Height/Weight: 6-3/201
| Birthdate: 1/18/1990
| Birthplace: King City, Ontario, Canada
| Team: St. Louis Blues
| College: None
| NHL Experience: 4
| Salary: $787,500
| Owned/Started%: 98/89 | Average Draft Position: 53.22
News:Alex Pietrangelo picked up his fourth assist in as many games Sunday in Colorado.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo is picking up the scoring as the Blues close out the season. Unfortunately, he has not netted a goal in the last 21 games. Keep him in your lineup, as he continues to log more than 24 minutes per game.
Points In Three Straight For St. Louis' Pietrangelo
News:Alex Pietrangelo grabbed an assist in Friday's win over Dallas, giving him a helper in each of the last three contests.
Analysis: Despite not scoring a goal in 20 games, Alex Pietrangelo is getting involved in the team's attack with points in three straight games. He's hit a massive wall since his fast start, but he's still one of the league's best young players and should be an early-round pick next season.
News:Alex Pietrangelo has not scored a goal since March 7, a span of 17 games.
Analysis: It's not just goals that seem to be eluding Alex Pietrangelo. He has a mere four assists in his last 17 games to boot. He continues to log close to 23 minutes per game during what has become a teamwide scoring slump. Keep Pietrangelo in your lineup and hope he and his teammates turn things around.
News:Alex Pietrangelo assisted on one of St. Louis' three goals in Friday's win over Columbus, his first point in three games.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo is in the midst of a breakout season, but his pace has certainly slowed since his fast start. Expecting him to continue getting the odd assist is reasonable, as he's demonstrated throughout the season his ability to produce offensively.
News:Alex Pietrangelo assisted on one of St. Louis' goals in a 4-2 loss to Los Angeles on Thursday. The point snapped a five-game scoreless drought.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo has 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) and is minus-6 in 32 games this season. It's been a disappointing season in St. Louis, which has been dealing with shoddy goaltending and an in-and-out offense, leaving several of their big guns on the negative side of the plus/minus category.
News:Alex Pietrangelo, who missed Saturday's game with the flu, took five shots in a team-high 25 minutes of ice time Tuesday against the Canucks.
Analysis: The Blues certainly didn't ease Alex Pietrangelo back in after his one-game absence, so he's safe to deploy going forward.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (flu) will not play Saturday against the Ducks, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.
Analysis: The Blues scratched Alex Pietrangelo late because the 23-year-old is battling the flu. This illness shouldn't keep him out for long.
Blues' Pietrangelo (Flu) Not Expected To Play Saturday
News:Alex Pietrangelo (flu) is not expected to play Saturday against the Ducks, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The flu bug has reportedly hit Peitrangelo, and he appears set to sit against Anaheim. Consider him day-to-day heading into Tuesday's tilt in Vancouver.
Blues' Pietrangelo Has Second Straight Two-Pointer
News:Alex Pietrangelo had a goal and an assist Thursday night in St. Louis' 6-3 win over Phoenix. He has a goal and an assist in two straight games.
Analysis: Prior to this two-game run, Alex Pietrangelo hadn't pointed in eight straight games. He had a February to forget, with four points and a minus-9 in 12 games, but has turned that around with four points and a plus-2 in four March games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had a goal and an assist in a 6-4 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Analysis: The goal was AP's fourth of the season. With the exception of his plus-minus (minus-5), his numbers are right on pace with the large ones he posted last year.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored St. Louis' only goal Thursday night in a 5-1 loss to Detroit. He scored for the second straight game, both coming on the power play.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo, who is the only Blue to score in the team's last six periods of hockey, has three goals and seven assists through 10 games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored St. Louis' lone goal Tuesday night in a 6-1 loss to Nashville.
Analysis: It was a power-play goal for Alex Pietrangelo, who has points in seven of the nine games played thus far. He has two goals and seven assists to open the season.
News:Alex Pietrangelo's third-period goal set the stage for the Blues' shootout win over the Predators on Monday. Through two games, Pietrangelo has a goal and two assists.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo returns as St. Louis' on-ice leader. He played 26:18 on Monday after skating 22:08 in Saturday night's 6-0 white-wash of the Red Wings.
News:Alex Pietrangelo, who had surgery on his ankle in the offseason, was skating at a local Missouri arena Sunday.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo has rehabbed from the August 2012 surgery to remove a bursa sac from his left ankle and is ready to begin competitive hockey.
News:Alex Pietrangelo, who had surgery to remove a bursa sac in his left ankle in August, is skating again, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo should be ready to go when the NHL begins its lockout-shortened season.
