By ANDREW ALLSMAN
ALHAMBRA, IL-- I, for one was disappointed last year with how the Blues performed late in games, and especially late in the season (excluding the last few games).
So what was the cause for the team's "late game blues?" (no pun intended). I think it came down to two main reasons: 1. Not enough depth, and 2. Lack of veteran leadership.
Let me elaborate...Last season the Blues didn't have enough forwards that they would be willing to play late in a game (not going to name names) which caused their 1st and 2nd line players to be worn out and also allow the other team to get a better read on what they were going to do (such as dump and chase).
Now when i say lack of veteran leadership you have to combine both words, because make no mistake about it, the Blues had veterans and they had leaders but did they have a veteran leader that really took charge in a situation? If I had to guess I would say no.
The Blues also had quite a few rough spots last year during the season where they let their emotions run a little too high late in games (ex. David Backes) or they couldn't overcome the losing streak they were on.
Conclusion: I think we will see an improvement in these areas because of the free agent signings, especially as we get late in the season when emotions start running high and we need to pull together some wins, or get off of a losing streak, look for our newly acquired veteran players to be a big part of getting this team into the playoffs.
ALHAMBRA, IL-- I, for one was disappointed last year with how the Blues performed late in games, and especially late in the season (excluding the last few games).
So what was the cause for the team's "late game blues?" (no pun intended). I think it came down to two main reasons: 1. Not enough depth, and 2. Lack of veteran leadership.
Let me elaborate...Last season the Blues didn't have enough forwards that they would be willing to play late in a game (not going to name names) which caused their 1st and 2nd line players to be worn out and also allow the other team to get a better read on what they were going to do (such as dump and chase).
Now when i say lack of veteran leadership you have to combine both words, because make no mistake about it, the Blues had veterans and they had leaders but did they have a veteran leader that really took charge in a situation? If I had to guess I would say no.
The Blues also had quite a few rough spots last year during the season where they let their emotions run a little too high late in games (ex. David Backes) or they couldn't overcome the losing streak they were on.
Conclusion: I think we will see an improvement in these areas because of the free agent signings, especially as we get late in the season when emotions start running high and we need to pull together some wins, or get off of a losing streak, look for our newly acquired veteran players to be a big part of getting this team into the playoffs.