ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Well Blues fans, the time has passed. Trade deadline in the books and the push for post season starts now.
Although teams in the Central Division got better, the Blues made a depth move and put their faith in the roster that has pulled out points in 12 of their last 13 games. But even without making a major move like Nashville or Las Vegas, the Blues may have put themselves into a better position moving forward than some other teams.
Stanley Cup champion Mike Rupp joined Chili’s Week in Hockey Monday night to point out that the teams that seem to have success are the ones that stand neutral at deadline.
“Anytime you have this roster that looks perfect it doesn’t win championships, especially at trade deadline. There’s not enough time to get the flow going or the rhythm. Usually teams that win the Stanley Cup make moves to tweak their roster.”
Pat Maroon has been through this drill before. He was traded at the deadline twice, once to Edmonton (missed the playoffs) and once to New Jersey (lost in the first round). Now he has remained on a team that went on an 11-game win streak and sits seven points out of a playoff spot behind the best team in the Central division, Nashville Predators.
“Army believes in us so that gives us a load of confidence that this is our team and this is what we’re running with," Maroon says. "It’s good for players like me and players next to me know that we can compete.”