News:Alex Pietrangelo will have minor surgery on a lower-body injury, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo's been skating at the Blues' practice facility, but he has elected for the procedure. The 22-year-old said surgery was not needed for the sprained knee he suffered in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, and it's unclear if this surgery is related. Pietrangelo's expected to have the procedure "very soon," and should be ready for the start of training camp.
News:Alex Pietrangelo confirmed that he suffered a sprained knee during Game 1 of the Blues' playoff series against the Kings, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo wasn't 100 percent after returning to the series, which the Blues' lost, 4-0. He was on the ice for six of the Kings' seven goals in the final two games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) played a team-high 26:34 in his return to game action Thursday night in the Blues' loss to the Kings in Game 3 of their conference semifinal playoff series.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo assisted on one of the Blues' two goals and played well for St. Louis.
News: Coach Ken Hitchcock said that Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) will play in Thursday's game against the Kings, the Blues' official site reports.
Analysis: Great news for the No. 2 seeded Blues, who are down to the No. 8 seeded Kings in their current playoff series. Alex Pietrangelo was the team's top scoring blueliner during the regular season, with 51 points in 81 games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) participated in all of Wednesday's practice and will be allowed to make the call as to whether he plays Thursday, the St. Louis Post-
Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo, who participated in a morning skate prior to Monday's game but did not play, was more involved in Wednesday's practice. "He feels OK," Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock said. "If he feels OK tomorrow, and wants to give it a go, we'll let him go. But it's nice to see him out there."
News:Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) traveled with the Blues to Los Angeles, but his status for Thursday's Game 3 is uncertain, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues are down 2-0 and are desperate to turn the series around. An available Alex Pietrangelo certainly would help, but the team was seriously outplayed by the Kings in Game 2. Regardless of who suits up Thursday, the Blues need to be better.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) did not play in St. Louis' loss to Los Angeles in Game 2 of their Western Conference semi-final playoff series.
Analysis: The injury had been reported as an upper-body one, but head coach Ken Hitchcock referred to it as "between the middle and the lower," so that's what we're going with for now. Alex Pietrangelo practiced during the day and was not wearing a "no contact" jersey, suggesting we're not dealing with a concussion. It would seem that his return to the series is a distinct possibility.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (upper body) is a game-time decision for Monday's game against the Kings, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo is evidently feeling better and was on the ice Monday morning, but he's still no lock to play in Game 2 after being checked face-first into the boards Saturday.
News:Alex Pietrangelo, who was checked face-first into the boards in Saturday's game, did not practice Sunday, Associated Press reports. "He's day to day, upper body," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said Sunday.
Analysis: While Hitchcock has not ruled Alex Pietrangelo -- who was evaluated for a possible concussion Saturday -- out for Monday night's game against the Kings, he has cited Ian Cole as a potential replacement if Pietrangelo is unavailable.
News:Alex Pietrangelo did not return to Saturday's game after being run face first into the boards by Los Angeles' Dwight King in the second period, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo attempted to stay in the game, but was eventually taken to the "quiet room" during the intermission and did not return. The Blues will have him evaluated Sunday, and he is questionable for Game 2 of the playoff series Monday in St. Louis.
News:Alex Pietrangelo was not on the bench to start the third period and is questionable to return after a late-second period hit from behind by Dwight King of the Kings, according to in-game commentators on TSN.
Analysis: King drove the talented defender head-first into the boards and received a two-minute minor for the hit; it could have been five-minute major and King may still face supplemental discipline. Alex Pietrangelo's absence would be a huge blow to the Blues.
News:Alex Pietrangelo's assist in Saturday's loss to the Blue Jackets was his 50th point of the season.
Analysis: The young blueliner was sitting at 11 points after 37 games and 50 points was a dream at that stage. However, he's kicked it up since Jan. 1, going off for 39 points and last 41 games. Alex Pietrangelo, who is at plus-19 this season and was plus-18 last season, is establishing himself as one of the game's better defensemen.
Blues' Pietrangelo Picks Up Pair Of Helpers In Loss Wednesday
News:Alex Pietrangelo had two assists in a losing cause Wednesday as the Blues fell to the Ducks 4-3.
Analysis: He now has 46 points (11G, 35A) through 73 games and has been one of the key reasons for St. Louis' success this year. That being said, he's only scored one goal in his last 19 games, but he does have 16 assists during that span.
News:Alex Pietrangelo's third-period tally capped the scoring Saturday as the Blues dusted the Jackets in St. Louis, 4-1.
