Bleacher Report - Articles by David Campbell

St. Louis Blues and The Trade Deadline

David Campbell — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:47:35 -0500

It's been a while since I have written anything, but the trade deadline for this season has sparked my creativity.

As we all know, the deadline is here and the rumors have been spreading like wild Calgary Flames. Rumors from teams like the New Jersey Devils possibly parting with draft picks and defensemen, although it seems to me that they usually wait until the day of the draft and play a little "Musical Re-Ordering".

It doesn't look like anyone has explained anything about the Blues, even though they're moving up in the standings and are currently only five points out of a playoff spot, with 20 or so games left to play. Clearly a reachable goal.

But I digress.

The Blues have several quality young players that have shown bursts of greatness while the starters were nursing the injury bug. (i.e. Paul Kariya—Out For Season, Andy McDonald—Returned, Jay McKee—Returned, Roman Polak—Returned, Eric Brewer—Out for Season, Erik Johnson—Out for Season, and D.J. King—Out for Season.)

Players like Cam Paddock, Tyson Strachan, Chris Porter, Steve Regier, B.J. Crombeen, Alexander Steen, and Brad Winchester. Crombeen, Steen, and Winchester have helped the Blues much on both the PK and on the Offense, displaying that they all clearly belong in the NHL, and not the AHL.

Rumors have been flying around about Keith Tkachuk being traded to all different teams, particularily the Bruins for high-end prospects or teams that are high in the draft picks (Islanders, Lightning, Maple Leafs, that sort).

I am here to tell you, that when Keith Tkachuk re-signed with the Blues last year, he added a No-Trade Clause. He's said a couple times that he isn't going to waive it and he'd rather stay in St. Louis, where he plans to stay after he retires from the NHL.

That is sad news to many teams who would love to have his offensive prowess in front of the net, tipping shots and knocking home rebounds (what better way to get all those goals?).

But do not despair!

The young players I mentioned earlier are quality players with good upside and the drive to learn and work hard in the NHL (exempting Crombeen, Steen, and Winchester).

I could see Cam Paddock, T.J. Fast, and perhaps a third or fourth-rounder going to the Lightning for a second-round pick, Paul Ranger, and Radim Vrbata. You might also be able to add Trent Whitfield to that deal.

In the coming days you might also see Steve Regier moving. The young forward has shown nice scoring ability, but his style of play isn't something that the Blues really have really needed.

One thing is for sure—this time of year is exciting.

Thanks for reading. Comment! I want to hear what you think is going to happen at the Deadline for the Blues, or the NHL in general.

Under-Appreciated Players: Part 1

David Campbell — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:46:17 -0400

I've decided to do something a little different now-a-days. The NHL season is in full swing and I'm back to writing.

I'm making this series to point out the clearly good players who don't always get the spotlight. I'm of the opinion that Crosby and Ovechkin aren't the only players in the NHL, and are talked about way too much.

So here we go: Part One of Three.

Under-appreciated Player #1: Manny Legace (#34, St. Louis Blues)

I had to start with someone from my hometown team. But don't worry, there will be others.

Manny has been extremely strong in goal for much of his professional career, and even more so in St. Louis. Now, before people start pointing fingers, Manny had to play over 50 games for the Blues last season because of back-up goalie issues.

That is absolutely horrendous that he had to do that, and yet he managed to stay healthy.

Okay, so here are the facts:

He is 168-83-18 so far in his career - posting a 37-8-0 season in his final season with the Red Wings.
He has 2.31 GAA and a .914 save percentage life-time.
Finally, he plays very well under pressure and very, very rarely makes stupid plays with the puck. (Lookin' at you Marty Turco.)
He also is an extremely nice guy who I've had the pleasure of meeting. We had a nice talk about some locker room antics that had taken place during his NHL years.

Under-appreciated Player #2: Wojtek Wolski (#8, Colorado Avalanche)

Often times when you think of the Avalanche, you think of Joe Sakic. He's been the face of the franchise for longer than I can remember. You might also think of Milan Hejduk, Ryan Smyth, and Paul Stastny.

This play maker/power forward hybrid is strong and fast. Only 22, he is very good with the puck and does give bad turn-overs. This is only his 3rd NHL Season, and he shows a poise level that rookies like Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty won't show for a couple of years.

Okay, so here are the facts:

Posts a career 109 points, 43 goals, and 66 assists.
Still a young player, but has made a definite impact on the Colorado Avalanche, that I feel, has gone widely unnoticed.

Please Comment...

Coming Very Soon: Part Two - Four more under appreciated players.

A Preview: First Blues and Red Wings Game of 08-09 Season

David Campbell — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:33:20 -0400

Who's Hotter? is the question that you have to ask when you see this game.

The Blues have been streaking, winning their last three games. A close shootout against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a crushing defeat of the Dallas Stars, and a thriller that ended in another shootout against the Chicago Blackhawks and their brand new coach. (Joel Quenneville used to coach the St. Louis Blues and left for the Colorado Avalanche, and lost his first game against his former team, with his new team. Say Ha-ha, everybody.)

