2018 - 2019 Blues (Hockey) Season

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Also, somewhat lost in all this....is the Blues absolutely dominated that game for 2 periods (2 and 3). I mean, outside that wrap around chance that hit the side of the net with 50 seconds left, the stars had almost no chances in the 2nd and 3rd periods.

[JCShutout]

I was really impressed with Binnington. I know as a former goalie that staying mentally sharp when facing so few shots is really, really difficult. Its kinda easier to face a ton of shots than none at all. With the goal against being an unlucky bounce/fluke, he basically gave you exactly what you needed to win. To face almost nothing for two periods then quality chances in OT... just wow. Gotta respect his focus.

That's partially why I thought we would lose a heartbreaker. I just figured a goalie not facing shots would be cold and a good scoring chance might get through. Happy to be wrong, though it sounded (I listen to the games on radio, only watch the recaps later) like Dallas missed on some good chances. (As did the Blues)

Also, Ben Bishop is amazing. I'm glad the Blues won and glad Bishop played well.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Dallas absolutely blew 4 chances in my recollection.

Benn earlier in the game had a roughly 1' opening on the near side and missed the net with his backhand. Hintz, iirc, hit the side of the net on a wrap around with about 50 seconds left. Comeoauu (sp?) had half a net open on a rebound, iirc, and missed wide in OT. Benn in 2OT shot a wrap around to the other side of the net where Binnington had a pad down. But, if he puts that on the closer half of the net it's a goal.

Of course, you can say if Schenn doesn't hit Klingsberg skating away from him on that one timer the games over. Ditto if that shot that got through Bishop doesn't careem wide somehow. Etc etc etc. What could have been, but really the Stars had more legit blown opps than the blues. Bishop just played amazingly.

[Freed Roger]

Here is some Blues-related porn, old Checkerdome/arena scoreboard as it sat in Schmeizings.

[JCShutout]

Dallas absolutely blew 4 chances in my recollection.

Benn earlier in the game had a roughly 1' opening on the near side and missed the net with his backhand. Hintz, iirc, hit the side of the net on a wrap around with about 50 seconds left. Comeoauu (sp?) had half a net open on a rebound, iirc, and missed wide in OT. Benn in 2OT shot a wrap around to the other side of the net where Binnington had a pad down. But, if he puts that on the closer half of the net it's a goal.

Of course, you can say if Schenn doesn't hit Klingsberg skating away from him on that one timer the games over. Ditto if that shot that got through Bishop doesn't careem wide somehow. Etc etc etc. What could have been, but really the Stars had more legit blown opps than the blues. Bishop just played amazingly.

That's part of why I like Binny's game (fundamentals and angles) a lot. He seldom lets pucks in "through" him (though one or two have gone through , him in round 2 on cross ice passes - though Bishop let in a couple of head scratchers too), so in order to be beat, the other team usually has to make a tough play requiring them to do 2 or 3 things right. Good chance of a mistake.

[Popeye_Card]

Another big thing I forgot. Blues went 4 and a half periods in a tight checking game 7 with ZERO penalties. Fantastic.

[Freed Roger]

I know nothing about hockey, so pardon my observation: when I see a Blues goalie come out of net, or gasp! -go behind the net- and handle the puck, I get queasy AF. Get Your Ass back in the goal!!!

But Binnington seems to handle this with ease, knows how long he has and where to dish it off. Knocks on wood.

[Popeye_Card]

I know nothing about hockey, so pardon my observation: when I see a Blues goalie come out of net, or gasp! -go behind the net- and handle the puck, I get queasy AF. Get Your Ass back in the goal!!!

But Binnington seems to handle this with ease, knows how long he has and where to dish it off. Knocks on wood.

It always makes me nervous too, but most goalies are much better skaters than you might think, and have no problem getting back. Still seems like a turnover with an open net waiting to happen.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Dallas absolutely blew 4 chances in my recollection.

Benn earlier in the game had a roughly 1' opening on the near side and missed the net with his backhand. Hintz, iirc, hit the side of the net on a wrap around with about 50 seconds left. Comeoauu (sp?) had half a net open on a rebound, iirc, and missed wide in OT. Benn in 2OT shot a wrap around to the other side of the net where Binnington had a pad down. But, if he puts that on the closer half of the net it's a goal.

Of course, you can say if Schenn doesn't hit Klingsberg skating away from him on that one timer the games over. Ditto if that shot that got through Bishop doesn't careem wide somehow. Etc etc etc. What could have been, but really the Stars had more legit blown opps than the blues. Bishop just played amazingly.

That's part of why I like Binny's game (fundamentals and angles) a lot. He seldom lets pucks in "through" him (though one or two have gone through , him in round 2 on cross ice passes - though Bishop let in a couple of head scratchers too), so in order to be beat, the other team usually has to make a tough play requiring them to do 2 or 3 things right. Good chance of a mistake.

I don't know anything about goalie mechanics/angles/fundamentals/etc but it does seem like Binnington is really good at it. The only thing I saw last night that caused question was how out of position he was on both wrap around attempts. Those guys had the near post plus a foot both times that were completely unobstructed, they just missed. That said, it was clear that Dallas was trying to come down one side, draw Binnington over then pass to the other side where they whiffed on a couple shots. Of course, it seems like that would lead to a goal against any goalie.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

I can't watch this without my eyes watering. Probably because I'm exhaused. Yep...definitely because I'm exhausted.