St. Louis Blues Winter Olympic Player Grades
The games have all been played and the medals awarded, and while Men’s Hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics didn’t end the way many of us hoped, I am so glad it’s over and the NHL can resume play this week. You’ve seen the final stats for the nine Olympians the St. Louis Blues sent to Sochi here at Bleedin Blue and now it’s time to hand out the final grades before all our boys come back to the States and prepare for the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
I implore you all to disagree with the marks I give each of the St. Louis Olympians. I’d love to know why you think someone should be receiving a higher score in the comment section below or through our Facebook page. Some of our Blues had a great showing, regardless of where their team finished, and others, well, let’s just say I don’t see things as other might. A guy can be pretty invisible out there, or mediocre at best, and have his linemates pick up the slack and score goals, or prevent them.
The best thing I can say about the 2014 Sochi Olympics is that all of our Blues are going to return healthy. The age-old argument of whether NHL’ers should play in the Olympics is heard every time a guy goes down during international play. Major pieces of multiple NHL clubs will miss significant time because of injuries sustained in Sochi. John Tavares of the New York Islanders will be out for 8-months, missing the remainder of the 2103-14 season. The St. Louis Blues avoided injury trouble and all of their active Olympians will be available when they resume league play Wednesday.
Petro won a Gold Medal with Team Canada, and was a part of what many believe was the best defensive line-up the Canadians have fielded in international play. I didn’t see him contribute much more than adequate defense, and I think he was overshadowed by pretty much every other d-man Canada threw out there, including his St. Louis teammate. He helped win Gold in the end, so that colors my feelings.
Final Grade: B
Jay-Bouw played an all-around better defensive game than his St. Louis linemate, picking up the slack on occasion when his partner nearly turned the puck over exiting their zone. Jay was more involved offensively, though he finished with only a lone assist. Again, winning Gold is meaningful, and I’m proud of his effort.
Final Grade: B
Bergie really played a big role getting Sweden to the Gold Medal game after his country’s squad endured injuries to some big names. He used his size effectively and played tough in the dirty areas despite losing to Canada in the final. Congratulations to the big Swede on his Silver Medal!
Final Grade: A
Steener was also on the Silver Medal winning Swedish team, and like Bergie he played an essential part in getting his team to the finals. His 4-points tied him for the most by a Blue in Sochi. Congrats on the Silver, Steener!
Final Grade: A
The St. Louis Blues captain was probably the hardest working guy in red, white, and blue, and while he wasn’t chosen as Top Forward, David’s three goals led all Blues Olympians. A warrior til the end, Backes truly embodies what United States hockey is all about and I’m so glad I’ll get to see him back in the Bluenote this week.
Final Grade: A
Shatty was a victim of circumstance in this tournament as Team USA came into play with probably one of the weakest overall defenses. In a group ultimately lacking explosiveness and ice-awareness, I think he was one of their best and will likely be representing his country in international play for years to come.
Final Grade: A
Few members of Team USA played with the intensity of T.J. Oshie in their Bronze Medal match-up versus Finland and it cost them some hardware. Thankfully for Blues fans, we’ll always have Osh, and he’ll always have a place in Olympic Hockey history with his shoot-out performance against Russia.
Final Grade: A
Vladi battled hard every shift, just like he does in St. Louis, but his ice-time in Russia’s final game was limited, as was his offensive contribution. Nothing to be ashamed of for his first Olympic appearance of many to come. But the way Russia exited early and his average numbers speak for themselves.
Final Grade: C
With 2-games played and a 5.13 GAA, Jaro’s grade is the same as it was a week ago. The Slovakians didn’t win a game, but Jaro is already back in St. Louis practicing and getting ready to help the Blues get to the playoffs. He will quickly forget about his rough trip to Sochi.
Final Grade: F
GO BLUES! LONG LIVE THE NOTE!