk (sore shoulder - 3 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 39-26-6 (84 pts) (3rd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 16-15-5
L10: 7-1-2
GFPG: 3.268 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.845 (14th)
PP%: 24.78 (2nd)
PK%: 78.62 (29th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues go WILD with 5 goals, top Minnesota 5-3

Newly acquired Jaromir Jagr puts the Blues on the board with his 22nd goal of the season, the Wild strike back with a goal from Niederreiter (21) and Lapierre would put the Blues back on top 2-1 with his 12th goal of the season. In the second period, the Blues would take a 3-1 lead on a goal by Backes (23), Minnesota answers on a goal by Pominville (25) but Jagr would once again score his 23rd of the season and the Blues would lead 4-2 heading into the third period. Tarasenko (27) scores to give the Blues a 5-2 lead and Minnesota would add one last goal, from Brodziak (2) to end the game at 5-3.

The Blues head to Detroit next to take on the Red Wings. Detroit is (30-33-7) on the season, good for 67pts and 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

Injuries:
Shattenkirk (sore shoulder - 3 days/can play)

Blues team stats:
Record: 40-26-6 (86 pts) (2nd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 17-15-5
L10: 7-1-2
GFPG: 3.292 (2nd)
GAPG: 2.847 (14th)
PP%: 25.44 (2nd)
PK%: 78.35 (29th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues shutout Red Wings, 3-0

Jake Allen got the start and he didn't disappoint, stopping all 31 shots he faced. Tarasenko (28) and Oshie (20) got the Blues up 2-0 after one period. Schwartz would add his 17th goal of the season in the second period and that would be it as no goals were scored in the third period and the Blues shutout the Red Wings, 3-0.

The Blues head to Pittsburgh to take on the best team in the NHL. Pittsburgh is 47-17-8 on the season, good for a league leading 102 points.

Injuries:
None

Blues team stats:
Record: 41-26-6 (88 pts) (2nd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 18-15-5
L10: 7-1-2
GFPG: 3.288 (2nd)
GAPG: 2.808 (14th)
PP%: 25.22 (2nd)
PK%: 78.67 (29th)

[MizzouRah]

Ending the road trip on a "high" Note, Blues beat Penguins, 3-2

Paajarvi (12) would get the Blues on the board, 1-0 and that's how the first period would end. Kunitz would score his 30th goal of the season to tie the game, but Stastny scores his 11th to put Blues back on top, 2-1 after two. Elias (17) would score to put the Blues up 3-1 but Pittsburgh would get one more goal by Goc (11) but it wasn't enough as the Blues win, 3-2.

Blues come home and will face Columbus (43-28-3) (89pts - 5th place in the Eastern Conference)

Injuries:
Jagr (strained hamstring - 5 days)
Backes (sore hip - 4 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 42-26-6 (90pts) (2nd)
Home: 23-11-1
Away: 19-15-5
L10: 8-1-1
GFPG: 3.297 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.797 (13th)
PP%: 25.21 (2nd)
PK%: 78.95 (29th)

[MizzouRah]

Columbus Blue"Jackets" the Blues, 6-3

Columbus would go up 1-0 on a PP goal by Johansen (21), Pietrangelo (9) would tie the game at 1 at the end of one period. Letesta (7) and Skille (21) score to take a 3-1 lead but Paajarvi (13) gets the Blues within one goal after two periods. Dubinsky (21) would put Columbus back up 2 goals, 4-2. Berglund (19) would get the Blues back to within 1 goal, but Johansen (22) would score on the PP again and Foligno (11) would seal the game, 6-3.

