St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

[Weezer21]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Whoo, awesome

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Whoo, awesome

Yeah. I am saying right now, next season every single one of us will be NHL players. Looking at the overalls after we progressed in the off-season.

[nhl11buff]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

You going to make another update showing what our overalls are and what lines we're on?

Like, tonight, or tomorrow?

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Year 2 2011/12 OS Players

Goalie Cleveland Steamer Edmonton Oilers
Sent Back to Major Juniors

- The Oilers finally got around to giving their prized goalie a contract, but immediately sent him down again at the start of the season. He is expected to dominate the WHL, as he is an NHL talent, relegated to Juniors by management on a team he could be the number 1 goalie right now for.

Defenseman Jasper Askola Toronto Maple Leafs
Second Defensive Pairing with Luke Schenn

-The Maple Leafs have themselves a defensive pairing to be reckoned with in the future. For now though Jasper Askola is looking to continue with the success he had in the AHL and carry that over to the NHL. With his offensive skillset he is the perfect defensive partner for Defensive D-Man Luke Schenn. He greatly improved his game in the defensive zone this off-season, and added some strength he needs to compete in the NHL.

Center Dominick Bellini Florida Panthers
Second Line Center. Wings with him are Olesz and Janssen

-After struggling in the AHL Panthers first round pick Dominick Bellini worked hard on improving his physicality and defensive skills. With this new found zeal for the defensive end of the ice, and his increasing offensive skillset, he has cracked into the NHL. He will need to be more responsible with the puck this season, and contribute to the Powerplay if he wants to be successful.

Left Wing Nathan MacDonald Columbus Blue Jackets
First line Winger. Linemates are Brassard and Nash

-The Blue Jackets finally decided it was time to give MacDonald a contract, and with his patience and hard work in the CHL he was rewarded with an opportunity to play on the first line to start the season. He improved greatly in his athletic ability this off-season, and as always is a force defensively. Now he just needs to find something to do very well offensively to be a mainstay on the first line with the team.

Right Wing Michael Morrow New York Islanders
First Line Winger. Linemates are Tavares and Grabner

-After a season in Juniors, Michael Morrow proved in pre-season despite his size he has the abilities needed to be a top line forward in the NHL. Offensively he is very skilled, but the questions are the same as always, can he play good enough defensively, and is he big enough and strong enough to hold up for an entire NHL season.

Center Jake White Tampa Bay Lightning
Third Line Center. Wingers are Purcell and Kolnik

-The Lightning are now loaded at center with the addition of White. After playing Juniors last season, he managed to improve his athleticism and defense enough to gain a roster spot on the Lightning. The toughest thing for White is going to be making an impact while buried behind Stamkos and Lecavalier on the depth chart. If he can keep improving his defense, we can see him overtaking Lecavalier for the second line center spot by next season.

Right Wing Ben Ortegel Carolina Hurricanes
Second Line Winger. Linemates Bowman and Skinner

-Carolina has found it's two young stars to play together as the rest of the team ages. Youngsters Jeff Skinner and Ben Ortegel will look to provide excitement on the second line. Ortegel can score from anywhere, and another season last year in the CHL helped him become a more complete player. It is only a matter of time before this duo is putting up big numbers for the Hurricanes.

Right Wing Robert Miller Atlanta Thrashers
Second Line Winger. Linemates Leino and Burmistrov

-Miller proved last season he is a big player in front of the net on the powerplay. He will be looking to continue this strong play on the second line this season. If he can produce in 5 on 5 hockey like he did on the powerplay last season, watch out for this youngster. With a season in the NHL under his belt, he seems to be the most ready out of our 8 players we are profiling to break through this season.

(Looking forward to seeing everyones interviews and press releases now going into our first NHL season with everyone. I will wait until everyone that wants to posts something before getting to my next update.)

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

You going to make another update showing what our overalls are and what lines we're on?

Like, tonight, or tomorrow?

Didn't post the overalls, but they are all now between 81-84. Everyone, even the guys with the same playertype, have different builds. If you want more information on the team you are on, or your linemates just ask I am more than willing to give you whatever information you want.

[Balrog]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

This is badass, keep it going!

[devo22]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Reporter: You were the only player of last year's draft to crack the NHL immediately. Is that something that makes you proud?

