What it means being a Man- International Men's Day

Masculine is defined as, "having qualities or appearances traditionally associated with men, especially strength and aggressiveness." (Dictionary.com)

There are some words in that meaning that hinder us as men when it comes to our mental health.

Today is International Men's Day, November 19. It isn't to recognize men for feats or accomplishments. It is a day that is used to 'raise awareness of men's well-being'. In this case, our mental health.

Growing up in a rural area of Canada, where men worked extremely hard on the land and sea to provide for their families, being 'manly' was something that was promoted openly. You had to appear strong, be able to drink a lot, withstand verbal barrages, and most of all, be 'tough'. It is a cultural and traditional thing that has been apart of Newfoundland and Labrador for all of our history. It was unaccepted to appear weak or show vulnerability, such as crying. That's not 'manly'. We are still somewhat in this mindset, but as we understand more about our mental health now, but why are we still afraid of showing emotion or being vulnerable?

Men Don't Cry

Or men are not allowed to cry. Who made this rule? Boys don't cry. It is not a law, but is preach as if is was. Usually, another male telling us that we are not allowed to cry. Telling us to withhold a basic emotion. Why? It is perceived as a weakness. That's why. And we know men cannot be weak.

Here's a short story about a young man. He grew up in a household where sports dominated the dialogue and media within. Sports, which is the ultimate symbol for masculinity, taught this young man that crying is not acceptable, especially to another man, such as his father. This young man hardly ever cried in his father's arms, because this is not tough. His father's friends were young male adults that were athletes as well. Safe to say, there were many male role models present for the young boy. The boy looked up to them all. Never once did he see them cry or become vulnerable in front of each other. That just wasn't the way.

This young boy grew to become a young man himself. Had relationships with women where he showed zero emotion. He never seen it ever. Emotion? What's that? He cannot show that. Crying is weakness. Get real. He will never cry in front of people, especially his father or friends.

This young man was in a relationship with a female that he cared about a lot. She brought the relationship to an end, which happens. The emotion was inside just ready to burst out. But he kept holding it in. He cannot give in to the pain and sadness inside. That was his burden to bare. Not anyone else's. One day, this young man went to his father's after playing a sport he loved. The young man went into his bedroom and the waterworks began, hoping the security of his bedroom would keep his father out.

That was the first time I ever cried to my dad about a failed relationship. It only took 33 years for me to do so. To feel vulnerable to the point where he would see his only son struggling to grasp for breath as his cheeks were soaked with tears. As a father, I am assuming that is not a favourite scene. I didn't know what he was going to say, but whatever it would be, it would be supportive. I knew that my dad had my back, no matter how bad I felt. I didn't want to cry in front of my dad in fear that he may judge it as a weakness. I never seen him cry before.

I felt better after that emotional groundbreaking moment with my father. Like a weight was lifted off my back. It was new territory in our relationship. It was the, "it's OK to cry to my dad about things if I get overflowed with emotion", moment.

A week or so ago, I did that same. I broke down, tears rolling fast, "Dad, I can't do this anymore."

He was there with a hug and reminded me how far I've come and how strong I actually am. In a moment where I thought life was over and I wanted to quit, he was there, holding his son who is bigger physically than him but drained psychologically. No questions asked, he held me and reminded me that everything is going to be OK.

Dads, it is important for us to open up that emotional connection with our sons. It ensures them that you are there for them. It tells them that men/boys are allowed to cry. It gives them a sense of trust to come to you with problems that they will encounter in life. It starts with us to eliminate this falseness that men always have to be tough or 'manly'.

Society's Expectations

As individuals, we have less issue discussing our feelings. In an intimate setting, with less people present, it is easier to speak of such things. I notice, it's as a whole that pressure is placed on men to be 'manly'. When I say 'society' I have no idea where this pressure originates from. I mean, if I spoke to people individually, they support mental health awareness. Only when they become apart of a whole, their voice may change. This is unfortunate.

We need to start thinking for ourselves people. Have our own ideas. Do not be influenced by others. Just because something was, doesn't mean it is or continue to be so. Our minds are beautiful and powerful. We need to create our own thoughts. So, close your eyes, sit back, and I will try to help you with an image.

There's a little boy that's in grade 5. He loves school for the most part. He has friends there, does his work, and enjoys his teachers. Unbeknownst to the child, or anyone at that time, he has social anxiety. He wants to be apart of groups or teams. It gives the sense of belonging.