Vancouver comes to town to face the Blues, Vancouver is 37-26-12 on the season, good for 86 points and 5th place in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Jagr (strained hamstring - 3 days/can play)
Backes (sore hip - 3 days/can play)
Larssen (pending evaluation)

Blues team stats:
Record: 42-27-6 (90pts) (2nd)
Home: 23-12-1
Away: 19-15-5
L10: 7-2-1
GFPG: 3.280 (T1st)
GAPG: 2.840 (14th)
PP%: 25.00 (2nd)
PK%: 77.92 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues back on track, beat Vancouver 4-1

Jake Allen got the start and didn't disappoint, stopping 25 out of 26 shots. Dorsett (7) would score the first and only goal of the game for Vancouver and Backes (24) would tie the game at 1 after one period. Elias would score his 18th of the season and the Blues go up 2-1 after two periods. Oshie would score his 21st and 22nd goals of the season as the Blues coast to a 4-1 victory.

Next up for the Blues, Calgary comes to town with a record of 37-31-9 good for 83 points and 9th place in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Larssen (sore foot - 2 days/can play)

Blues team stats:
Record: 43-27-6 (92pts) (2nd)
Home: 24-12-1
Away: 19-15-5
L10: 8-1-1
GFPG: 3.289 (1st)
GAPG: 2.816 (14th)
PP%: 24.59 (2nd)
PK%: 78.21 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Flames shutout Blues, 3-0

Karri Ramo, playing for the injured Jonas Hiller, stopped all 25 Blues shots he faced, stoning the top scoring team in the NHL, 3-0. No goals scored in the first period, but in the second period, Backlund (18) PP and Stajan (11) would score for the Flames. In the third period, McGrattan (2) would add an empty net goal and the Flames gain 2 points in the Western Conference to put them in a tie for 8th place with Dallas.

Speaking of Dallas, the Blues head on the road to take on the Dallas Stars, Dallas is 40-32-5 on the season, good for 85 points and tied for 8th place with Calgary for that last playoff spot.

Injuries:
Larsson (sore foot - 1 day/can play)

Blues team stats:
Record: 43-28-6 (92pts) (2nd)
Home: 24-13-1
Away: 19-15-5
L10: 7-2-1
GFPG: 3.247 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.818 (14th)
PP%: 24.59 (2nd)
PK%: 78.13 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues see Stars, lose 5-3

Jake Allen would get the start in goal for the Blues, but he couldn't handle the sharpshooting Stars snipers.

Benn (35) of the Stars would get the only goal of the first period, scoring on the worst penalty killing unit in the NHL. Jagr (24) would score on the power play for the Blues to tie the game at 1 into the second period. Seguin would get his 30th and 31st goals of the season to give the Stars a 3-1 lead, Stastny (12) scored to pull the Blues within one goal but Sceviour (12) would give the Stars a 4-2 lead and Hemsky (16) would score on the power play to give the Stars a 5-3 lead after two periods. Berglund (20) would score for the Blues, but the game would end, 5-3 in favor of Dallas.

The Blues head to Chicago next to take on the Blackhawks. Chicago is 46-26-6 with 98 points and lead the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Tarasenko (pending evaluation)

Blues team stats:
Record: 43-29-6 (92pts) (3rd)
Home: 24-13-1
Away: 19-16-5
L10: 6-3-1
GFPG: 3.244 (2nd)
GAPG: 2.846 (16th)
PP%: 24.80 (2nd)
PK%: 77.30 (30th)

Blues make playoffs!!! Despite the loss, the Blues have secured a playoff spot behind the Kings and the Blackhawks. Only 4 games left for the Blues to try and improve on the 3rd spot in the Western Conference.

[MizzouRah]

Blues survive Chicago, beat the Blackhawks 4-2

Chicago came our firing, Oduya scores his 6th goal of the season, Chicago takes a 1-0 lead. Next three goals were scored by the Blues, Lapierre (13), Backes (25) and Jagr (25), Blues would lead 3-1 after the first period. Oshie (23) had the only goal of the second period and the Blues would lead Chiacgo 4-1. In the third period, Richards would score his 28th of the season and that's how the game would end, 4-2 in favor of the Blues.

St. Louis heads home and Winnipeg comes to town with a 32-41-6 record, good for 70 points and 12th place in the Western Conference.

