What are your thoughts with Thomas’s play while Schenn has been out? Is it time to move Thomas into the 2C role and convert Schenn into a wing? They’re both win about 50% of their face offs...
Where does Schenn fit on this team with O’Reilly being the clear 1C?
Also, should both Schwartz and Tarasenko be playing with O’Reilly? I’ve always thought that Tarasenko and Schwartz play well together regardless of the pivot.
Thanks.
- eggsegan
I have to say first, I have not been able to watch as much of the games as I would like. I am not sure I would give Thomas that second line spot just yet. He needs to add some strength to his game yet. There is a ton to like about him and his play, but he still seems hesitant as of yet. I would prefer to see Bozak moved to the wing over Schenn at this time. There's not enough secondary offense being generated from the Fabbri-Perron combination. Rather, not enough finishing. Can Schenn bring that element? I would like to think so at this time.
I would send Thomas to the World Jrs. It would only help him grow as a player and the Blues do not need, need him right now. Their depth is solid up front.
I think he is going to be a tremendous player and could start breaking out at any moment, but saying that there's an element to his game that makes it hard to say when it will all click with him--likely next season or the one following that if I had to guess. But his smarts and the way he is trying different things also makes me believe he could figure something sooner if his confidence clicks with some favorable bounces to reinforce his confidence.
The Blues are going to have consider a move at some point because they have excess players up front and they could still move some and gain depth. If I am Armstrong there is no way in hell I would be able to move Kyrou, because that kid is a legit NHL talent. What he showed me is he a top line player in the NHL right now. He reminds me so much of Fabbri but he seems stronger or thicker, if that makes sense. Man if you could play those kids on the same line with someone like Thomas when Thomas gains some strength and maybe even now, they would be dominant. We are talking elite speed from two wingers and plus speed from the centerman.
Given the dmen we have and forwards I do not understand their issues breaking out or their reliance on dump and chase. If I had to run practices getting forwards used to skating backwards and playing D I would do that so I could get more movement and cause havoc on the other teams coverage.
I still think the root issue with this team is goaltending. Utilizing the style of this team means, as every team no matter how they play, you will give up odd man rushes and have break downs now and again. You can't expect the save every time, but you can expect it at much higher rate than you see now. If you have 90% SVPCT then this team has more wins right now and the entire complexion and style would be different. If you think of a team and a game as a system the positive feedback created by a lack of trust in your goaltender starts to cause other aspects to your team game. (In systems thinking positive feedback is not usually a beneficial thing).
