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“We’re deeper into the season, we’ve played some games and seen a lot of pucks,” Elliott said. “I think as a team, we’ve gotten a lot more in control and into the way we want to play. I think guys are more comfortable on the ice in each position. Going into a big game, we need to have everybody and be comfortable, trusting each other.”

Hitchcock was complimentary of Elliott’s performance in Minnesota, but said not to read too much into it as far as how the netminder will play Thursday.

“I think you have to be careful on that evaluation,” Hitchcock said, “because there’s a difference between relieving and starting. Starting is a different mindset. You go in at the start of the game and there’s a different set of anxieties that go on with that. Let’s make an evaluation after the Chicago game.”

OSHIE ON IR

Blues forward T.J. Oshie, who was placed on IR Tuesday, is not eligible to return to the lineup Friday. But Hitchcock indicated today that Oshie, who is believed to have suffered a bruised left foot blocking a shot against Los Angeles, could be out longer.

“When a guy goes on IR like Osh, now you’re in week to week,” Hitchcock said. “Osh can come off on Friday, but we’ll see. He certainly hasn’t been able to skate yet and I doubt he’ll be able to skate tomorrow.”

When asked if Oshie had more than a bruise, Hitchcock replied: “No, that’s what it is.”

JASKIN SIGNS

The Blues announced the signing of forward Dmitrij Jaskin (6-foot-3, 205) to a three-year entry-level contract today. Jaskin has been assigned to the Peoria Rivermen.

“Jaskin is an NHL-ready combination of size and skill,” Blues director of player development Tim Taylor said in a statement. “His offensive prowess, physicality and hockey sense give him the versatility to play up and down the lineup and contribute in a variety of roles.”

Jaskin, 20, led the Moncton Wildcats and was fifth in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 99 points (46 goals and 53 assists) this season. He was the Blues’ second-round pick (41st overall) in 2011

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.04.2013

667932 St Louis Blues

Blues-Blackhawks matchup box

4 hours ago • By Jeremy Rutherford

BLUES AT BLACKHAWKS

When • 7:30 tonight

Where • United Center

TV, radio • FSM, KMOX (1120 AM)

Blues • The Blues are 0-2 against Chicago this season and 0-4-4 in their last eight games at the United Center. They enter tonight’s game on a high after winning 4-1 over Minnesota on Monday. The game will be the Blues debut for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was acquired in a trade Monday. Brian Elliott will be in net against the Blackhawks, starting in place of the injured Jaroslav Halak. The Blues’ penalty-killing unit has not allowed a goal in three games (nine for nine).

Blackhawks • Chicago is in first place in the Western Conference with 27 victories. The Blackhawks are coming off a 7-1 win over Detroit and a 3-2 shootout victory over Nashville, and Blues coach Ken Hitchcock says the team is playing as well as it has in a month. The Blackhawks are expected to get Marian Hossa back in their lineup tonight after the winger missed six games with an upper-body injury. The team added former Blue Michal Handzus at the trading deadline.

Injuries • Blues — G Jaroslav Halak (groin) and RW T.J. Oshie (lower-body injury), out. Blackhawks — RW Marian Hossa (upper-body injury) and RW Patrick Kane (illness), probable; C Dave Bolland (lower-body injury), questionable; LW Patrick Sharp (shoulder), out.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.04.2013

667933 St Louis Blues

Hitchcock: Blues feel sense of obligation to management

4 hours ago • By Jeremy Rutherford

CHICAGO • The Blues were like many NHL clubs that partook in this year’s trade-deadline deals, in that the “heavy lifting” was done before the final day.

Seventeen trades were consummated around the league Wednesday, and just one involving the Blues. They sent defenseman Wade Redden to Boston for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2014, trimming their defensemen to a manageable group of eight.

Outside of Marian Gaborik going to Columbus, deadline day lacked the quality of names that fans have seen change sweaters in the past several days, such as Jarome Iginla to Pittsburgh and Jay Bouwmeester to the Blues.