One day, in the library, the teacher assigned 'group' work. Two of his classmates told him he could not be apart of their 'group'. Remember, little boys aren't allowed to cry, especially in front of people or in school. As his classmates reject him, he stands there, feeble, as he can feel his eyes building up full of tears. He knows the feeling all too well. The teacher can't help him. Other classmates can't help him. Surely, the two that rejected him cannot help him. It's a lonely and helpless feeling.

That day I tried everything to hold back the tears. I failed. How weak. How embarrassing. What a loser. Instead of saying, "Yes. I am crying". I said something way different. I said, "Every Wednesday, I get sore eyes". (Yes. I remember the day, location, and people. That was 1997) So, to keep up this charade or act, each Wednesday, I had to get 'sore eyes' so my story would be viable and to prove, that I did not cry on that Wednesday afternoon. Safe to say, I dreaded Wednesday's for awhile.

This is what society told me to do. I was not allowed to cry in school. People would laugh at me. My peers, laughing at my pain. That's an awful feeling for anyone to endure, regardless of age. I will never forget this event in my life.

How do we change this attitude I had so many years ago? We must work together to become a supportive society. Tears are not a weakness. We must respect others. No one knows what another person may be going through. As a little boy in grade 5, I felt pressure from society, not to show emotion when I was extremely hurt. I was in grade 5 for fuck sakes. My mind shouldn't be on trying to live a lie each Wednesday so I wouldn't be accused of crying. There was pressure. I felt it.

How am I 'Manly'?

What defines a man?

A big bank account? Maybe, but what if he's abusive in his relationships and covers it up with his money or connections. Does a big bank account give you values?

Is it 'manly' to be a bully and talk down to others? To show you're above someone?

Maybe it is 'manly' to love many women/men in your life. Sexual conquests make us 'manly'?

What about if I can drink lots of alcohol? Is that 'manly'?

How about teasing people when they are emotional?

Courage and strength are often words associated with being 'manly'. That's where I will go. That's what I believe. That's how I am 'manly'.

Once upon a time sexual conquest or having money meant to me that I was 'manly'. That is complete bullshit. That was nothing but insecurities. Covering up.

Four main risk factors to men's mental health are;

1. Alcohol/drug abuse: I never used illicit drugs or became an alcoholic, but I did binge drink with the best of them. That was a form of hiding and coping. I done that for so many years. Made mistakes and lost relationships because I was afraid of the truth within myself.

2. Social Isolation: I met some people last weekend. Seem like good people to me. Way outside my comfort zone. But before admitting to my poor mental health and mental illness, I always isolated myself, how? Video Lotto Terminals (VLTs). Just me and the colours and noise. I was isolated from the outside world. Evidently, I developed an addiction that cost my money.

3. Lethal Methods: When I think about suicide, it's gruesome. No other details are needed here.

4. Reluctant to seek help: I was this person. Afraid of what I may find out or be told. Ashamed of what may be wrong. Belief that no one can help me. I am a man, I don't need help.

This is the one we can change men. We have the power to overcome all risk factors, but I believe that seeking help is the attainable one. And in my experience, once seeking help happened, the other risk factors were lowered.

So, how am I 'manly'? This is what I came up with.

Seeking help.
Give up binge drinking and drug use.
Being emotional when I feel it.
Understand my feelings and expressing them.
Treat people with kindness.
Be a good father from afar.
Be a better brother.
Be a son that my parents can be proud of.
Be a good friend.
Taking care of myself; emotionally, psychologically, and physically.

And someday,

Be a loving and super hard working husband/partner.
Love like no other.
Become a father, again.
Loyalty. Honesty. Openness.
Inspire the uninspired.
Help those in need.
Be a role model for our youth.
Never giving up my battle.

And if that's not 'manly' enough for you, really, do I care? Not one bit. This is my life and this is what I do.

So, am I 'manly'.

Simple.

Yes. Very.

"Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses himself with frankness and fervor."
                                                                          - Benjamin Disraeli

Yours Truly,

T.J. Smith

Unworthy and Unlovable October 7, 2019

If you make enough wrong turns, you will get lost. If you keep making the same turns, you’ll end up in a circle.

I fall into the latter category.

Gary Zukav explains it like this…

’Unworthiness is the inmost frightening thought that you do not belong, no matter how much you want to belong, that you are an outsider and will always be an outsider. It is the idea that you are flawed and cannot be fixed. It is wanting to be loved and feeling unlovable, or wanting to love and feel that you are uncapable of loving ‘.

