Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the best forwards in the NHL and he makes it known almost every time he steps on the ice. With the Blues preparing to choke up another big series lead, you’d think Tarasenko would receive plenty of ice time. That hasn’t been the case and he appears to be pretty fed up with head coach Ken Hitchcock.
At end of 2nd period looks like Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko brushes off coach Ken Hitchcock. Problem in St. Louis? pic.twitter.com/SgOywlmaDl
— Joe Pascucci (@Pascucci015) April 24, 2016
Following the game, tempers seemed to still be high.
Shattenkirk is trying to calm Tarasenko down too. Holy.
Blues Hawks series has it all.
Playoffs- they'll reveal all. Nowhere to hide.
— Brian Wilde (@BWildeMTL) April 24, 2016
Can you really blame Tarasenko? In an elimination game in which the Blues were trailing for a large portion, Tarasenko saw under 17 minutes.
16:56 TOI for Tarasenko… 5th most among Blues forwards. Only Kane & Toews played more among Hawks forwards.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) April 24, 2016
Four other Blues forwards saw more time on the ice. You really have to wonder what Hitchcock’s strategy is when Tarasenko tallied 40 goals over the course of the regular season and has been a dangerous weapon in the playoffs.
What about the double overtime loss in Game 5? Tarasenko played only 21:28 in that game. By comparison, Patrick Kane had over 31 minutes and Jonathan Toews had nearly 29 minutes. Kane scored the winner, further proving the rather obvious fact that the game’s brightest stars can change the course of a game with a single shot … assuming they’re on the ice.