But teams like the Blues, who added Jordan Leopold last week, believe they have done enough for the stretch drive — and what a wild one it should be. In addition to the 16 teams that were holding a playoff spot Wednesday, seven more were within three points of a postseason ticket before Wednesday’s games.

“I think we were looking all year to improve the team and looking at ways we could do it that made sense, but making sense means we also know what’s on the horizon,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. “We know that there’s a lot of younger players that we’re going to have to make decisions on long-term. I don’t think we wanted to go and do anything panic-wise.”

“We got Leopold really for the stretch run, take a hard look at him, and then we got Jay to be part of the group for long term. I like the fact that management is committed to making us better. They’re not just sitting and watching the group. I think the players are impressed by this. They feel an even higher sense of obligation to try to help out as much as management is helping them.”

Sitting in the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference before Wednesday, with 14 more regular-season games remaining, the Blues are set.

Bouwmeester, the latest addition, was expected to arrive in Chicago tonight and make his debut wearing No. 19 against the Blackhawks. Leopold will play in his second game after posting a plus-1 rating in 16 minutes, 43 seconds of ice time in Monday’s 4-1 win over Minnesota.

“I thought he played really well in the third period, really composed,” Hitchcock said.

But will the recent changes improve the Blues’ overall game? While they’ve added, they’ve also subtracted.

The team will move forward without goaltender Jaroslav Halak, who went down in the first period of Monday’s game with a groin injury. The best-case prognosis for the netminder’s return is several weeks.

“He’s out ... that’s the best way I can describe it,” Hitchcock said.

The coach couldn’t guarantee that Halak would return this season, however, saying, “I can’t tell you that.”

Tonight the Blues will turn to Brian Elliott following his 20-save performance in relief of Halak on Monday, in which he picked up his first victory since Jan. 31.

Elliott believes he’s better-equipped to handle the assignment than he was in early February, when Halak missed eight games with a groin injury and Elliott’s 0-4-1 run forced the Blues to insert rookie Jake Allen.

“We’re deeper into the season, we’ve played some games and seen a lot of pucks,” Elliott said. “I think as a team, we’ve gotten a lot more in control and into the way we want to play.”

After his two-game conditioning stint in Peoria, Elliott seemed more reliable Monday against the Wild. But Hitchcock said not to read too much into that performance.

“I think you have to be careful on that evaluation,” he said, “because there’s a difference between relieving and starting. Starting is a different mind-set. You go in at the start of the game and there’s a different set of anxieties that go on with that. Let’s make an evaluation after the Chicago game.”

The Blues will also be without T.J. Oshie, who the team said suffered a bruise blocking a shot last week against Los Angeles. He was replaced on injured reserve Tuesday, and Hitchcock said, “When a guy goes on IR like ‘Osh,’ now you’re in week to week.” Hitchcock also said the injury has not been found to be more than a bruise.

That leaves it up to the rest of the post-deadline Blues, who tonight will face conference-leading Chicago, which knocked off Detroit 7-1 on Sunday.

“We’ve shown that the core in here has got what it takes to be good on a regular basis and win games and win a playoff round,” Blues captain David Backes said. “That being said, we’re not satisfied with those results (last season). We’ve got to keep growing and keep progressing or else I think changes may be made.

“But the group in here is a group of character guys that put it in every single day. We need to stick together and bring it every night, and when we do, we like our chances.”

Jaskin signs

The Blues announced the signing for forward Dmitrij Jaskin to a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday. He has been assigned to play with Peoria in the American Hockey League. Jaskin (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) was a second-round pick in the 2011 NHL draft. He led the Moncton Wildcats and was fifth in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 99 points (46 goals) this season.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.04.2013

667934 St Louis Blues

Blues perform defensive makeover; now it's up to players

By NORM SANDERS

ST. LOUIS — In the span of three days, the St. Louis Blues performed a defensive makeover they hope will lead them to postseason success.

For now, nailing down a playoff spot has been made a bit more attainable with the addition of veteran defensemen Jay Bouwmeester and Jordan Leopold.