Of all the symptoms from depression, the feeling of unworthiness stays with me the longest. When I become hopeless, I can again find hope. Suicidal thoughts stem from the roots of not feeling worthy. If there is no worth to my life, why shall I live?

When I make a new friend, there is hope that it is a relationship that can last, regardless of how close we may or may not get. It is being in meaningful relationships that help with feeling worthy. Worthy to be accepted by another being. Worthy to be in their company. Worthy to be loved.

With me, there is baggage and skeletons. Truth is, some bad decisions were made when I was younger. That’s where growing up comes into play. Ashamed of my past actions, I still have to relive them when someone poses a question of my history.

That part really bothers me. A lot.

If someone I met today judged me on my early twenties, they would see a shitty, ungrateful person that was arrogant and had zero repercussions. Thus, they probably wouldn’t want me in their life. I don’t blame them.

That’s not me anymore. Change is one of the top ten values I live by.

The caterpillar is a wormy looking bug that would make us cringe almost every time because we are unsure of it. But at some point, the caterpillar thinks to themselves and says, ‘Fuck this. I am done being an insect that moves slowly through life’. Then, that same bug decides to go into a shell for some time. When they exit the cocoon, they have changed into something completely different. A butterfly. A magnificently looking winged life form. They can fly to wherever they want in life.

My journey is that of the caterpillar. Though, I am not yet the butterfly I want to be, I am working to get there.

Then my mind reminds me of my biggest flaw; being unlovable. The flaws outweigh the positives. There may be more quantity of the positives, but the quality of the flaws always come back to get me. Being unlovable is in the equation to the feeling of loneliness, as well.

Unlovable and lonely. Two terrible and terrifying traits to have. No one wants to be with someone who is unlovable and therefore you are left alone.

This is would have been my 2009 dating profile;

An arrogant and selfish young man that has no idea what he wants out of life. I get black out drunk on weekends and in that state of mind, I try to pick up women, hoping the liquor charm is working that night and can get lucky. My other hobbies include gambling to a point where I spend all my money and have to lie to my parents to send more. I don’t workout or diet properly. I don’t read books. I don’t even know what mental health means, so certainly don’t want to know about that.  

As I write that description, tears fill my eyes. That’s who I was. That was my legacy during that time in my life. I mean, how am I not desirable? Unworthy and unlovable. I wonder why I really believe that. It makes sense now.

It really hurts to think of how I was. I am embarrassed and it makes me cry.      

   

Fast forward ten years.

Look in the mirror. What image do I see? An unlovable and lonely man. Though, so much has changed in my life, those two flaws are still with me.

I do believe I will be alone my whole life. That’s a truth I believe. Since then, I have been in a few romantic relationships. And they have all ended the same, me being too hard to love and ultimately, me being alone, once again.

But I am not that same 23-year-old. Things are different now. Immensely.

There’s a son and dog in my life. I’ve faced and fought serious demons with my battle against depression. Those demons don’t scare me anymore. I have reconnected with my parents. I don’t drink like I used to, actually, don’t drink much at all.

The gambling has been eliminated, even though that was my greatest struggle. Addiction, in my words, ‘doing something that you know is unhealthy but makes you feel so good for the moment’. Addicts know what I mean.

I have become a mental health advocate. Helping others through my experiences. Listening to their stories to help them fight their own battles.

I am currently in the best physical shape of my life. Going to the gym used to be considered a chore for me. Now, I love it. Seeing changes in my body. The work is paying off. In addition to the exercise, I have changed my diet as well.

I have entered into a By-Election to become a councillor in my hometown of St. Anthony.

Yes, externally, life is way better than 10 years ago.

Inside though, there is the unlovable, unworthy, and lonely person. This is a riddle I can’t solve, so it seems.

Every action in life results in reactions by others. Every step that I perceived to be making in the right direction, there always be someone left out along the way.

I can battle depression and anxiety and all that comes with it. My next personal challenge is to figure out why I am unlovable and unworthy. Searching for something you have no idea where to find it will take time and perseverance. Failures will happen. Obstacles are in the way. Emotions will be on that roller coaster. The uncertainty will be extreme.

I will not give up. Never. Life is a journey and along the way, we need to take ownership of ourselves. Right now, I am sick and tired of not being good enough, being unlovable, being alone. I am. It sucks.

Storms do create damage. But storms don’t last forever. And when the storms are over, the butterfly will then fly.

"Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way".

