 |
| Erik Johnson of the St. Louis Blues is among the top young defenseman in the entire NHL. |
After an impressive 3-0 win over the previously unbeaten in regulation Nashville Predators, Erik Johnson spoke at length on what has made the Blues, with a mark of 5-1-2, so successful.
Johnson was quick to note that the mindset of this young squad is different than a year ago.
"I think we have a different mindset, a different attitude this year," Johnson said after Thursday's game. "I think we really expect to win every game we play in. We get up on teams; we've got to have that killer instinct and finish them off. But I think we knew how important the start was, especially since we got off to such a poor one last year, and we're just trying to keep that streak going," Johnson said.
Much of that "killer instinct" comes from leadership, which Johnson, despite being ripe and in the early stages of his career, has shown an ability to shoulder on a Blues team that has lacked it in the past.
Johnson leads the Blues in ice time, averaging 21:22 of action per game. The stud defenseman can be found both on the penalty kill and anchors the power play with a booming shot from the point, a skill that echoes another former Blues defenseman Al MacInnis.
The Blues have also been led by the improving play of their young forwards. Left winger David Perron leads the team in goals with 4 while fan favorite T.J. Oshie leads the team in points with 8. Both players are under the age of 23.
Finally, and most importantly, has been the play of Jaroslav Halak. The goaltender, who was acquired from the Montreal Canadians during the off season, has been stellar for St. Louis, notching his second consecutive shutout Thursday night against Nashville.
Johnson says that playing in front of Halak has made the team different.
"He's such a fun goalie to watch. It looks like he's not even trying he's so effortless. I mean all his motions, there's no wasted energy with him. We feel so confident with him back there he's so cool, calm and collected," Johnson said. "He's been a great, great asset for us."
The Blues are scary because they are only going to get better. In their last 3 contests the have defeated Sydney Crosby, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, and the Nashville Predators on the road. They are a team that plays with tenacity, speed, and courage and with Johnson leading the charge and Halak as the backstop, the Blues look like playoff contenders.
Related articles
No comments:
Post a Comment