Injuries:
Tarasenko (sore hip - 5 days)

Blues team stats:
Record: 44-29-6 (94pts) (3rd)
Home: 24-13-1
Away: 20-16-5
L10: 6-3-1
GFPG: 3.253 (1st)
GAPG: 2.835 (15th)
PP%: 24.60 (2nd)
PK%: 77.30 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blues shoot down Jets in shootout, 4-3

The Blues would start out with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals by Oshie (24) and Rattie (2). Lapierre scores his 14th and the Blues go up 3-0 early in the 2nd period. Scheifele (20) scores and after two the Blues lead 3-1. Winnipeg scores the next two goals, Wheeler (27) and Little (16) and the game would end tied, 3-3. No scoring in the OT and the Backes would put home the shootout winner, 4-3.

Chicago comes to St. Louis to take on the Blues. Chicago is 47-27-6, with 100 points and in 1st place in the Western Conference. A win by the Blackhawks will secure the Western Conference Championship.

Injuries:
Tarasenko (sore hip - 3 days/can play)

Blues team stats:
Record: 45-29-6 (96pts) (3rd)
Home: 25-13-1
Away: 20-16-5
L10: 6-3-1
GFPG: 3.250 (1st)
GAPG: 2.838 (16th)
PP%: 23.85 (2nd)
PK%: 76.65 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Blackhawks prevail, 3-1 win Western Conference title!

The Blues came out on fire, Backes scoring his 26th goal of the season, Kane would tie the game at 1, scoring his 29th of the season. No goals were scored in the second period, but it was all Chicago in the third, with goals from Lakore (3) and Saad (15). Chicago wins 3-1.

We face Minnesota in a meaningless game, but I'm keeping my playoff starting roster this game so maybe we get go out on a positive vibe. LAST GAME OF THE SEASON.

Injuries:
Tarasenko (sore hip - 1 day/can play)

Blues team stats:
Record: 45-30-6 (96pts) (3rd)
Home: 25-14-1
Away: 20-16-5
L10: 6-4-0
GFPG: 3.222 (3rd)
GAPG: 2.840 (16th)
PP%: 23.66 (2nd)
PK%: 76.79 (30th)

[MizzouRah]

Minnesota runs WILD in St. Louis

In the final game of the regular season Minnesota scores first, Niederreiter scoring his 23rd goal of the season, early in the 2nd period. TJ Oshie scores his 25th of the season to tie the game 1-1 after two periods. Minnesota would get two more goals in the 3rd period, Coyle (16) and Cooke (7) and the Blues would lose another game 3-1.

The season comes to an end and the Blues would finish 3rd with 96 points and a record of 45-31-6.

UP NEXT - season stats and the 2015 NHL Playoffs!

[MizzouRah]

2014-15 League Leaders

NHL League Leaders - Updated: Apr 12, 2015
Goals		G	Assists		A
	1. A. Ovechkin	53		1. M. St. Louis	64
	2. R. Nash	53		2. N. Backstrom	62
	3. J. Tavares	49		3. C, Giroux	60
	4. Z. Parise	41		4. A. Kopitar	60
	5. J. Voracek	39		5. E. Staal	58
Points		P	Plus/Minus		+/-
	1. S. Crosby	93		1. D. Doughty	53
	2. A. Ovechkin	93		2. S. Voynov	41
	3. A. Kopitar	92		3. A. Kopitar	40
	4. N. Backstrom	91		4. E. Staal	33
	5. C. Giroux	91		5. R. Peverley	31
Penalty Minutes		PIM	Hits		H
	1. A. McQuaid	222		1. C. Glencross	257
	2. E. Boulton	184		2. K. Alzner	249
	3. M. Fraser	184		3. N. Hjalmarsson	245
	4. K. Bieksa	184		4. R. Suter	243
	5. C. McCormick	167		5. B. Seabrook	238
Wins		W	Goals Against Average		GAA
	1. S. Mason	44		1. R. Luongo	2.23
	2. R. Luongo	41		2. C. Crawford	2.31
	3. M. Fleury	41		3. S. Varlamov	2.41
	4. C. Crawford	40		4. K. Lehtonen	2.41
	5. N. Backstrom	39		5. M. Fleury	2.43