Analysis: Owning a blueliner who scores like a forward is a self-evident asset. Alex Pietrangelo has a decent chance to reach 50 points this season; his ledger stands at 11-31-42 with 13 contests left.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had two assists for the second straight game Tuesday night in the Blues' 5-1 win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo has contributed six assists in the previous five games and now stands at 40 points for the season. He's amassed 10 points each in the months of January and February as he heads toward career highs in points, goals and assists.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had three assists Thursday night in St. Louis' 5-1 win over the Islanders.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo was off last season's scoring pace until the new year hit. Since Jan. 1, Pietrangelo has 21 points in 19 games, including a recent a stretch of seven points (two goals, five assists) in the previous four.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored twice against San Jose on Sunday, including the game-winner. He also added a helper.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo now has 10 goals on the season, to go along with 29 points and a plus-17 rating.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had a nine-game points streak snapped on Monday in a loss to Detroit, but did manage to notch 12 penalty minutes.
Analysis: The goon points came with two seconds left in the game, but odds are Alex Pietrangelo will not be off the scoresheet too long. He has been one of the league's best offensive defenders the last month and had 13 points over the last nine games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had two assists and extended his point-scoring streak to nine games in Saturday's 4-2 win over Buffalo.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo has three goals and 10 assists during the nine-game streak, a stretch in which the Blues are 8-0-1.
News:Alex Pietrangelo extended his scoring streak to eight games Thursday night, scoring the only goal in the Blues' 1-0 win over Edmonton.
Analysis: January has been a very good month for Alex Pietrangelo, who began his streak Jan. 3 with two assists in a win over the Coyotes. The shutout was the Blues' second straight, both by 1-0 counts.
News:Alex Pietrangelo assisted on St. Louis' only goal in Monday's win over Dallas, extending a points streak to seven games.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo's play the last two weeks has been outstandingly productive as the Blues have posted a 6-0-1 record. His early season was woeful at best, but Pietrangelo has reminded owners why he is one of the league's rising stars amongst defensemen. Five of his 10 points over this span have come on the man-advantage.
News:Alex Pietrangelo extended his scoring string to six games with a power-play goal in Saturday's win over Minnesota. He fired seven shots and delivered four hits during the game.
Analysis: He's 2-7-9 during the streak, revitalizing what had been a moribund offensive campaign. He still isn't on a pace to set any blue-line scoring records, but it's nice to see him awaken and put up some numbers.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had an assist in Thursday's loss to Vancouver and now has points in five straight games.
Analysis: The former first-round pick had five shots on net and played a team-high 27:42 as Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock stayed pretty much with five defenseman for the game. Alex Pietrangelo heated up at this time last season.
News:Alex Pietrangelo posted an assist in Tuesday's win over Montreal, giving him seven points over the last four games.
Analysis: His December was not one worth remembering, but Alex Pietrangelo is showing his ability with a series of consistent performances over the last week. He's a rising star in terms of offensive defenders, but has been prone to droughts this season.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had two assists Saturday for a career-best third straight multi-point game. He has one goal and five assists in those three games.
Analysis: Four of those six points have come on the power play. Thank goodness you've been patient with this second-half stud -- he sure seems to enjoy ripping the plastic off a brand-new calendar. Stick in the spurs and enjoy the ride.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had a goal and an assist on the power play and added five blocked shots in Thursday night's 4-3 win over Edmonton.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo, who had six shots on goal, keyed a third-period comeback with a goal just 20 seconds into the period and later assisted on the game-tying goal. He has four points in the last two games and it was right about this point last season when he accelerated his offense.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had two assists and five blocked shots in St. Louis' win over Phoenix on Tuesday.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo is well off the scoring pace he set last season, but he's been a major part of the defensive corps limiting opponents to a league-fewest 26.7 shots per game. At plus-12, Pietrangelo is tied for second on the team.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (illness) will return to the ice Friday, Jeremy Rutherford reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo missed one game against the Capitals due to an illness, but will get back into the swing of things tonight, against Colorado. This was the first game that Pietrangelo missed this year. He has nine points (four goals, five assists) this year with the Blues stingy defense.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (illness) didn't skate Thursday, but traveled with the team for its Friday night game in Colorado, the In The Slot blog reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo is expected to play Friday night, but head coach Ken Hitchcock said he'll check him out during Friday's morning skate.
News:Alex Pietrangelo (illness) is expected to play Friday night in Colorado, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo was scratched from Tuesday's win over Washington because of an illness.
News:Alex Pietrangelo will miss Tuesday's game due to an illness, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo will be replaced in the lineup by Cade Fairchild. Consider Pietrangelo day-to-day.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored a goal in a second straight game Friday night in the Blues' 2-0 win over Calgary.
Analysis: Peitrangleo is starting to create some offense for the Blues. He fired off a team-high five shots on goal in Friday's win and has 11 shots in the last three games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored the game-winning goal with 52 seconds left in overtime Wednesday to give the Blues a 3-2 win over the Penguins.
Analysis: It's been a slow start for Alex Pietrangelo, who snapped a five-game pointless streak with the goal, his first marker in 10 games.
