NHL: Singing the Blues

When the St. Louis Blues failed to make the playoffs last year it marked the end of a 25-year run, the longest in hockey history and all of professional sports for that matter. The Blues poor start this season inevitably cost coach Mike Kitchen his job however, his replacement Andy Murray, has developed new systems and managed to instil confidence in a dressing room in dire need of it.

McKeen's files these notes on several promising young Blues players ready to make the jump to NHL stardom.

Lee Stempniak – RW

West Seneca, NY native had a distinguished four-year career in Dartmouth where he captained and led the team in scoring three-of-the-four years he was there and never missed a game .. was one of the hottest Blues in the second half last season carrying his confidence into his second season with the club .. currently fourth in team scoring (18-19-37) .. has a good shot and plays the point on the PP .. has a good defensive approach to the game utilizing his speed on the back check and is quick to recognize his man and stick to him .. calmness and maturity to his game, you can tell he benefited greatly playing in the CCHA .. willing to take abuse to make a play and has an effective down-low game .. has developed into a reliable option for coach Murray in all situations .. one has to wonder if the Rangers have any regrets taking fellow Dartmouth teammate Hugh Jessiman 12th overall when Stempniak was still available at 148th overall.

Jay McClement – C

Has carved out a niche for himself as a defensive specialist who has decent offensive skills .. a smooth skater who can keep up with the NHL's best, he is often pitted against the other team's best skaters, and is used on the pk with his aggressive style .. has a strong work ethic, puts forth a full effort every shift, and is always moving his feet .. is over zealous at times and forces plays with the puck but generally has a good idea of where his teammates are making quick passes and going to the holes .. offensive ability is coming along slowly but do not expect him to see any PP time, which will drastically affect his point totals.

Barret Jackman - D

One of the lesser-known Calder Trophy winners in recent years his no nonsense approach to the game makes him a valuable cog in the Blues rebuilding process .. handles himself so well in the defensive zone and is rarely caught out of position or beaten to the outside .. is not overly big but is incredibly strong and will always dish out an extra shot to let the opposition know where they stand with him .. very focussed when playing the puck, he makes the simple play and despite offensive shortcomings, can make a reasonable first pass to clear the zone .. is capable of playing in excess of 20 minutes of mistake free hockey on a regular basis and he should be able to mentor Erik Johnson when he arrives .

Dennis Wideman – D

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, (241st overall in 2003) he opted to sign as a free agent in the summer of 2004, and so far the move has been successful .. a prolific scorer in the OHL registering 20-plus goals in each of his last three seasons for the London Knights .. had a successful 2003-04 campaign with the Worchester Ice Cats (AHL), which led to his eventual promotion to the NHL .. plays a panic free mature game .. displays poise with the puck, and is the only defender on the PP as coach Murray goes with a four-forward attack .. great lateral movement and is able to get to loose pucks quickly before they leave the zone .. slowly becoming the go-to-guy in terms of offensive production from the back end.

Jeff Woywitka – D

Joins the Blues after the demotion of Jamie Rivers to Peoria .. has taken a while to adjust as the former first rounder has yet to 'find his game'.. plays sparingly and for the most part makes safe plays off the glass .. at times he gets caught holding onto to the puck too long and gets stripped of it .. has a shorter stride for a player his size yet he skates well and can maintain good speed .. needs to show more confidence in all aspects of his game to be a regular in the lineup.