[MizzouRah]

2014-15 Team Stats

St. Louis Blues Stats - 2015
Skaters	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	GW	PIM	SOG	SPCT
V. Tarasenko	78	28	15	43	18
D. Backes	81	26	22	48	12
J. Jagr	80	25	46	71	10
T. Oshie	79	25	25	50	18
A. Steen	75	24	14	38	9
P. Berglund	80	20	25	45	3
P. Elias	76	18	20	38	9
J. Schwartz	76	17	18	35	7
M. Lapierre	72	14	8	22	-2
M. Paajarvi	70	13	9	22	5
P. Stastny	80	12	41	53	19
R. Reaves	67	10	6	16	-1
A. Pietrangelo	82	9	42	51	28
K. Shattenkirk	64	6	26	32	22
J. Bouwmeester	64	5	24	29	22
A. Larsson	76	4	24	28	-5
I. Cole	72	3	22	25	-7
J. Corvo	15	1	9	10	11
R. Jones	23	1	5	6	6
B. Lee	38	0	17	17	11
Goalies	GP	W	L	T	GAA	TOI	SV	SV%	SHO
B. Elliott	66	34	22		2.65			.907	3
J. Allen	19	8	8		2.78			.900	2

[MizzouRah]

2014-15 Playoff Tree

St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars
Arizona Coyotes vs Vancouver Canucks
Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche

New York Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadians
Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes

[MizzouRah]

St. Louis Blues (45-31-6) vs Minnesota Wild (43-30-9)

G - (STL) Tarasenko (28) - (MIN) Parise (41)
A - (STL) Jagr (46) - (MIN) Granlund (47)
P - (STL) Jagr (71) - (MIN) Parise (84)
+/- (STL) Pietrangelo (28) - (MIN) Vanek (12)

Goalies: (STL) Elliott (2.65 GAA - .907%) - (MIN) Backstrom (2.51 GAA - .916%)

GFPG: (STL) 3.195 (4) - (MIN) 3.061 (5)
GAPG: (STL) 2.841 (16) - (MIN) 2.707 (10)
PP%: (STL) 23.48% (2) - (MIN) 24.58% (1)
PK%: (STL) 77.19 (30) - (MIN) 87.43% (1)

Injuries: (STL) NONE - (MIN) Parise [out], Vanek [can play], Schroeder [can play]


On paper, Minnesota looks like a better team than the Blues. They are the best power play and penalty killing team in the NHL. Their best player, Zach Parise, is out with a broken nose and might not return in this series. The Blues will have their work cut out for them in this series and will need to improve on their penalty killing if they are to move on in the playoffs.

There is no doubt this series could go either way, but we are healthy and Minnesota is missing Parise, so that should give us the lift in this series. I think we win in 6 games.

[MizzouRah]

Other Scores:

LA 4 - 1 COL (LA leads 1-0)
CHI 3 - 2 DAL (CHI leads 1-0)
FLA 3 - 2 CAR (FLA leads 1-0)
PIT 1 - 7 CBJ (CBJ leads 1-0)

St. Louis and Minnesota have WILD night, Blues escape 7-5

The goal lamps were lit a total of 12 times in Game 1, the Blues would score first, a goal from Stastny (1). Haula (1) would answer for the Wild, but the Blues would get the next two from Steen (1) and Schwartz (1), after one period the Blues were on top 3-1. Berglund would score his 1st of the playoffs to put the Blues up 4-1, but Minnesota wouldn't surrender as Fontaine would score his 1st to get the score 4-2 in favor of the Blues after two periods. Six goals in the third period as Pominville (1) would make it 4-3 Blues. Schwartz scores his 2nd of the night putting the Blues back up by 2, 5-3. Koiva (1) and Vanek (1) score to tie the game at 5, but Steen would score the game winner, his 2nd of the game and Shattenkirk (1) would add an empty netter as the Blues would win Game 1, 7-5.

