Let’s see if we can start playing…

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Can the Blues get their game on? (Photo by happysteve/Flickr)

… before the 3rd period tonight, huh? I’ll finally be able to see the Blues in person as they come down to Philips today to take on the Thrashers. Neither team has exactly been going out great guns the first couple periods. The Thrashers have been missing defense, and the Blues have plenty of that (especially with Jackman set to return today), but the Blues have only managed 2 goals in the past 4 games – not exactly a powerhouse performance.

On the ice for both of those goals has been the call up in McDonald’s absence, Lars Eller. Part of the new kid line, with Berglund and Oshie, Eller scored the tying goal on Thursday night, and was out there for Oshie’s goal last night. McDonald is set to play this afternoon,so no clue if Eller’ll suit up today or not.

I’ll mention what goes on and my observations after the game… I’ve managed glass seats by harassing my ticket rep to no end, so I should be able to give some sort of analysis of what I see. Conklin is expected in goal tonight… both of our goaltenders have been outstanding thus far – our issues do not have a thing to do with them.

Penalty kill needs to watch out for Bogosian and Peverley. Actually, not taking a bunch of stupid penalties would help – granted, last night’s game was marred by bad officiating. but not cross checking guys into boards at inopportune moments would be beneficial.

Also, not having Brewer out there on the PK would be helpful. No kicking in of goals tonight. His lack of emotionality and the fact that he’s unobservant (“I didn’t see the puck” is not a feasible excuse – we know you didn’t see it – that’s why you kicked it in) is a liability. As the captain, he should step up and play to a higher level. He should also be available after the game for interviews, but I guess when you cost your team the game and you’re a bit mortified like he was post-Calgary scrum, your first impulse isn’t to hop in and own up to it.

Well, maybe it should be.