"This is an addition where part of it is to help us win now, but part of it is also to augment the team for (the) future," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "I like the fact that management is committed to making us better. They're not just sitting and watching the group, they're doing their own level of work, too.

"The players are impressed by this, I think they feel an even higher sense of obligation to help out as much as management is helping them."

Blues veteran defenseman Barret Jackman agreed, saying the time for excuses is over.

"We've got two great players that are going to come in here and make us that much better," Jackman said. "If you look around our dressing room we have every piece that we need. Now we have to put that on the ice and win. They're definitely showing their faith in this team."

Blues captain David Backes said the players appreciate the commitment, but now must work even harder to reward it.

"No excuses in here, we just need results," Backes said. "We've shown that the core in here's got what it takes to be good on a regular basis, win games and win a playoff battle.

"That being said, we're not satisfied with those results. We've got to keep growing and keep progressing or else I think it changes the outlook. We need to stick together and bring it every night. Then we like our chances."

Bouwmeester, 29, was expected to join the Blues Wednesday night in Chicago once his immigration paperwork cleared. He is expected to make his Blues debut Thursday against the Blackhawks and will wear No. 19.

Known as one of the top skaters in the NHL, Bouwmeester also adds a talented left-handed partner on the No. 1 defense pairing with Alex Pietrangelo.

Bouwmeester also provides a steadying influence on the back end.

"Hopefully we can use him in the areas where he's most effective," Hitchcock said. "He can really play against top players and he eats up a lot of minutes. He's a real good addition."

So is Leopold, who played his first Blues game on Monday in Minnesota.

"Any time you get moved, there's a want and a need from that team you get moved to," said Leopold, who came in a Saturday trade from the Buffalo Sabres. "It's something to be excited about and obviously they've showed some confidence in my game that there's a role to be filled."

Leopold will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, but Bouwmeester's contract runs through 2013-14.

"He's an addition made long term," Hitchcock said of Bouwmeester. "He's an addition for this year, for next year...this is building something that we want to build. We want to make the playoffs like everybody else does, but we're trying to build a team here that's going to win long term and he's a good fit for us."

Bouwmeester already has a friend on the Blues in fellow defenseman Jackman. The pair played together on several Canadian national teams.

"We've known each other and crossed paths quite a few times over the years," Jackman said. "I had a great time with him over in Russia and Sweden. He's a great personality and a great guy that really is going to fit in well in our dressing room."

Jackman said the motivation of Bouwmeester making his first playoff appearance should light a spark.

"He's going to really enjoy having a chance to possibly be in the playoffs for the first time in over 700 games," Jackman said.

Leopold and Bouwmeester once had their rights traded for each other, so their names have been linked before. Now they are teammates.

Leopold said the Blues' system and structure is a bit different than what he experienced in Buffalo, but he's making a quick transition.

"I've been through it a few times, working with a new partner that I'm not real familiar with," he said. "The concept, the way we play is different than what I'm accustomed the past few years. I'm making the transition but right now I'm a sponge.

"I'm taking it all in and trying to get up to speed."

Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 04.04.2013

667935 St Louis Blues

Blues trade Redden, sign rookie forward prospect

Published: April 3, 2013 Updated 5 hours ago

By NORM SANDERS — News-Democrat

ST. LOUIS — With starting goaltender Jaroslav Halak out indefinitely with a lower-body injury, the St. Louis Blues' playoff hopes may hinge on the performance of Brian Elliott and rookie Jake Allen.

After practice Wednesday, Blues coach Ken Hitchcock made it sound like Halak may not make a rapid return. ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reported the injury could keep Halak out for at least three weeks.

Asked whether Halak will play again this season, Hitchcock's response was "I don't know about that. I can't tell you that right now."

Halak missed time earlier this season with a groin injury.

Hitchcock said Elliott, who relieved Halak after Halak's injury against Minnesota, will start Thursday in Chicago.

"We're on a one-game basis," Hitchcock said. "We'll see how he plays Thursday, then we'll evaluate Friday."