News:Alex Pietrangelo scored his second goal of the season Sunday night in the Blues' 4-2 loss to the Oilers.
Analysis: The goal, which was originally credited to Chris Stewart, was a power-play marker for Alex Pietrangelo. It was his first point on the power play in 11 games, after posting 14 on the man advantage in 79 games during his rookie season of 2010-11. That says more about how bad the Blues have been on the power play than it does about Pietrangelo.
News:Alex Pietrangelo took a shot off his hand during Friday's practice, causing a pressure cut, but he's expected to suit up Saturday night in San Jose, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo hustled to the locker room with blood dripping on the ice. The hand appeared to be swollen Saturday, but all signs point to him playing. It will mark his 100th game as a Blue.
News:Alex Pietrangelo had a goal, an assist, three shots on net, and was plus-3 while playing a team-high 23:09 in Monday's 5-2 win over Calgary.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo came on in the second half of last season and portends to be one of the NHL's better point-producers from the blue line. He plays both ends of the ice, too, blocking three shots.
News: In the on-going preseason effort to establish a defensive partner for Alex Pietrangelo, the Blues are looking at newcomer Kent Huskins, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo and Huskins were paired for a second preseason game Friday night, and it sounds like coach Davis Payne will continue the experiment. "They've been pretty consistent, the communication has been pretty good on the ice and the reads are getting better. At a certain point, we want to create that consistency so those reads can get enhanced. We like this pair at that point, but we'll get through Saturday's game and digest it," said Payne. Huskins' stay-at-home style would be a good fit, allowing Pietrangelo to better utilize his offensive skills.
News: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong feels Alex Pietrangelo is developing into the elite type of player that opponents target to stop, the Blues' official site reports.
Analysis: The Blues always held a high regard for Pietrangelo, who participated in the 2010 Traverse City prospect tournament before earning a spot on St. Louis' blue line on his way to a 43-point season. "He understands that when you come in as a first-year player, he wasn't... when you go into the visitors dressing room his number wasn't circled. I think when we start this season, everyone will say 'This is what Alex Pietrangelo is going to do.' He'll face a whole new set of pressure and a whole focal point but he understands that and is up to the challenge. It's going to be a good year for him to learn that responsibility, not only internally from our team, but also as the focal point of the opposition."
News: The Blues will take their time during training camp to find the best partner for Alex Pietrangelo on defense, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Alex Pietrangelo finished up the season playing a lot and developing chemistry with Carlo Colaiacovo, but Blues coach David Payne is open to all possibilities, including moving the righty shooting Petro to his left side. One thing is certain, between even strength and both special teams, Peitrangelo will have no trouble leading the team in time on ice this year.
News: Pietrangelo had a goal and an assist in St. Louis' win at Minnesota on Saturday night, giving him five points in his last five games.
Analysis: That would be a good pace for a forward; the fact that he plays on the blue line makes him that much more valuable. He's headed for a 45-plus point campaign, placing him among the more valuable rearguards at the tender age of 21.
News: The Blues promoted Pietrangelo to alternate captain, effective as of Thursday's win over the Canadiens, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The club also patched an "A" on the chest of Andy McDonald.
Analysis: Since the season started, the Blues have traded Captain Eric Brewer and alternate Erik Johnson. And as they play out the rest of the season, they'll be doing so without alternates Alex Steen (ankle) and Barret Jackman (finger). Into that mix is the sense that St. Louis has not lived up to the expectations created from its hot start to the season. The Blues are looking at their group of players in the final 14 games to see if any "C"-worthy players emerge.
News: Pietrangelo registered points for a fourth consecutive game Monday, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the Blues' loss to the Blackhawks.
Analysis: The young defenseman has eight points (1G, 7A) in the past four games and clearly has become the team's top blueliner following the trades of Erik Brewer and Eric Johnson.
News: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong acknowledged the emergence of Pietrangelo "made [the Eric Johnson] deal possible," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The Blues dispatched Johnson and center Jay McClement to Colorado for forward Chris Stewart and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk late Friday night.
Analysis: Indeed, the Blues are very pleased with Pietrangelo's development in his first full NHL season. So much so that they traded two of their top defensemen in the past two days (Erik Brewer being the other D). Pietrangelo, who assisted on a goal in Friday's win over Buffalo, is tied for second on the team in plus-minus (plus-10) and is fifth in points (28). He's a good two-way player who is getting very comfortable initiating offense.
News: Pietrangelo assisted on two goals Monday versus the Canucks.
Analysis: Pietrangelo has 27 points and is a plus-10, which are pretty good numbers for a defenseman. If you need help in assists and are looking for a blueliner, he's somebody to consider putting in your lineup.
