Post by BluesGM on Apr 1, 2017 17:54:45 GMT
There is no doubt the Blues have struggled this season. With sophomore Craig McInroy back from injury, this team looks to continue its momentum as they have gone on a bit of a run the past few weeks, including a recent win over the San Jose Sharks. However, GM R.J. Ryan believes the team can play much better than they have.
"It's no surprise at all. This up-and-down season can be expected with a team in transition, but some players need to step up their game. I mean, when your 3rd line defensive pair has been your most consistent players for the majority of the season, it's going to be a struggle. Your veterans need to lead the charge, and it seems like they finally might be getting there," commented Ryan.
In addition to the sub-par play of the veterans, some of the younger player have been feeling the heat as well. Rookie Denis Sherikov, who was named GHL Rookie of the Month, has only been able to net 2 goals during the month of December.
"It's a struggle, especially for me, since I'm just trying to do the best that I can out there. I'm happy that there are guys like Oshie and Pietrangelo...guys I can talk to and look for inspiration from. Hopefully I can get my game back on track," commented Sherikov.
"We've had some bad luck. Specifically in our game against the Thrashers (or Jets). I felt our team kept up with the defending champs during the first period, but their 2nd goal, I still think is textbook goalie interference. I don't know what the war room in Toronto was looking at. And all the stick work they were allowed to get away with? I guess they just felt bad for Papp and his team. I mean, we do have a bit of a history. 10-15 Years ago my team would constantly beat the piss out of Papp and his team. It got pretty embarrassing at times, but I always looked forward to doing it. My team has a ways to go, but I hope to get back to those times here in the GHL," commented Ryan.
The road ahead doesn't appear to get much easier either, with up coming games against Calgary, Ottawa, and Nashville to start off the new year.
"You've got to take it one day at a time. When we play as a team, good things happen," commented captain T.J. Oshie
"It's no surprise at all. This up-and-down season can be expected with a team in transition, but some players need to step up their game. I mean, when your 3rd line defensive pair has been your most consistent players for the majority of the season, it's going to be a struggle. Your veterans need to lead the charge, and it seems like they finally might be getting there," commented Ryan.
In addition to the sub-par play of the veterans, some of the younger player have been feeling the heat as well. Rookie Denis Sherikov, who was named GHL Rookie of the Month, has only been able to net 2 goals during the month of December.
"It's a struggle, especially for me, since I'm just trying to do the best that I can out there. I'm happy that there are guys like Oshie and Pietrangelo...guys I can talk to and look for inspiration from. Hopefully I can get my game back on track," commented Sherikov.
"We've had some bad luck. Specifically in our game against the Thrashers (or Jets). I felt our team kept up with the defending champs during the first period, but their 2nd goal, I still think is textbook goalie interference. I don't know what the war room in Toronto was looking at. And all the stick work they were allowed to get away with? I guess they just felt bad for Papp and his team. I mean, we do have a bit of a history. 10-15 Years ago my team would constantly beat the piss out of Papp and his team. It got pretty embarrassing at times, but I always looked forward to doing it. My team has a ways to go, but I hope to get back to those times here in the GHL," commented Ryan.
The road ahead doesn't appear to get much easier either, with up coming games against Calgary, Ottawa, and Nashville to start off the new year.
"You've got to take it one day at a time. When we play as a team, good things happen," commented captain T.J. Oshie
i'll be doing it all on friday as its teh only day off I have at the moment. Sorry, we are down people and its long late shifts at teh moment. 