StL Blues Season Thread 2023-24

[GeddyWrox]

[JCShutout]

https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/sundqvis ... with-blues

Sunny resigned. 2 years at 1.5m per.

[GeddyWrox]

Good deal!!

[JCShutout]

HUGE GOAL BY SAAD! Blues finally break through! 1-1 late in the third. If they can somehow beat Vegas, they will be 2/3 points back (Vegas with a game in hand), with an easier schedule. Still a tough long shot, but doable.

A loss all but ends playoff hopes barring a crazy run. (And a tank by Vegas)

Let’s go bluuuues!!!

[JCShutout]

Oof, Buchy can’t convert on an ot penalty shot and Vegas wins it. 5 points back instead of 2/3, with 10 left (11 for Vegas)… it’s never over until it’s over, but it would take craziness at this point.

[cardsfantx]

Yeah it ain’t happening lol

I didn’t even really care if they made the playoffs originally since they’d get bounced in round 1, but I wanted them to get there only when it became clear us getting in meant LV would get left out.

How much anyone want to bet once the playoffs start Hertl is ready and Stone’s spleen is miraculously healed.

[GeddyWrox]

I didn't expect us to win last night, but that ending was still a gut punch. UGH

[JCShutout]

The playoffs would be nice to get the kids some experience, not to mention the owners a little more revenue, but it is what it is. Given the roster, it was an entertaining year and we are learning about what we have in the kids. Pretty solid for a light rebuild/reload.

[GeddyWrox]

Agreed, JC. Will be interesting to see what Army does over the summer. He's GOT to figure out a way to clear some cap/roster space or else next year will be more of the same... and then we might as well have gone full rebuild a year ago.

[JCShutout]

I doubt he would be able to clear cap space on the defensive side.

I’m okay with more of the same next year if more kids get more time. In 3 years, Saad and Hayes will be gone (though saad has been great for his salary), Krug and Faulk in their final years. Presumably the cap will have gone up enough that Krug and schenn’s deals won’t hurt as much, or maybe we can eat half their salary in a trade for future considerations and buy/trade for a top2 dman.

I think 26-27 is when I think they should aim for the next run. Make moves to be ready then.

Edit: in the meantime, stay competitive enough for a playoff spot. Let the kids learn how to win under pressure.