Miller: Above everything else, it is something that makes we wonder. I think our draft class didn't deserve that, I think many more should have played in the NHL. I am far away from being the most talented player of our draft class, I just happened to be on the right team at the right time. The Atlanta Thrashers have believed in me since day one, that's the main reason. Obviously, other teams haven't done that. I think it's a mistake. Just look at what Askola has done in the minors, I can't believe he didn't earn a single callup. I played against Steamer in the WHL, the guy is a beast between the pipes and he didn't even get a contract, it's insane. I remember MacDonald being a force as well. All those guys that were drafted in front of me should have got a good look and a chance, and it's weird it didn't happen. Surely it has to happen now, otherwise those GMs just might look silly.

Reporter: Let's speak about your own season, the first in the NHL. What is the conclusion of it?

Miller: Well, it's disappointing we didn't make the playoffs. I feel we had a strong and talented group, it just wasn't enough in the end. Personally, I think my season was fine. I focused on the things I do best - use my body, bring energy and park my butt in front of the net. It surprised me to get that much PP ice time. I always thought I'd be better on the penalty kill, but the coach thought I could be effective on the powerplay. Overall, it was a good season, but I there were several things that weren't so good. Being a -29 is unacceptable, so my defensive play needs improvement. I have to be effective on the 5-on-5 as well, and I hope I'll be able to improve.

Reporter: Speaking of 5-on-5: you mostly played on the second line during pre-season games, along with Ville Leino and Alexander Burmistrov.

Miller: Yeah, and I think we have developed good chemistry. Ville has amazing hands, he is such a talented player. And Alex is just an amazing playmaker, he sees the ice extremely well. I think the three of us just complement each other pretty well, it feels good to be a part of that.

Reporter: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?

Miller: Making the playoffs, plain and simple. If we focus on what we do best and stand together as a group, we certainly will achieve that.

Reporter: Thank you for your time.

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Love the interviews people have put up so far. Keep it going guys. Would love to see an interview/press release from the guys that haven't posted anything yet.

[SENS_AK27]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Holy Crap Devo Man, you tore it up dude. Congrats on making the NHL in your 1st year. It should be really exciting to see who wins the Calder this year. Unfornately, in the 2011 season Pavelec wins no matter what. I had a rookie with 92 points and still lost to that guy. Unbelievable. Hopefully this year will be more wide-open.

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

St. Louis Blues Opening Night Lines

St. Louis Blues Depth Chart - 2011/12
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LW	#57 David Perron	#24 Alexander Frolov	#23 Alexei Ponikarovsky	#16 Justin Abdelkader
C	#10 Andy McDonald	#21 Patrik Berglund	#20 Alexander Steen	#38 Phil McRae
RW	#42 David Backes (C)	#25 Chris Stewart (A)	#22 Jack Skille	#26 Matt D'Agostini
D #1	#12 Kevin Shattenkirk	#27 Alex Pietrangelo	#8 Roman Polak
D #2	#79 Andrei Markov	#75 Hal Gill	#5 Barret Jackman (A)
G	#41 Jaroslav Halak	#35 Cory Schneider

[SENS_AK27]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

LOCAL BOY FULFILLS HIS NHL DREAM

Associated Press, 2011

Local hockey player Nathan MacDonald, was signed to a 3 year entry level contract today taking him one step closer to fulfilling his NHL dream. MacDonald was drafted last year 4th Overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The teams management didn't feel comfortable giving him a deal right away as he still had work to do to refine his game.

After that interview, which was conducted by the Portland Daily Tribute, MacDonald vowed to improve in the Offseason and show the organization that he belonged in the NHL. The following season, MacDonald lead the team in scoring through 65 games, scoring 25 goals and 65 assists, with a plus/minus of 56. Through his tenacity and sheer will power he lead his team to a 1st place finish in their division and lead them to the WHL Finals where they fell to the Kootenay Ice in a 7 game heart breaker.

Now at training camp in Columbus, the young rookie has been paired up with Rick Nash and Derick Brassard, where if he plays well could be a sold addition to a team on the verge of making the playoffs. Before heading to Columbus we were able to catch up to Nathan for a short interview.

Daily Courier Reporter: Nathan, what can you attribute to your success in the off-season to help with your development?

Nathan MacDonald: Honestly, through my agent I was able to get in communication with people and attended Gary Roberts training camp. As you may know, Gary even at his age now is one of the healthiest guys I know and he knows how to prepare your body for the rigors off the full hockey season.

Daily Courier Reporter: Being a local boy, it must have been difficult for you to spend your whole summer away from your family?

Nathan MacDonald: To be honest, it was difficult for me, my family has been there for me every step of the way, to support me and give me guidance. Fortunately for me, while training I became very good friends with Stevie [Stamkos] and on many occasions I was invited over to hang out with his family and they made me feel really welcome and kept me from being homesick.

