On November 15th, Robert Vollman of Hockey Prospectus identified the St. Louis Blues as a great team with bad luck:
Ken Hitchcock is lucky enough to step into an otherwise highly successful team, and will no doubt accept a lot of credit for the playoff berth when the Blues’ fortunes inevitably changes.
While a coaching change may have ushered in a new sense of responsibility, or the promise of a fresh start, what Vollman predicted happened right away. Hitchcock has a 4-0-2 record this season.
St. Louis Blues Lines:
Steen-Backes-Oshie
Sobotka-Berglund-D’Agostini
Porter-Arnott-Langenbrunner
Sterling-Nichol-Reaves
Jackman-Shattenkirk
Cole-Pietrangelo
Russell-Polak
In Net: Jaroslav Halak will square off against Jonathan Bernier.
As for the Kings‘ possession numbers as a whole? They’re still figuring things out: respectable but not league-leaders. If the coaches can’t figure out how to put together a functional third line, I have to think trades are coming.
Have at it.