News: Pietrangelo collected an assist for the third straight game as the Blues fell at home to Columbus on Saturday, 5-2.
Analysis: It's time to give the kid a look; he has five points (all assists) in his last six starts, and despite having turned 21 just this week, he's the Blues' top-scoring rearguard this season. He ain't quite Nicklas Lidstrom, but he's knocking on the door of the top 30 points producers from the blue line. If you can hold on to him for a year or two, you may have a solid-scoring defenseman on your hands.
News: Pietrangelo had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Pietrangelo played 15:34 in the contest and he seems to be fully recovered from an upper-body injury that caused him to miss three games last week. He's safe to activate.
News: Pietrangelo returned to the Blues' lineup Monday night after missing three games with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: Pietrangelo skated 27 shifts for 20:07 of ice time while blocking two shots and going minus-2 in St. Louis' loss to Vancouver.
News: As expected, Pietrangelo (upper body) said he will be back in the lineup for Monday's game against Vancouver, the Alton Telegraph's Louie Korac reports.
Analysis: Pietrangelo will return from a three-game absence and should be safe to deploy if you need him.
News: Pietrangelo (upper body) practiced Sunday and is considered probable for a return Monday night against Vancouver, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Pietrangelo has missed three games with what is believed to be a shoulder injury.
News: Pietrangelo (upper body) will not play in Saturday's game, reports Lou Korac of the Alton Telegraph.
Analysis: Saturday's contest will be Pietrangelo's third game missed. But he has been improving and is near a return, which could come Monday against the Canucks.
News: Pietrangelo (upper body) practiced Friday and could play Saturday against San Jose, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: "It's gotten better everyday, see how I feel in the morning," Pietrangelo said. "My legs are fine. I can skate and handle the puck. It's just certain situations in a game, I don't really know how it's going to feel." With Pietrangelo and Erik Johnson both nearing a return to the lineup, the Blues' defensive corps is in line for a significant boost.
News: Pietrangelo (upper body) skated with the Blues on Thursday, according to Lou Korac's In the Slot blog.
Analysis: Pietrangelo will miss his second game because of the injury, which is believed to be to his shoulder. Blues coach Davis Payne thinks it's possible the rookie will be ready to go for Saturday's home against San Jose.
News: Pietrangelo (upper body) will not play in Thursday's game against the Kings, Lou Korac of the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis: Pietrangelo will miss his second game in as many days. He remains day-to-day.
News: Pietrangelo, who will not make the trip for Wednesday's game in Detroit because of an upper body injury, is questionable for Thursday's home game against Los Angeles, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Pietrangelo aggravated the injury during Tuesday's practice.
Analysis: The Blues say it's an injury that he's been feeling since last week's win over Columbus when he was on the receiving end of an open-ice hit from Rick Nash. A similar incident occurred in the following game against Carolina. In both cases, Pietrangelo briefly went to the locker room and was back on the ice after missing one shift.
News: Pietrangelo will not play in Wednesday's game against the Red Wings due to an upper body injury, Lou Korac of the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis: The Blues play Thursday as well, but the team has not said whether or not Pietrangelo will be able to return by then. Consider Pietrangelo day-to-day.
News: Pietrangelo had an assist in Friday night's loss to the Stars, giving him points (1 G, 3 A) in four straight games.
Analysis: Pietrangelo's recent streak leaves him with 12 points (1 G, 11 A), leading all St. Louis defensemen.
News: Pietrangelo assisted on St Louis' only goal, helping his team take a 2-1 shootout win out of Nashville on Wednesday.
Analysis: Pietrangelo has three assists and a goal over the last three games and is on pace for about 40 points this season. He has a ton of offensive talent and has taken a more traditional amount of time developing into a blue line force. That time seems to have arrived.
News: Pietrangelo scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's 3-2 win over New Jersey.
Analysis: The goal came on the power play as Pietrangelo is firmly planted on the blue line of St. Louis' first man-advantage unit. He's been very steady for a 20-year-old in the NHL and should continue to grow into a role as an offensive-minded defender. He leads the Blues' defensemen with 10 points.
News: Pietrangelo assisted on two power-play goals Friday night and now leads St. Louis defensemen with nine points this season.
Analysis: Pietrangelo has been forced into playing more minutes because of injuries to Barret Jackman and Roman Polak, so the opportunity is there for the rookie, who skated for 6:24 on St. Louis' power play Friday. The team's recent losing streak has wreaked havoc on his plus-minus, but he has shown great poise on the blue line.
News: Pietrangelo had two assists and was plus-2 in 22:01 of ice time Thursday night in St. Louis' 2-0 win over San Jose.
Analysis: The rookie defenseman is getting a ton of playing time these days with Roman Polak (wrist) and Carlo Colaiacovo (concussion) out of the lineup. He's leading the Blues at plus-8.
