Since trading Shattenkirk, the Blues are 5-2 and surrendered just 10 goals in those 7 games and are probably playing their best hockey of the season.

It seems trading Shattenkirk wasn't throwing in the towel on the season and the 1 or 2 goals a game he was good for by coughing up the puck in his own zone have helped the Blues by subtracting that.

Caps are 4-4 since the trade.

Small sample size but as a whole I like what I've seen from the team. Honestly I don't much notice shatty isn't out there.

I think the biggest subtraction was in addition to Hitch being gone, finally, was the distraction factor of when Shatty would be traded. Once the initial 'shock' was over, I think the team just got back to work and focused on the true team left. And since there are no major parts of the team a pending UFA (no disrespect to Uppy) they know the team they have now will be the team moving forward for awhile.

Yes, they are professionals and highly paid, but athletes are people, and they do have feelings. And feelings matter. Even in professional athletes.

bradleygt89 wrote:I think the biggest subtraction was in addition to Hitch being gone, finally, was the distraction factor of when Shatty would be traded. Once the initial 'shock' was over, I think the team just got back to work and focused on the true team left. And since there are no major parts of the team a pending UFA (no disrespect to Uppy) they know the team they have now will be the team moving forward for awhile.

Yes, they are professionals and highly paid, but athletes are people, and they do have feelings. And feelings matter. Even in professional athletes.

That's a very great point by you, again. This team has subtracted their two biggest distractions.

I'm just glad we aren't going to be overpaying him on a long-term contract when we have plenty of viable bottom four D options and PP quarterbacks coming up ala Schmaltz, Walman, Dunn.

As for this season I feel Shatty didn't add much more on offense than he subtracted in his own end but that's up for debate.

I'm just glad we aren't going to be overpaying him on a long-term contract when we have plenty of viable bottom four D options and PP quarterbacks coming up ala Schmaltz, Walman, Dunn.

As for this season I feel Shatty didn't add much more on offense than he subtracted in his own end but that's up for debate.

Shatty wasn't a problem. He was just expendable because of Parayko and Petro.

Shatty was/is a great team guy, and I have no doubt he'll shine for the Caps this postseason.

Caps don't really have anything to play for, while the Blues are scrapping for a playoff spot. The real issue was the dumb two coach thing.

I think this Blues team will barely make the playoffs, and who knows what'll happen after that. (Probably a first round loss...)

Not sure why you're saying the Caps have nothing to play for...The Pens are just 2 points back now. Columbus 3.

I like Shattenkirk, and I believe he is exceptionally talented, but he is dreadful when he doesn't have the puck. If there were no salary cap and I had a ton of money to blow, I would welcome his contribution as a power play specialist. He'll be a great rental for Washington, provided they avoid overexposing him 5-on-5.

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote:Not sure why you're saying the Caps have nothing to play for...The Pens are just 2 points back now. Columbus 3.

Fair point.

IMO, Washington is in cup or bust mode. Where they finish in the regular season probably doesn't mean that much when compared to a team on the playoff bubble like the blues. Blues probably are a little more desperate than the Caps. I didn't really convey that point well.

Doug Glatt wrote:

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote:Not sure why you're saying the Caps have nothing to play for...The Pens are just 2 points back now. Columbus 3.

Fair point.

IMO, Washington is in cup or bust mode. Where they finish in the regular season probably doesn't mean that much when compared to a team on the playoff bubble like the blues. Blues probably are a little more desperate than the Caps. I didn't really convey that point well.

Shouldn't you be at the movie premiere tonight?

Beatoni12 wrote:

Doug Glatt wrote:

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote:Not sure why you're saying the Caps have nothing to play for...The Pens are just 2 points back now. Columbus 3.

Fair point.

IMO, Washington is in cup or bust mode. Where they finish in the regular season probably doesn't mean that much when compared to a team on the playoff bubble like the blues. Blues probably are a little more desperate than the Caps. I didn't really convey that point well.

Shouldn't you be at the movie premiere tonight?

Yes, I'm in Halifax right now. I'll be at the premiere signing autographs with my FISTS

Doug Glatt wrote:

Beatoni12 wrote:
Shouldn't you be at the movie premiere tonight?

Yes, I'm in Halifax right now. I'll be at the premiere signing autographs with my FISTS

Haha. As a Halifax resident, I'm glad I didn't go to the premiere then!!

I do look forward to the movie though

bradleygt89 wrote:I think the biggest subtraction was in addition to Hitch being gone, finally, was the distraction factor of when Shatty would be traded. Once the initial 'shock' was over, I think the team just got back to work and focused on the true team left. And since there are no major parts of the team a pending UFA (no disrespect to Uppy) they know the team they have now will be the team moving forward for awhile.

Yes, they are professionals and highly paid, but athletes are people, and they do have feelings. And feelings matter. Even in professional athletes.

With the obvious exception of whoever will be playing in Las Vegas.