m defense has demonstrated that they will not give up big chances in big moments of the game. Jeff Woywitka, not exactly a fan-favorite in St. Louis, has made better passes and been in better position the past few weeks, which has earned him more power-play and penalty-kill time. Mike Weaver has been making up for what he lacks in size with athleticism. Standing at just 5’9”, Weaver has skated faster than any defenseman for the Blues. He is proving his critics wrong with great positioning and the ability to stay in the play. The only question mark is the play of supposed #1 defenseman Barret Jackman. Barret is still leading the team in active time-on-ice per game with 23:29 average minutes played. He is still unable to move the puck in a way that a $3.62 million defenseman should. Sunday in Columbus, Barret had the puck behind his net and was heavily covered by three Blue Jacket players. Instead of dumping the puck to the side boards or skating the other way around the net to try and draw them off, he threw it right up the middle and it hit off one of the Blue Jacket players. Luckily, the player lost handle of the puck and Jackman was able to poke it free to another Blues player coming back to help. A #1 defenseman should know better. He has to improve his play if he is going to continue to play against top lines in the NHL.
Jeff Woywitka
30 March 2009
26 September 2008
s can step up to the challenge. This may be a wake-up call to defensemen like 87-game veteran Jeff Woywitka. Acquired in the Chris Pronger deal in 2005, Woywitka has been up and down between St. Louis and their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. Having a career -6 plus/minus in the NHL, Jeff has not proven to Blues management just yet that he belongs. He has been known to get caught in the offensive zone, thus leading to an odd-man rush for the opposing team. Although this 25-year old defenseman possesses quick legs and is apt to pass before shoot, he will need to step up his play and buckle down on defense to make up for the Blues’ loss.
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