News: Pietrangelo led the Blues with 27:56 of ice time in Saturday's shootout win over Atlanta. He assisted on the Blues' final regulation goal, had seven shots on net, and was plus-2 for the night.
Analysis: Injuries to Roman Polak (wrist) and Carlo Colaiacovo (head) do play a role in Pietrangelo's increased playing time, but St. Louis coach Davis Payne has shown increasing confidence in his 20-year-old blue liner, having him on ice for over 25 minutes a game in the last three.
News: Pietrangelo had an assist and was plus-2 in St. Louis' 5-1 win over Anaheim on Monday.
Analysis: Pietrangelo fired a pretty pass from his own zone to the blue line, setting up Matt D'Agostini with the Blues' fourth goal of the game. The rookie has good instincts offensively and with regular work on the power play, could develop into a point-producing blueliner.
News: Pietrangelo skated on one of the Blues' power play units during Thursday's practice, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Blues coach Davis Payne shuffled some parts on the second man-advantage group, moving Erik Johnson to the left point and T.J. Oshie to center. The rookie Pietrangelo brings a reputation as good in the transition game and not bashful about pushing offense.
News: Pietrangelo will open the regular season on St. Louis' roster, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues are going with seven defensemen on Opening Night and we have to feel Pietrangelo will make the top six, as the organization prefers he gets regular playing time. He gives the Blues offense from the blue line and is exceptional in the transition game.
News: Pietrangelo said he played cautiously in training camp, not wanting to make a mistake, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "I kind of caught myself... not being tight so much, but afraid to make mistakes," said Pietrangelo. "I kept thinking, 'I'm here, I've got to make plays, that's my style and I can't be afraid to make mistakes. But I caught myself a few times being hesitant."
Analysis: Peitrangelo, the fourth overall pick pick in the 2008 draft, had no points and was a minus-2 through the first three exhibition games before elevating his play in the final two. "I asked him to step boldly," Payne said. "We need to see the player he is. We need to see him use his skills and hockey sense and make some plays. We don't want him in here sitting back and playing safe. Safe is not going to get the job done, and it's not going to use his abilities, which is making plays and transitioning pucks and contributing on the power play." This is Pietrangelo's third NHL camp, but unfortunately it's the one with the most to lose. A spot for him on the blue line was presumed before training camp started, but he was outplayed by others, including rookie Ian Cole. We expect his name to be on the roster Saturday night against Philadelphia, but we didn't expect him to struggle in preseason games.
News: Pietrangelo skated on the Blues' power play unit in the final preseason game Sunday night.
Analysis: We're not rushing to judgment based on a team's final preseason game, which didn't feature several regulars, but Pietrangelo was lining up at the point with power-play regular Alex Steen. Normally, the top man-advantage unit would feature Carlo Colaiacovo or Erik Johnson, but both defensemen didn't play because of hip-flexor injuries. St. Louis coach Davis Payne was confident enough in Pietrangelo's offensive potential to include him alongside Steen, which bodes well for the rookie's chances of sticking with the major-league team when the season opens up this coming Saturday against Philadelphia.
News: Blues coach Davis Payne said Pietrangelo took a step forward with his performance in Saturday's preseason win over Dallas, the Belleville News Democrat reports.
Analysis: The rookie had an assist and logged a team-high 23:49 in what was likely the game that earned him a roster spot. "I thought his game gained the biggest step out of any of those three," said Payne, referring to the three defensemen fighting for a spot on the roster. "It's the first time in any exhibition game, and certainly through camp, where we've seen real poise with the puck, some decision-making, some creativity. He extended some plays that allowed us to make a cleaner play or a better offensive play."
News: Pietrangelo is active for St. Louis' exhibition game Saturday night against Dallas, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: At one point, there were five guys competing for two available spots on St. Louis' blue line, and now there appears to be four guys skating for three spots, following Carlo Colaiacovo's hip strain and Nikita Nikitin's broken right wrist. Pietrangelo was presumed to have one of the spots when training camp started, but Nathan Oystrick, Ian Cole and Tyson Strachan each have had strong camps. Pietrangelo and Oystrick are together on the team's third defensive pairing.
News: Pietrangelo scored the lone goal in the Blues' loss to the Red Wings at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City (Mich.), the Blues' official site reports. The goal came while the Blues were on a 5-on-3 power play.
Analysis: This is the third consecutive year Pietrangelo has skated at the tournament, but he's no longer looking like a "prospect." Instead, Pietrangelo appears ticketed for one of the final two spots on the Blues' blue line this year.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that, with the Blues calling up D Jonas Junland, D Alex Pietrangelo might not get to play his 10th game this season, and therefore the first year of his entry-level contract will not kick in.