Elliott went 3-4 in the playoffs last season after Halak was injured in Game 2 of the first round.

This season went Halak went down again, Elliott's struggled and created an opportunity for Allen. The rookie responded by winning eight of his first nine decisions.

Elliott will be watched closely Thursday with each point precious in the final 14 regular season games.

"I think you have to be careful on that evaluation because there's a difference between relieving and starting," Hitchcock said when asked to rate Elliott's relief performance against Minnesota. "Starting's a different mindset...there's a different set of anxieties that go on with that, so let's make an evaluation after the Chicago game."

Elliott went 1-1 in two starts with Peoria during a conditioning assignment in the minors. Before Monday, he had not won at the NHL level since Jan. 31.

Elliott was asked if he feels different about replacing Halak than he did earlier.

"We're deeper into the season and we've played some games, I've seen a lot of pucks over the time since (then)," he said. "I think as a team we've gotten a lot more in control and getting into the way we want to play. Going into a big game we know we need to have everybody and be comfortable and trust each other."

A year ago Elliott led the NHL in goals-against average and save percentage, but hasn't been able to recapture the magic.

"You always try to go back to what's given you success, whether it's tying your left skate before your right or doing something on the ice," he said. "Your game evolves and changes over the course of the year and the game changes so you have to adjust. Those adjustment periods happen quick, especially in a short season."

Elliott praised Allen's work this season.

"He's given a lot of confidence to the guys. You always want to just get back in there and I'm sure he's itching to the do the same. In every position, guys want to be out there and want that responsibility."

Blues winger T.J. Oshie remains in injured reserve with a bruised foot and isn't eligible to return Friday, but Hitchcock said he doubts if Oshie can begin skating Thursday.

Another trade, another signing

While the Blues made their major trade deadline moves before the deadline with the acquisition of defensemen Jay Bouwmeester and Jordan Leopold, they were still busy Wednesday.

With a glut of defense depth, they traded veteran Wade Redden to Boston for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2014.

The 35-year-old Redden has two goals and five points in 23 games. Those goals came in his second and third games after joining the team.

The Blues also signed forward prospect Dmitrij Jaskin to a three-year entry-level contract and assigned him to the Peoria Rivermen.

The 20-year-old Jaskin (6-3 205), a second-round draft pick from Russia, had 46 goals and 99 points in 51 games for Moncton this season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

He spent the previous two seasons with the Slavia Prava HC of the Czech Elite League, scoring four goals and 12 points in 63 games.

"Jaskin is an NHL-ready combination of size and skill," said Blues' Director of Player Development, Tim Taylor. "His offensive prowess, physicality and hockey sense give him the versatility to play up and down the lineup and contribute in a variety of roles."

Scouting the Hawks

The Blues have lost their last eight games in Chicago, not winning at United Center since Feb. 3, 2010. The Blackhawks are 27-5-3 and show no signs of slowing down, recently adding former Blues forward Michal Handzus to the mix.

After hammering Detroit 7-1 on Sunday, the Blackhawks beat Nashville 3-2 in a shootout on Monday.

"We'll have our hands full and we know that," Hitchcock said. "They've been in the best team in the NHL right from day one. I would say the last two games they played are the best they've played in a month. They were terrific in Detroit in that bombing there and I though for 2 1/2 periods they were unbelievable against Nashville."

Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 04.04.2013

667936 Tampa Bay Lightning

Former Bolts coach Boucher speaks out about firing

By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff

Published: April 3, 2013

- BRANDON – In the first public appearance since his dismissal 10 days ago, former Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher lavished praise on the organization and denied any friction with general manager Steve Yzerman on the direction of the struggling franchise.

“I wanted to let my emotions settle down and I didn’t want to be a distraction,’’ Boucher said Wednesday at Tampa Bay’s alternate practice rink in explaining his silence since he was sent home from Winnipeg on March 24 after a 5-3 setback at Ottawa. “My story is very simple – I’m very grateful to have had an opportunity to coach in the NHL and in such a great organization. It’s truly been an incredible ride, one we’re going to cherish for the rest of our lives.’’