Daily Courier Reporter: Can we be safe and say we should expect a terrific rookie season for you, just like Stamkos had?

Nathan MacDonald: No, I would definitely not say that. Our games are completely different. He has legs and a great, quick shot. My game will be more about playing defensively and making room and space for my linemates, whether it be Nash, Brassard, or Boll.

Daily Courier Reporter: If you had to compare your game play to any current NHLer who would that be?

Nathan MacDonald: I would say a good comparrison would be Jonathan Toews. He is a complete two way forward, both effective in the offensive zone and in his own zone. He doesn't put up huge numbers but that's not his game. He is a winner, and that is what I want to be, A Winner.

Daily Courier Reporter: Well Nathan, you will certainly get to see a lot of Toews, should you stay up with Columbus this year. I thank you for your time and good luck at preseason this year.

Nathan MacDonald: Okay, thank you.

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Placeholder for Interview - Will finish up later.

That way Dominick can get on with the Monthly Stat.


? though, how do you know whose line everyone is on?

I can look at every teams lines in the edit lines area. Can't change anything, but can at least see what they are doing with their teams.

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

Reporter: How does it feel to be preparing for your first season in the NHL?

Bellini: It has been a long and interesting journey to get here. I know the journey will end quickly if I don't keep working hard. My goal has always been not to just make it to the NHL but to become one of the best in this game. I am looking forward to taking the first step of my NHL journey this season.

Reporter: A lot of people are questioning if you are ready for the NHL. You really struggled to find your offense last season with Rochester. What do you have to say to these critics?

Bellini: I will be the first to admit I had a horrible season last year. No excuses I need to play better. I felt like I got pushed around and could not handle the pressure of being the third overall pick. I spent all summer working out and improving my strength and defense. If I struggle again offensively I want to be able to contribute to the team in other ways.

Reporter: What are your expectations for yourself heading into this season?

Bellini: The only thing I am concerned about is helping this franchise make it back to the playoffs. It has been a long time for these fans to wait for their team, and I want to help push them over the top. I need to contribute to the offense. If I can put up at least 50 points I will feel good about my rookie season and my contributions to the team this year.

Reporter: What are your thoughts on your draft class. One called by many the best in years. How do you think you guys will impact the league this season with most of you being in the NHL for the first time?

Bellini: I know most of those guys from all of the pre-draft stuff. They are solid guys who want nothing more than to win. I know it is going to be a contest in the media every year comparing us to each other. I think Miller got the head start on everyone last season with a whole year in the NHL. I am glad Steamer and MacDonald finally got the contracts they worked hard to earn. I know people are looking at us to help bring some more attention to the league and I think the great thing about all of us is how hard we work at this, and the fact that we all play the game so much differently. For every young hockey player out there they can have one of us to look up to and pattern their game off of. I can't wait to get through with camp and get started on this season. It is going to be a fun one.

[Hinchdogg]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

STEAMER'S GOT A DIFFERENT DEMEANOR

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers announced today they are sending down highly-touted goaltender Cleveland Steamer for another year with Seattle of the Western Hockey League. Steamer had a solid season last year with the Thunderbirds after being taken No. 1 overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. His numbers last year didn't represent his level of play as Seattle was among the worst teams in the WHL's Western Conference. He finished the year with a 28-29-3-4 record with a 2.18 goals against and a save percentage of .912.
"I'm looking forward to the upcoming season in Seattle and a chance to reach the playoffs," an optimistic Steamer said. Last season his infamous "They didn't sign me?" rant ruffled some feathers among the Oilers management and fans, but he has since redeemed himself and the city of Edmonton is starting to get behind its future netminder.
"I assumed being a No. 1 pick automatically got me to the NHL," he said. "I learned quickly that's not the case and I shouldn't take any of this for granted. I know the boys in Seattle are ready to go and hopefully we dont suck as much as we did last year."
Part of Steamer's optimism can be attributed to his FINALLY being signed by the Oilers. His contract was a mere 3-year entry level deal, but it put some coin into the greedy goaltender's pocket.
"It makes things a lot easier. Now I can roll around Sea-town in my new Mitsubishi Eclipse and people know me."
Due to the large amount of netminders on the Oilers roster, it's not expected Steamer will see any NHL/AHL action this season. But barring any injuries he's in line to join the Oilers NHL squad come 2012-2013.

[thedudedominick]

Re: St. Louis Blues (with OS created players) (NHL 11 Be a GM)

"It makes things a lot easier. Now I can roll around Sea-town in my new Mitsubishi Eclipse and people know me."

Quote of the season so far.