Analysis: Pietrangelo was sent back to his junior club in 2008-09 after eight games with the Blues. He hasn't had a lot of success this season with St. Louis either and the Blues don't really need him on their blue line. It is probably best he gets sent back to junior hockey since he is too young to play in the minors. Even if he stays, Pietrangelo remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Alex Pietrangelo was a healthy scratch Saturday against the Islanders, which allows the Blues more time to decide whether they'll keep the 2008 draft pick in the NHL or send him back to his junior team. "We haven't really made a decision yet," Blues general manager Larry Pleau said. "(Pietrangelo) has only played nine games and he's not in the lineup tonight. We're still discussing the situation. We want to make the right decision for everyone involved, 'Petro' and the team itself. It's still up in the air."
Analysis: Pietrangelo was sent back to his junior club in 2008-09 after eight games with the Blues. He hasn't had a lot of success this season with St. Louis either and the Blues don't really need him on their blue line. It is probably best he gets sent back to junior hockey since he is too young to play in the minors. Even if he stays, Pietrangelo remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Alex Pietrangelo played his fourth consecutive game Saturday night against Florida as the Blues put more faith in the rookie defenseman. But he perhaps took a step backwards against Florida with a minus-4 performance. He's been on the ice for the last six goals scored against the Blues.
Analysis: It's really good to see the St. Louis organization finally putting their faith behind the 2008 first-round pick (4th). However, if he keeps hurting them defensively, he might find himself back in the press box. Pietrangelo remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice. He has just one point in five games.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blues D Alex Pietrangelo scored his first NHL goal, ruining Dallas G Marty Turco's chance for his 38th career shutout on Saturday. Pietrangelo, who was playing only his second game of the season, might have won over more of his teammates with his response to a hit on D Carlo Colaiacovo. Pietrangelo jumped into the fray and received a double minor for roughing. "You kind of respect a young guy for that type of thing," Blues coach Andy Murray said.
Analysis: Colaiacovo was injured on that hit Saturday, so that could be a way for Pietrangelo to see more PT. The 2008 first-round pick (fourth overall) is having a hard time cracking the blue-line rotation. St. Louis would like to send him to the minors, but he is still too young for the AHL (19). Pietrangelo might just have to keep working hard in practice and show the coaches he deserves to be a regular when he gets into games -- like he did Saturday. Pietrangelo remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blues D Alex Pietrangelo played 13:20 in his season debut Saturday against the Kings and also finished at even. Pietrangelo was paired with third-year D Erik Johnson, creating an inexperienced tandem, but the pair fared well.
Analysis: The 2008 first-round pick (fourth overall) is having a hard time cracking the blue-line rotation. St. Louis would like to send him to the minors, but he is still too young for the AHL (19). Pietrangelo might just have to keep working hard in practice and show the coaches he deserves to be a regular. Pietrangelo remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice.
News: Blues prospect Alex Pietrangelo has no goals and two assists in six January games for Niagara of the OHL. He has been a bit sluggish since returning from helping Canada win gold at the World Junior Championships.
Analysis: Pietrangelo was named to the OHL All-Stars despite joining the league in November. He has managed five goals and 12 assists in 15 games, and is still one of the best defenseman in the OHL. St. Louis gave him a look earlier this season, but when he struggled on the NHL level, they felt it was best he gets one more year of junior hockey. We don't expect to see him back in a Blues' uniform until 2009-10 at the earliest. Consider Pietrangelo just a flier in long-term Fantasy keeper leagues.
News: Blues defenseman prospect Alex Pietrangelo has totaled five goals and 10 points in nine games with Niagara of the OHL since St. Louis sent him back to his junior hockey club.
Analysis: St. Louis gave Pietrangelo a quick tryout at the beginning of the season to see if he was NHL-ready, but when he failed the test, the fourth overall pick in 2008 was sent back to junior hockey. We don't expect to see him back in a Blues' uniform until 2009-10 at the earliest. Consider Pietrangelo just a flier in long-term Fantasy keeper leagues.
News: The St. Louis Blues returned promising rookie defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to his junior team. The 18-year-old Pietrangelo was the fourth overall pick in the draft. He played eight games with St. Louis, recording an assist and an even plus-minus rating. Forward Cam Paddock was recalled from Peoria, Ill., of the AHL.