Since Boucher was replaced behind the bench by minor-league coach Jon Cooper, he has watched an array of NHL games on television. Boucher has chosen not to watch the Lightning’s recent games, including a 3-2 shootout loss at home to the Panthers Tuesday night.

For Boucher, the emotions are still too raw.

“It was a shock,’’ he said of the short conversation with Yzerman, informing Boucher he had coached his final game with the Lightning. “But that’s the business and you have to deal with it. The last three Stanley Cup champion coaches have all gone through it. It’s something you have to deal with and it puts a lot of things in perspective. This is difficult. It’s a tough one, but adversity makes you grow.’’

Boucher said he didn’t notice any change in his relationship with Yzerman in the weeks leading up to his dismissal as Tampa Bay struggled to contend for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

“Steve and I had had a brief conversation that day and he said he wanted to make a change,’’ Boucher said. “We didn’t have any problems. We stuck together as a team and as a staff and made a lot happen. You can’t control injuries and you can’t control personnel that’s available and not available.’’

Boucher guided the Lightning to within one win of the Stanley Cup finals in his first season as an NHL coach, but the last two years were disappointing as Tampa Bay was undermined by mediocre goaltending and some key injuries.

On the same day Boucher spoke his mind, the Lightning traded for Ottawa backup goaltender Ben Bishop to compete against 24-year-old Anders Lindback for the No. 1 job.

“Whether it’s a forward, a defenseman or a goalie, there’s a growth process,’’ Boucher said. “Anders Lindback is a terrific individual. He’s a young guy that’s growing and he’s going to become a good goaltender in this league. But expectations have to go with the moment and the circumstances that you’re in.’’

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 04.04.2013

667937 Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning trade F Conacher, pick for G Bishop

By Erik Erlendsson | Tribune Staff

Published: April 3, 2013

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired goaltender Ben Bishop from the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday in exchange for rookie forward Cory Conacher and a fourth-round draft pick in 2013.

The acquisition of Bishop creates competition for the No. 1 goaltending job with Anders Lindback, who was acquired from Nashville in June. Lindback is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain.

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Lightning organization,” Bishop said in a statement issued by the Lightning. “They have a lot of great players and hopefully we can win a lot of hockey games this season and moving forward.”

Bishop was a strong fill-in for injured Craig Anderson with the Senators this season. In 13 games with Ottawa, Bishop was 8-5 with a 2.45 goals against average and .922 save percentage.

The Senators acquired Bishop from St. Louis last season for a second-round pick.

Conacher, second in the NHL rookie scoring race with 24 points, burst onto the scene with five multi-point games among his first seven this season while playing on a line with captain Vinny Lecavalier.

In recent games, however, Conacher saw his ice time dip as he dropped to a lower-line role, playing less than 10 minutes twice in the past three games.

He is looking forward to getting started with Ottawa.

“They are a team that wants me,” Conacher said. “I’ve talked to the organization down there and they are a team that wants me, so it’s a new start and it’s going to be fun. They are a team on the rise and hopefully we will get on a nice little playoff run this year.’’

Conacher found it hard to leave the organization that gave him his first opportunity.

“I was a little shocked, I didn’t expect that,’’ Conacher said of the trade. “It’s something that a lot of guys never expect, to be traded. But it’s the way the hockey world works.”

Undrafted out of Canisius College, Conacher signed with the Lightning as a free agent. He went on to earn Most Valuable Player in the American Hockey League last season while helping lead Tampa Bay affiliate Norfolk to the Calder Cup championship.

“Tampa Bay wanted Bishop and Ottawa wanted me, so it’s straight up and that’s how it works. I love Tampa, I love the organization and they have done so many good things for me, but now it’s time to start fresh in Ottawa.’’

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 04.04.2013

667938 Tampa Bay Lightning

Fennelly: Bolts trade an admission from GM