Who is your favorite current Blues player and why?
My favorite current Blues player was Keith Tkachuk until this past February-March. He's provided so much franchise stability, from a player standpoint, and has been pretty good with the young ones. Minus the donut-belly season he's been great.
I know he has many detractors on these boards and among other Blues' and hockey fans, but he's been The Blues' best player, in my not-so-humble opinion, for a long time now.
But late last season I began to turn the page on Walt. Even though I still like his play very much, my new favorite current Blues player is Jay McClement.
He's my new fave because he's usually so damned tenacious and focused and plays with a mean streak. Jay Mc has dedicated this part of his adult life to ice hockey and we get to watch him blossom as a person and a player.
What impresses me the most about him is that he's had to overcome some confidence issues. Some of you may remember how he used to be; quite scared, but skilled and had enough determination to give this a go.
I'm so glad it's worked out because he's an inspiring hockey player and the young ones out there should watch him closely.
I like the way T.J. Oshie plays (Backes and E.J.,and McClement, too). They all play hockey the way it was meant to be played. But, I have to give T,J. the slight lead. He ALWAYS comes to play and gives his all.
My favorite current Blues player was Keith Tkachuk until this past February-March. He's provided so much franchise stability, from a player standpoint, and has been pretty good with the young ones. Minus the donut-belly season he's been great.
I know he has many detractors on these boards and among other Blues' and hockey fans, but he's been The Blues' best player, in my not-so-humble opinion, for a long time now.
But late last season I began to turn the page on Walt. Even though I still like his play very much, my new favorite current Blues player is Jay McClement.
He's my new fave because he's usually so damned tenacious and focused and plays with a mean streak. Jay Mc has dedicated this part of his adult life to ice hockey and we get to watch him blossom as a person and a player.
What impresses me the most about him is that he's had to overcome some confidence issues. Some of you may remember how he used to be; quite scared, but skilled and had enough determination to give this a go.
I'm so glad it's worked out because he's an inspiring hockey player and the young ones out there should watch him closely.
My favorite current Blues player was Keith Tkachuk until this past February-March. He's provided so much franchise stability, from a player standpoint, and has been pretty good with the young ones. Minus the donut-belly season he's been great.
I know he has many detractors on these boards and among other Blues' and hockey fans, but he's been The Blues' best player, in my not-so-humble opinion, for a long time now.
But late last season I began to turn the page on Walt. Even though I still like his play very much, my new favorite current Blues player is Jay McClement.
He's my new fave because he's usually so damned tenacious and focused and plays with a mean streak. Jay Mc has dedicated this part of his adult life to ice hockey and we get to watch him blossom as a person and a player.
What impresses me the most about him is that he's had to overcome some confidence issues. Some of you may remember how he used to be; quite scared, but skilled and had enough determination to give this a go.
I'm so glad it's worked out because he's an inspiring hockey player and the young ones out there should watch him closely.
He really has made some strong moves over the past few years. Its only a matter of time before the starts getting recognition as one of the best shutdown players in the game.
1. Oshie - I love his motor, his aggressiveness, his two-way ability and his moves, but his anticipation and the way he "thinks the game" are probably my favorite quality of his. I could go on & on, but in the interest of time, I'll say he plays the game just like I always wished I could. (If only I had natural talent or motivation.)
2. McClement - I've always been fond of Jay, for many of the reasons ChiBlues stated above. He's a "glue guy," and they are typically underappreciated.
3. Can't decide between McDonald and Backes.
I love Andy's speed and vision, along with his willingness to take punishment with his smaller frame. There were stretches of last season before his injury that it seemed our entire offense flowed through him.
I'm a huge fan of "budding star power forward" Backes...the one that's aggressive, mean, goes to the corners and the net with authority, and converts his fair share of chances. I'm not so fond of "indecisive early season" Backes. Let's hope he picks it up soon & returns to last year's trajectory.
EJ by far. You can tell he will have a couple Norris trophies if he stays healthy. I just love the way he plays he makes our power play so much better.
A less popular choice but a guy I love is McClement.
They're like a box of chocolates. It's hard to pick just one.
I do like T.J. Oshie quite a bit, but Berglund's interviews crack me up sometimes. And I enjoyed the story about McDonald being an assistant turkey vaccinator was pretty funny.
As far as personality, it's hard to choose. Walt seems like a great guy as well.
They're like a box of chocolates. It's hard to pick just one.
I do like T.J. Oshie quite a bit, but Berglund's interviews crack me up sometimes. And I enjoyed the story about McDonald being an assistant turkey vaccinator was pretty funny.
As far as personality, it's hard to choose. Walt seems like a great guy as well.
I think I'll leave the blue-colored almond in the box.
EJ is my favorite. You can't ask for much more of a complete package of skills for a defenseman than what he brings to the table. It's crazy to think he's likely half a decade out from still being "in his prime".
Second place I'll go with Polak I like his skill set as well. Now when a certain Dane finally gets the call to wear the 'note this could change very quickly.
For now I'm going to have to go with Backes. He hasn't done much so far this season, but when he plays his style of hockey the game just becomes so intense. As soon as he's on the ice he gets aggressive and is either taking bodies or crashing his way through players to get one last chance in the crease. If everyone on the team had the same attitude about the game we'd see that dominating forecheck they give glimpses of every time they take control of a game and never look back.
Oshie - He's one of our best hitters. Can score and doesn't mind going into high traffic areas. Great all around player.
McClement - Very underrated and has had a good start to this season and a very good season last year. Should be a third line center, but with his ice time, he's leading all of our centers, is he not?
McDonald - His speed, creativity, fluidity, etc. He's all about making plays. Love his play.
Polak- Brings his lunchpail every day. He makes common mistakes like all youngsters but he also makes some really solid plays, ones that don't show up in the boxscore. He's only going to get better.
Good call on Jay, too.
I can't decide between Oshie, Backes or Perron. Perron's got great hands, is shifty and fun to watch. Oshie and Backes both hit well so they're really fun to watch too. Oshie has better hands than Backes, but Backes is bigger and more physical.