                                                               - Les Brown

Yours Truly,

T.J. Smith

Today I want it to End- September 6, 2019

I haven't stopped crying today. I have my sunglasses on at Tim Horton's to hide the red around my eyes. 

Today, the want to be dead has never been so scary. It’s real today. It’s not even 2 pm, and to be completely honest, it wouldn’t surprise me if I didn’t make it through the remaining 10 hours.

There’s no purpose. There’s no meaning. There’s no….

There are thoughts and feelings. Grasping my well-being and not letting go.

“I want to die.”

“It’s time to go T.J.”

“Write the suicide notes and leave them.”

I am not afraid of dying, but I don’t want to die.

I’ve broke down in my living room, car, and shower, so far. Begging myself to stay alive. I lied to my father already with the old line, “Everything is fine.”

Why do I lie to people?

Nothing feels fine right now. I am so broken.

Time may heal wounds. Time also opens the old ones. These thoughts and feelings that I believed I had accepted are

What’s my point anymore?

Being told I am not good enough. It keeps conditioning my thoughts; maybe I am not worthy of life.

Worthless. Useless. Sad. Alone. All thoughts and feelings I can take to the other side with me.

I once told my parents that I want to be cremated. Hopefully they remember that.

I can’t fight these thoughts and feelings today.

I’ve been awake for about 4 hours. Not a minute has passed that something is telling me to kill myself. It’s a convincing thought today.

The mental aguish is disheartening. I am in pain, but not for me. For those I will leave behind. My parents. My son. My friends. Whoever. I am sorry.

Depression is winning this battle today. All the lies I hear within are sounding so good. Are they even lies if I believe them?

Five different ways. Five different way I have seen my death in my mind today. It’s a challenging and crippling vision.

As I write this, a person came into Tim’s, recognized me, and gave me a hug.

What a difference.

Temporary fix.

I had a great past weekend. No worries with an occupied mind of trying to win softball games. Being around people that support you was great. One of the best weekends I ever had.

If my thoughts get the best of me today, it will be my last weekend.

This isn’t a sap story. I am not looking for empathy, sympathy, or understanding. I need to vent. The thoughts and voices and sentences inside my head will kill me if I keep them in. They need to get out, or they will win.

The power of the mind is exceptional. Here I am trying to be an advocate for mental health and all I can think of today is ending my own life.

Perhaps I am a hypocrite or phony or bullshitter. Maybe all the above.

Whatever I am, I am staying true to myself. I don’t have to share these frightening thoughts. These horrific feelings. I am just getting them out of me.

There is no ‘Once upon a time’ or ‘A long, long time ago’ start to my story. It’s not a fairytale and may not have a happy ending. I believe the lies that I will end my own life someday and my story will go from a theme of hope to tragedy.

I have come to terms with who and what I am. I know I am a narcissist. How do I know? I have written just under 600 words, and the word ‘I’ has been used about 40 times. I am outspoken and straight-forward. I know how to manipulate a situation and I am stubborn.

I am also thoughtful and emotional. I am grateful for the people in my life and the patience they have for me. I am ambitious and determined, both traits that lead me to believe I am capable of killing myself.

And suicide is not an act of cowardice. Want the truth? Suicide means giving up. I am not a coward for wanting to be dead. The opposite holds true. The burden of me will leave this world and people will be better off.

I mean, what the fuck do I have to offer?

I am a 33-year-old man that has been living with his parents for the last 18 months or so.

I can’t keep a romantic relationship because of my unpredictability.

My son is living his life, as I am a spectator from afar.

I don’t have a job.

I don’t have a house.

I see myself as a loser that don’t deserve to live.

Maybe I am not the beacon of hope anymore. My voice has lost its impact.

I hope this a speedbump for me.

If this is my last blog, I am sorry.

If I let you down. I am sorry.

And for you that struggle with depression or any mental illness, be stronger than me. Don’t give up. Please. It is worth it. My life just doesn’t seem like it.

Yours Truly,

T.J. Smith

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” 
― Shel Silverstein

My Incomplete 2019 NHL Playoff Predictions

I am becoming more interested in writing. It is a passion for me. But this time instead of writing about my journey or struggles, or someone else's, I took a different route.

I have not posted in quite some time. So, before the 2019 NHL Playoffs start, I was just messing around one day after work and began to write about my true passion, hockey.

I am far from a professional writer, but what I did here was give some thoughts on the NHL Playoffs. I did not get it completed but I figure I would share regardless.