* Schwartz - 2 goals
** Steen - 2 goals
*** Vanek - 1 goal, 2 assists

STL - 38 shots
MIN - 20 shots

Other Scores:

ARZ 1 - 2 VAN (VAN leads 1-0)
TOR 0 - 2 MTL (MTL leads 1-0)
NYR 0 - 1 PHI (PHI leads 1-0)

LA 0 - 1 COL (series tied 1-1)
CHI 1 - 4 DAL (series tied 1-1)
FLA 2 - 5 CAR (series tied 1-1)
PIT 6 - 5 CBJ (series tied 1-1)

Game 2 in St. Louis (STL leads 1-0)
Parise has been cleared to play and will go in Game 2 for Minnesota, so much for that.

[MizzouRah]

Blues take control of series, clamp down on Minnesota, 4-1

Both teams would come out more cautious on defense and Berglund (2) would get the Blues on the board, 1-0. Pietrangelo (1) would score to put the Blues up 2-0. Granlund would get Minnesota within 1 goal, netting his 1st of the series (short handed) and after one period, the Blues lead 2-1. The Blues would not allow a shot on goal in the second period and Berglund would add his 3rd of the series, putting the Blues up 3-1 after two. Lapierre (1) would score the only goal of the third period and the Blues would coast to a 4-1 and take a 2-0 lead in the series.

* Berglund - 2 goals
** Pietrangelo - 1 goal
*** Elliott - 1.01 GAA/95% SV%

STL - 32 shots
MIN - 21 shots

Other Scores:

ARZ 3 - 2 VAN (series tied 1-1)
TOR 4 - 1 MTL (series tied 1-1)
NYR 5 - 3 PHI (series tied 1-1)

COL 2 - 3 LA (LA leads 2-1)
DAL 3 - 4 CHI (CHI leads 2-1)
CAR 3 - 2 FLA (CAR leads 2-1)
CBJ 3 - 4 PIT (PIT leads 2-1)

Game 3 shifts to Minnesota (STL leads 2-0)
Neither team has commented on any changes and if there are any, it will likely be a game time decision.

[CraigSca]

Todd, is this the furthest you've gotten in a replay like this? Following along!

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Todd, is this the furthest you've gotten in a replay like this? Following along!

For NHL 13, I played two full seasons I just never wrote a dynasty about it.

Thanks for reading along!

[MizzouRah]

Minnesota rebounds at home, beat Blues 5-2

Minnesota gets the crowd going, Brodziak (1) scores to put the Wild up 1-0. Reaves (1) scores for the Blues to tie the game, but Pomminville would score his 2nd goal of the series to put Minnesota up 2-1 after one period. In the second period, Schwartz (3) would score one of the coolest goals I've seen in the NHL series - Shattenkirk would shoot the puck, which would bounce off a Wild player's stick and the bounce up, hit Schwartz in the jersey and then off of Backstrom's shoulder into the goal - I replayed it at least 5 times. Parise would score his 1st of the series on the power play to put Minnesota up 3-2 heading into the third period. Suter (1) would score another power play goal and Koivu (2) would add an empty netter to give Minnesota their first win of the series, 5-2.

* Parise - 1 goal/2 assists
** Backstrom - 2.00 GAA/94 SV%/35 Saves
*** Vanek - 3 assists

MIN - 28 shots
STL - 37 shots

Zach Parise would leave the game in the third period with an undisclosed injury and is OUT for at least Game 4. A huge blow again for Minnesota.

