Dawg, you know the old adage about finding yourself in hole and to stop digging? I can only plead with you to take heed. You are coming across more hockey illiterate with every keystroke. Maybe just slowly step away from the keyboard and take a break. Reading this sort of drivel is like watching Nancy Pelosi give a talk about a constitutional crisis. She knows she needs to make a point that is idiotic but has to find some way to word it that will allow her idiot base to embrace it. And since they are morons, she doesn't have to work too hard. You posts have become that way. Only the people that know nothing about hockey and sat behind view-blocking columns with you in the Savvis Center could possibly understand what you're even saying and agree with it. In short, this little diatribe above is about the silliest thing I've read since, well, since your previous post...

Binnington was a huge difference but there are about 50 other factors that played into the turnaround in January. Not the least of which is the entire coaching staff's approach, after Yeo was released. Armstrong, Stillman and most fans thought this team was significantly better than it's record indicated. Was it the coaching, was it the netminding, was it the attitude of the players? The reality is nobody really knows, even with the power of being internet know-it-all's we just don't really know. You and Scott choose to put 100% of it on a few players and have a lifelong hard-on for them. That's your prerogative. Hell, burn them in effigy and stomp their sweaters in the mud, if you like. I prefer to think it is much, much more complicated than that and choose to embrace the team and the success they're having. I don't need to play the blame game and I am not so simple minded to think a 25 year-old rookie goalie is the sole cause of the turnaround.

So for now, I'm just enjoying the ride and not really too worried about the slow start and difficulties earlier in the season. Yes, they still have some flaws and yes, a few of the players are not HOF material. But they seemed to have gelled and they are one of 4 teams left. Even the most critical skeptic has to be impressed with that. As long as Perron keeps being one of the best players on the team, they will be fine.

Here's another prediction. Next year's WCF will be the Blues and Avalanche, unless fate has them meeting earlier in the playoffs. They will be the two best teams in the Western Conference.

And here is my hope: That Joe Thorton has his leg broken in Game 1 and is out for the rest of the year. It would be sweet karma for all the players he has put on the DL with his dirty play (not to be confused with clean, hard-nosed play). Short of the broken leg, they need to pound on him relentlessly, like they did Byfuglien and Benn. He's 39 years old and likely getting damn tired by now. Multiple solid hits will only help wear him down. Rest assured, if he's not getting hit, he will be delivering them...

Lastly, the Blues need to stay out of the penalty box. San Jose is -3 when playing 5 on 5 and they have a damn good power play. Burns QB's that and he's the best in the NHL at it (and #2 is not even close). As much as I want to hate that guy, I can't. He is what every NHL fan should dream of having on their team and respect him when he's playing against you. Add to that the fact that he is a class act off the ice and you just have a hard time hating him. Maybe that will change by the end of this series...

That is all for now. As always, no charge for the brilliant analysis and commentary.