I began writing Blogs back in 2016 as a therapeutic approach to my mental illness. I wrote about everything, and in the process, discovered I really enjoy writing. That being said, I have not written much of anything in the last 12 months. My mental illness is under control, and to be honest, I have covered most issues surrounding that topic. So what now? What can I write about now?

The answer was right in front of me. In January 2018, I had to move back to my hometown in Northern Newfoundland and in with my parents. Not sure what was lying ahead of me, I made the move with an open mind.

I grew up in a hockey household. Albeit, a Toronto maple Leaf household.

My dad was and is, hardcore into hockey. He plays in two hockey leagues. He hosts regular season and playoff hockey pools. He is in about 20 hockey pools per year. Hell, Wendall Clark and Doug Gilmour were posters hung on the wall above our kitchen table when I was a kid. Naturally, I grew up reading The Hockey News.

Since last January, I have watched a lot of NHL hockey. Most I ever have in my life. When I was coaching Junior ‘A’ hockey, I would be so consumed from those games, I didn’t want to watch hockey when I got home from the rink. The past 16 months have given me the opportunity to follow the NHL closer. Montreal Canadiens are my team, but I am a fan of the sport and all teams. Trying to figure out how teams play within their systems, the evolution of goaltending, and the increasingly noticeable speed of the game (just not skating, but how teams move the puck) have become intriguing to me as a fan.

I am not going to recap my history of playing and coaching here. I am just going to use my passion for hockey and writing to give my point of view or opinion on hockey-related topics. I tend to think outside of the box and ask weird or difficult questions.

With that being said, my first hockey-related Blog will be about the upcoming 2019 NHL Playoffs. I am a huge Elliotte Friedman fan. Maybe someday, he will ask my opinion on some topics, if my writing is improves and my content makes sense. (Allowed to dream, right?)

My topic for this entry will be me asking questions for each team heading into the 2019 Playoffs. Hopefully, this gives readers a chance to create/develop their own opinions. I am not here to tell you what is right or wrong. I will simply raise a few questions to be thought about.

Western Conference

Calgary Flames. The Flames finished first in the Western Conference. They were 12-10-1 against all Western playoff teams, and have beaten them all in the Regular Season, except the Dallas Stars. Their Goals For per Game (GF/G) was all over 3 against playoff teams, except against the Stars. Calgary was led by some top end forwards and solid defense core, led by captain mark Giordano, who had an amazing season.

Question 1: Who will be their starting goalie? Rittich is 27-9-5 with a .911 save percentage (SV %) and 2.61 Goals Against Average (GAA). Smith is 23-15-2 with a .898 SV % and 2.72 GAA. This team scored a lot of goals this season, 2^nd most in the league actually. I question their goaltending. Is it good enough? Who is #1? Does it matter who is #1? Last year, the Stanley Cup Winners started with their hot goalie going into playoffs, but ended up with their regular starter winning the final game.

Question 2: Can Johnny Gaudreau handle the wear and tear of a playoff series or multiple series? He’s dynamite offensively. But he is small. When teams begin to lean on him hard and finish every check on him, how will he bounce back? I think he’s a fantastic player, I just worry when the games get ‘heavier’, how will he respond?

Personal Thoughts: I feel Calgary is a solid team, but a few years away from being a top team. Yes, I know the Regular Season was great to them, but can they win games other ways than scoring over 3.6 goals per game?

Past 10 games (not counting game #82): 6-4.

Last four playoff appearances (2018, ‘17, ’16, and ’15): Did Not Qualify, Loss Rd 1, DNQ, Loss Rd 2

San Jose Sharks. In February, I told my friends that I believe that the Sharks will win the 2019 Stanley Cup. The last part of March was rough for them. San Jose core has been around for some time. They have playoff experience. They can score. They are not small. They arguably have the best defense core in the NHL when healthy. That’s my reasoning to as why they will win the Cup. Here are the concerns;

Question 1: Which Martin Jones will show up? During the 2015-16 Cup run, Jones was 14-10, .923 SV % and 2.16 GAA. No wonder they got to play for the Stanley Cup. This year, he is 35-19-5 with a low SV % at .896 and high GAA at 2.95. The Sharks are 22^nd in NHL Goals Against (GA). He needs to be better if they want to win some rounds.

Question 2: How healthy is Erik Karlsson? Doug Wilson went all in getting Karlsson. He has missed about 30 games this season. If healthy, he could be a Conn Smythe candidate, he’s that instrumental to a team. If he is not, how will he contribute? He is also up for a contract in the summer. Maybe an exceptional playoff run can get him a few more dollars, on top of the eight digit payday he’s getting anyways.