Other Scores:

VAN 2 - 3 ARZ (ARZ leads 2-1)
MTL 4 - 1 TOR (MTL leads 2-1)
PHI 3 - 4 NYR (NYR leads 2-1)

COL 3 - 2 LA (series tied 2-2)
DAL 5 - 4 CHI (series tie 2-2)
CAR 3 - 2 FLA (CAR leads 3-1)
CBJ 2 - 5 PIT (PIT leads 3-1)

Game 4 in Minnesota (STL leads 2-1)

[MizzouRah]

Blues win 3-1, take control of the series

Vladimir Tarasenko scores his first goal of the playoffs, a power play goal and the Blues come out fighting, 1-0 after one period. Koivu (3) scores to tie the game and Berglund scores his 4th to put the Blues back on top, 2-1 after two periods. In the third period, Pietrangelo scores a power play goal, his 2nd goal of the playoffs and the Blues beat Minnesota, 3-1 and go up 3 games to 1 in this best of 7 series.

* Elliott - 1.01 GAA/96 SV%/28 Saves
** Stastny - 2 assists
*** Koivu - 1 goal

MIN - 29 shots
STL - 35 shots

Matt Cooke left the game for Minnesota and is out pending evaluation. Zach Parise is also out with a broken nose.

Other Scores:

VAN 2 - 3 ARZ (ARZ leads 3-1)
MTL 2 - 3 TOR (series tied 2-2)
PHI 3 - 2 NYR (series tied 2-2)

LA 4 - 3 COL (LA leads 3-2)
CHI 9 - 2 DAL (CHI leads 3-2)
FLA 0 - 2 CAR (CAR wins 4-1)
PIT 6 - 5 CBJ (PIT wins 4-1)

Game 5 goes back to St. Louis and Minnesota faces elimination.

[MizzouRah]

Backstrom perfect, Minnesota shuts out St. Louis, 3-0

Minnesota would get on the board, a power play goal by Coyle (1). No goals in the second period, but in the third period Spurgeon (1) would scrore to put Minnesota up 2-0. Niederreiter would add his first of the series, scoring and empty netter and sending this series back to Minnesota for game 6.

Minnesota had 5 power plays and the Blues had none.

* Backstrom - 0.00 GAA/21 SV/100 SV%
** Elliott - 2.02 GAA/29 SV/93 SV%
*** Coyle - 1 goal/1 assist

STL - 21 shots
MIN - 32 shots

Matt Cooke is out (hamstring) and Zach Parise is still out with a broken nose.

Other Scores:

ARZ 2 - 1 VAN (ARZ win 4-1)
TOR 3 - 2 MTL (TOR leads 3-2)
NYR 2 - 3 PHI (PHI leads 3-2)

COL 1 - 4 LA (LA wins 4-2)
DAL 4 - 0 CHI (series tied 3-3)

Game 6 in Minnesota with the Blues leading (3-2).

[MizzouRah]

Blues advance to next round, win 5-2 over the Wild

Alexander Steen would have a fantastic night as he scores the first two goals of the game, #3 and #4 to put the Blues up 2-0 (the first goal was in :52 after the start of the game), Granlund (2) and Vanek (2) both score to tie the game 2-2 after one period. Stastny (2) scores on the power play and Elias scores his first goal of the season and the Blues go up 4-2 after two periods. The Blues would add another goal, scored by Steen (5) on the power play and get the hat trick! The game would end 5-2 and the season for Minnesota would also come to an end.

The Blues would have 5 power plays to only 1 for Minnesota.

* Steen - 3 goals
** Vanek - 1 goal/1 assist
*** Granlund - 1 goal

ALEXANDER STEEN is the series MVP for the Blues.

MIN - 17 shots
STL - 47 shots

Other Scores:

COL 1 - 4 LA (LA win 4-2)
DAL 4 - 0 CHI (series tied 3-3)

MTL 4 - 5 TOR (TOR win 4-2)
PHI 2 - 3 NYR (series tied 3-3)

CHI 1 - 2 DAL (DAL win 4-3)
NYR 1 - 3 PHI (PHI win 4-3)

Up next a breakdown of the 2nd round and a deeper look at the St. Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars.