Sure it's not really NHL hockey, but for guys like me who will stay up all night watching truncated versions of 2009 NHL Playoffs games on NHL network to pass the summer once St. Louis Cardinals games are over, it's a start. I'm of course referring the the twelfth annual Traverse City NHL Prospects tournament. For those in the very small minority I'm sure that don't know what the NHL Prospects tournament is all about, I'll fill you in (the rest of you bear with me and try not to laugh at our clueless fans). Every year, eight NHL franchises, including the Blues, organize a squad complete with the top prospects of the organization, as well as various unsigned and undrafted players who the respective franchises would like a longer look at. While officially the tournament doesn't give the prospects any advantage in training camp (which is just around the corner!!!!), it does give a coach another point of view if they still are having trouble placing a prospect in the system. However the tournament doesn't only make it easier for the franchises. As per NHL.com's Mike Morreale, Blues' standout T.J. Oshie says, "I think just the confidence you gain there by meeting new guys gives you a sense of the pro life and it makes you a little more comfortable for training camp."
Last night, the Baby Blues defeated the Baby Stars in game one of the 2010 tournament, winning 9-6 in a defense optional first game. The Blues' squad features notables such as, 2008's fourth overall pick Alex Pietrangelo, 
University of Michigan and Team USA standout Aaron Palushaj (already anointed the next T.J. Oshie), unsigned St. Louisan Jack Combs (a flashy forward with a huge offensive upside), Goalie of the Future Jake Allen, WHL All Star Brett Sonne (who looks to make a big enough splash to stick with the big club this season, and CBC alum Phil McRae (who once could only watch helplessly as I dangled a puck between his legs then sniped it top cheese to take the lead in the 2005 MOIHA season opener)
In a 9-6 game the scoring was well spread out. Palushaj, McRae, Combs, and Sonne all had goals (Palushaj netting the pair). Pietrangelo remained absent from the scoresheet but from what I've heard he settled into a shutdown role, holding the Baby Stars' top two snipers scoreless. Despite letting in 6 goals, Jake Allen still made 31 saves for an .838 save percentage. Nerves plus the fact that tournaments like this are akin to all star games and feature less defense may have contributed to the skewed numbers. But numbers aside, this kid got the win in a western shootout type of game. I won't make a judgement on him til the end of the tournament.
For the complete scoresheet from game one visit, http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/gamesheet_full.html?gameid=1083428
Some thoughts following the first game:
1. The Blues have a very bright offensive future. Can you imagine a 2012 top 6 forward core consisting of David Perron, Brad Boyes, T.J. Oshie, Andy Macdonald, Patrik Berglund, and David Backes? Now look at a possible 2012 third line of Aaron Palushaj, Phil McRae (who in all seriousness could find a way to score on a nun), and Lars Eller, (who honestly belongs in the top 6)? Somewhere in the mix you expect to see Brett Sonne, Pat Combs, and depth guys like Jay McClement, and Alex Steen. Run the numbers Blues fans, all of these guys aren't going to ever fit on one team, and that's a good thing. Like the 2009 Cardinals, the 2010-2014 Blues will be able to make any deal necessary to fill any hole they have, and with the smart front office currently in place I doubt there will be that many holes to fill anyway.
2. The Blues have a very bright defensive future. Erik Johnson, Alex Pietrangelo, Ian Cole, Carlo Colaiocovo, Roman Polak, David Rundblad, and Barret Jackman figure to be the 2012 starting seven. But let's not forget Brett Ponich, Cade Fairchild, and Jonas Junland. Damn it feels good to be a Blues fan.
3. Kind of a conclusion after reading the first two...How nice would this look traveling down Market Street for the first time (Hayden included)?
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