Among the Blues, Brad Boyes, Keith Tkachuk, Paul Kariya, and Andy McDonald have been among the best players in the NHL.These four have been the driving force behind the best powerplay in the league (40.9 percent—A number that dreams are made of). This is a strange phenomenon, considering that the Blues had the worst powerplay last year.

Something that means better things to come?

We'll see....

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings shook off their hangover after their embarrassing defeat to the 1-2-0 Toronto Maple Leafs. Their looking decent, despite getting pushed to 2 OT's by the surging New York Rangers, which they won, and the Vancouver Canucks, which they lost.

Tomas Holmstrom's team-leading 5 goals and Brain Rafalski's 5 assists are looking to help their team this Wednesday.

Now Keys to the game....

For the Blues:

Manny being Manny

Manny Legace will have to play yet another good game in net for the Blues. Unless, the Blues plan to play the up-and-coming Ben Bishop. This 6'7 210 pound beast is a St. Louis native and 1 of the 2 leading goal prospects in the Blues system, along with Southpaw Marek Schwarz.

D-Fense

This game seems like the type that will either be a blowout or a very close game. But Jay McKee, Eric Brewer, Steve Wagner, Alex Pietrangelo, Barret Jackman, and Roman Polak will have be on their game to keep the Red Wings at bay.

Lighting the Lamp

The Blues will have to stay hot on the powerplay and capitalize on the mistakes that the Red Wings make.

Lee Stempniak

The comeback of the Blues No. 2 sniper below Brad Boyes is a surge in the arm of the offense for the Blues. While he had a very bad year last year, he was poised during the pre-season to be among the Blues' best scorers. Can he make an impact in his first game back after being day-to-day with a hurt knee?

Now on to the keys for the Red Wings...

Where's the "ON" switch?

I'm referring, of course, to Henrik Zetterberg, although it's still early on in the season, he's not looking like the point leader he was last year. With only a goal and 2 assists in 5 games, he's going to have to step it up to win. Brian Rafalski cannot be the point-leader for the Stanley Cup Champions.

Osgood or Os"Is this how you play goalie?"

I wonder if the good Chris Osgood will show up or the Chris Osgood that let in six goals at the All-Star Game last year.

Ice the Fans

Sorry, no clever name here. But the Blues have home-ice advantage and a Scottrade Center full of crazy screaming fans. That is more than enough to turn a one-goal lead in to a five-goal lead. Just ask the Dallas Stars.

I could be right, I could be wrong. But we will all find out on Wednesday when the St. Louis Blues take on the Detroit Red Wings at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Vezina Trophy: And the Winner Is...

David Campbell — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:16:39 -0400

The Vezina Trophy is one of the most illustrious awards in sports. It is given every season to the National Hockey League goaltender who shows the most proficiency in his position, and clearly makes a difference on his team, game after game.

The nominees for the 2007-2008 NHL season demonstrated all the qualities needed. Now, this isn't an award ceremony, so I'll stop talking like that.

Onto the first goalie!

Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks

Okay, first off, I have nothing against Nabokov as a player. His stats speak for themselves, and he has always come up big in clutch situations.

However, I do not think that he is deserving of the Vezina this year. One could say that his aggressive play on the puck is the reason why he's such a great goaltender. I am not one of those people.

I think that he takes very unnecessary risks by skating out of the crease and diving to save the puck. Supposing that he actually surprises the player who has the puck and is able to save it, he's more than deserving of the award.

However, I think that this is his downfall. If the puck handler is able to make a play before he gets back in position, more than a few goals will be scored.

When he plays in his position, he is very proficient, but a risk-taker usually doesn't get the Vezina.

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Ah, Martin Brodeur, arguably the best goalie in the history of the NHL, winner of several Vezinas in the past few years. I'm afraid not this year, however.

While Brodeur had some incredible performances this season, he is not the most deserving candidate. He is a lot like Nabokov in that he flies out of the crease, leaving the entire net open to shots.

He makes some unbelievable saves, to be sure, but that is still risky play that doesn't belong in the NHL, unless it is the goalie's last option.

Plus, let's not forget all the diving he did in the recent playoff series against the Rangers.

Granted, the hit by the Rangers' Ryan Callahan was viable. The hit by Fredrik Sjorstrom was clearly caused by the defender, who pushed him into Brodeur. Jaromir Jagr hit Brodeur with his thigh, but he didn't move—at all—and then fell back dramatically.

It gets a little old, Marty.

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Finally, we get to the goalie I believe to be most deserving. Lundqvist is now a Vezina finalist for the third year in a row. The 26-year-old "King" of New York has had one heck of a season for the Big Apple.

Game after game, he puts up great stats against the Eastern Conference stars. His pads were everywhere, his glove was sharp, and his vision was never better.

Of the 20 combined shutouts compiled by the three finalists, Lundqvist had 10. He has strict positioning and great quickness to traverse the crease.

Henrik is the most deserving of this year's candidates.

Honorable Mentions

•Martin Biron, Philadelphia Flyers
•Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
•Manny Legace, St. Louis Blues
•Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
•Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
ªDominik Hasek, Detroit Red Wings