Analysis: The Blues could use Pietrangelo in nine games before his season counted as a full year. Instead, he'll be with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Pietrangelo was seventh among OHL defensemen with 53 points last season, and played in the OHL All-Star Classic and the CHL Top Prospects game. He missed some time earlier this season due to an injury and proved in his limited ice time that he wasn't ready for the NHL. He likely won't return in 2008-09, so Pietrangelo's Fantasy value remains in long-term keeper leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Blues are 10 games into their season, but they still have time before making a decision on whether rookie defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will remain in the NHL this season. That's because a boarding hit on Oct. 16 kept Pietrangelo out for six games. He returned to the Blues' lineup Saturday against Pittsburgh for his fourth game. The league's collective-bargaining agreement allows NHL teams nine games before they must return players to their junior hockey clubs or have it count as a full year toward owning their rights. "It kind of feels like a fresh start," said Pietrangelo, who was a minus-3 with no points in three games. "I'm trying to get everything back, what I was doing before the injury and all the time I missed. I feel better, had some time off to rest."
Analysis: During his absence, Pietrangelo was a regular in the press box watching the Blues' veteran defenseman. "You see so much more when you watch, as opposed to being on the ice and reacting to situations," he said. "For me, watching and listening to what the guys have to say, you realize these older guys really know the game. You can see it up top." Pietrangelo still keeps up with his junior team, the Niagara IceDogs, who have played 18 games in the Ontario Hockey League. The young defenseman hopes he finds out quickly where he'll spend the season. "It's always nice to find out as soon as possible what the decision is going to be," Pietrangelo said. St. Louis is kind of thin on their blue line and all signs point to Pietrangelo staying. However, if they feel he is not up to playing in the NHL just yet, they will send him back down. For now, he remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: St. Louis D Alex Pietrangelo was finally activated off the Injured Reserve list on Saturday as he was able to play in the game against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Pietrangelo is one of the Blues' prized prospects. Consider him a good long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Blues rookie D Alex Pietrangelo had a full practiced in full Wednesday, but is probably out for a another few days. "He just needs to get a few more practices in so that he's real sharp before we put him in a game again," coach Andy Murray said. "We want to give him a couple more practices so his timing's better."
Analysis: The Blues are taking it easy with one of their prized prospects. Consider Pietrangelo a good long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: The Belleville News-Democrat reports that injured Blues D Alex Pietrangelo (upper body) will resume skating soon. "He's just sore and he's starting to feel a lot better," team president John Davidson said.
Analysis: The Blues are taking it easy with one of their prized prospects. Consider Pietrangelo a good long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time. He should remain benched for Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2).
News: Friday's game between Los Angeles and St. Louis was supposed to feature two of the top four draft picks from this past summer's NHL draft. The Kings selected D Drew Doughty with the second pick, while the Blues picked D Alex Pietrangelo. However, Pietrangelo sat out his fourth straight game with an upper body injury.
Analysis: Pietrangelo has been skating on his own and is eligible to come off at IR at any time. However, the Blues are going to take it easy with one of their prized prospects. Consider Pietrangelo a good long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time. He is an injury-risk start Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2).
News: The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Blues rookie D Alex Pietrangelo, out since last Monday after being hit from behind in Toronto, is skating on his own before practice. Pietrangelo was retroactively placed on IR Wednesday, but can return to action any time soon.
Analysis: Pietrangelo is the third-youngest player in the Blues' 41-year history and obviously has the talent to stick around for a little while until some of the older Blues defensemen (Jonas Junland, Jeff Woywitka) return from injury. Consider Pietrangelo a good long-term keeper and possible sleeper, but he should not be starting in any formats right now.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Blues D Alex Pietrangelo, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, has made the St. Louis squad. "It's tough to explain," Pietrangelo said Monday night. "There's a smile across my face, but I think it's more of relief than anything. I thought I earned it through the preseason. ... I thought I played pretty well. ... Hopefully I'll be here longer than a little bit."
Analysis: Pietrangelo will become the third-youngest player in the Blues' 41-year history when he suits up, but he obviously has the talent to stick around for a little while until some of the older Blues defensemen (Jonas Junland, Jeff Woywitka) return from injury. Consider Pietrangelo a good long-term keeper and possible sleeper this season if he can stick around.
News:The Sports Xchange reports since the Blues lost D Erik Johnson to a knee injury for the season, they are now considering their options for 2008 first-round pick (fourth overall) D Alex Pietrangelo. "We said to Alex coming to camp, 'Come with the attitude of making the St. Louis Blues.' Now we have to determine if that time is right or not," Blues President John Davidson said.
Analysis: Of the first four defenseman taken in this past draft class -- Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian and Pietrangelo -- it was Pietrangelo that figured to be headed back to junior hockey or the minors. Well, injuries have really hurt the Blues and Pietrangelo could make the team right out of camp. The Blues aren't afraid to experiment with young talent, as was the case last season when they opted to keep first-round pick David Perron on the roster. Pietrangelo has managed 50-plus points the last two seasons in the OHL and is a skilled passer from the blue line. He remains a good long-term keeper, and possible sleeper in Fantasy if he cracks the roster.