Personal Thoughts: I am sticking with my prediction that the San Jose Sharks will win the 2019 Stanley Cup with Brent Burns winning the Conn Smythe.

Past 10 games: 2-7-1

Last four playoff appearances: Loss Rd 2, Loss Rd 1, Loss Cup Finals, DNQ

Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights have not disappointed in their second season and showing that last year was not a fluke. Picking up Mark Stone at the NHL Trade Deadline was huge for them. Stone is not a one-dimensional player. He helps in many areas. Vegas are 10-12-1 against the teams that have qualified for the Western Conference playoffs. This team will not go under the radar this post-season. I really enjoy watching this team play. They play fast with and without the puck.

Question 1: How good are they? All their stats show that they aren’t a top tier team, but aren’t far from it. The Powerplay will need to be better for them. Penalty Kill is top 10 in the NHL. They are top 15 in Goals For (GF) and top 10 in GA and above league average in the faceoff dot. But are they a top team?

Question 2: How much does Marc-Andre Fleury have left in the tank? He’s a Hall of Famer. Three Stanley Cups in five appearances. He knows how to get it done in the spring. He is now 34 years old and missed some games this season. For Vegas to be successful, he needs to be on point.

Personal Thoughts: They are playing my prediction for Cup winners in the first round. An excellent team will be eliminated immediately. They could reach the finals once again.

Past 10 games: 4-4-2

Last four (well, one) playoff appearance: Loss Cup Finals

Nashville Predators. The Central Division was the best in the NHL in 2018-19. The Predators are atop of this division. They are 11-15-1 against Western Conference playoff teams. Their strength is in goal and on the blueline. They do not give up many goals, 4^th least in the NHL to be exact. The defensemen drive this team. They have some nice pieces up front, but not sure if there is a bonafide star (Forsberg is close). Their PP, believe it or not, is last in the NHL at 12.7%.  Rinne has been good, but not as good as his Vezina season just 365 days ago. The Predators are going to be a tough matchup for anyone in the West.

Question 1: Will the PP come to life? Special teams are monumental in the post-season. 12.7% may not get it done. The low PP % also demonstrates why they are 19^th in GF this season. On a team considered a cup contender, they only have three players with 20 or more goals. Can they win every game 2-1? Maybe.

Question 2: Can they score enough to win? They play extremely well in the playoffs, so it seems. But their path to the Cup, like all the Central Division teams, will be a challenge. Last year, the Predators were the favourites going into the playoffs. Their lack of scoring this season has them on a leveler playing field with the other seven teams.

Personal Thoughts: I am not one to lie, I am not a fan. Ever since Laviolette disrespected Steve Ott in one of the “Road to the Winter Classic” episodes a few years back, I don’t like them. I recognize that they are an excellent team and Nashville is a city I would love to see a game at, but I think they may lose in first round.

Past 10: 7-2-1

Last four playoff appearances: Loss Rd 2, Loss Cup Finals, Loss Rd 2, Loss Rd 1

St. Louis Blues. The surprise of the Central for me, are the Blues. Craig Berube is 37-19-6 since taking over and have them in the playoffs. Along with Jordan Binnington coming out of nowhere, well, from Richmond Hill, the Blues have had a great season. They have 13 players with 10 goals or more. They have one of the best two-way centermen in the NHL with one of my favourites, Ryan O’Reilly. The Blues were 16-8-2 against the playoff teams in the West. Their defensemen are more than adequate. Sounds like this could be the year.

Question 1: Can Binnington keep up his dream season? This was his breakout year and will get votes (1^st place votes) for Calder Trophy as league’s top rookie. His numbers are surreal. In 31 games played, he is 23-5-1. His SV % is .927 and has a 1.89 GAA. These are not only Calder Trophy numbers, but Vezina numbers over a full season.

Question 2: Is their 2^nd line good enough? Dave Perron was a healthy scratch in the Cup Finals last year with Vegas. They have balance after their first line, but not sure if they have a ‘dangerous’ second or third line. Their 2^nd and 3^rd lines are good, not great, in my opinion.

Personal Thoughts: Can do some damage in the playoffs. They are an interesting team. Again, the Central is so tight, they could be done in four games or be in the Conference Finals.

Past 10 games: 7-1-2

Last four playoff appearances: DNQ, Loss Rd 2, Loss Rd 3, Loss Rd 1