The St. Louis Blues of 2014-15 were a cautious, calculated group which was evidenced by their approach against the Minnesota Wild. This strategy failed and now the Blues are trying to figure out what they need to do to improve in 2015-16. After listening to both Ken Hitchcock and Doug Armstrong, the new plan can be summarized with one word: reckless.
The Blues hope to play a faster and more reckless game next season. What does that mean? Summarized, it means taking more chances. Speed should play a factor in this as well considering the Blues would’ve been overwhelmed by the speed from any of the remaining playoff teams.
The strategy is now on the table, but there’s no indication over whether the Blues believe they have the players in place in order to play the reckless game the club desires. Common sense would say that they don’t, but Hitchcock has made some indication that the current roster would be able to adapt to a change in strategy. This may be true in areas, but overall, the Blues were a disaster when they tried to be reckless. David Backes might be the best example of that as his “reckless” style resulted in bad penalties.
Plenty of words have been written on this site indicating the Blues need to make a change. That change shouldn’t end with a new strategy. The reckless concept probably won’t be implemented with the same players and the same mentalities. The old cliche that speed can’t be taught is true and the Blues won’t become a faster side unless they bring in new faces.
Roster moves – outside of the normal tinkering – will need to be made and it’s critical the organization doesn’t sit on their hands and hope for a sudden miracle.
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