Bronco out, Blue's look to the off season

[CaptainCrunch]

St Louis Picayuuunnnnee (AP)

The season ended last night with a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a game where the players looked like they'd rather be anywhere but on the ice especially in a flat 3rd period where the team was outshot 14-3.

After the game it was announced the Bronco Nagurski the III was let go and escorted out of the building by security. "You and me Crunch, anytime any where" He was heard screaming as Big Bill McDuffee the head of security grabbed him by his $3.99 cent belt and hurled him into the night.

"I have nothing but respect for Bronco, but lets be clear, we were never going to see eye to eye on certain things.". CaptainCrunch stated in the post game availability "Frankly the players just weren't responding to his coaching methods and his stories that always started with 'in my day'".

This was a season of ups and downs, the team just couldn't find consistancy and though CaptainCrunch resisted it, he needs to build a team that has a lot more speed and offensive finish, and not a team of strong defensive minded grinders."

After the game Crunch made a trade with Nashville Predators where he sent Brian Dumoulin and Philly's first round pick out and got offensive defenseman Cam Fowler back "Cam's a great skater with a good first pass, and he can score goals, he'll get a look at first pairing minutes with Charlie next year". He's also under contract which gives us a bit of cap certainty for next year.

Its not expected that Crunch will be super busy at the trade deadline, but still feels his roster has lots to offer for teams getting ready for the playoffs."

"I'm dissapointed in myself, the team and especially coaching, I'm going to miss my lively discussions with Bronco next year, but we'll start looking for a new coach soon".

In terms of the Blue's going into next year its likely that Reinhart, Tavares, and McAvoy and Fowler probably won't be moved unless its a really good hockey trade. But everyone else could be on the table. With uber prospect Jesse Puljarjavi or whoever you spell his name on the rise, and several other prospects looking at graduation, its expected that the team will focus on top winger talent and goaltending in the off season while trying to shore up all of the other positions.

As for the players, they quietly gathered to back their belongings into black garbage bags, did their uncomfortable post season meetings with management, ate some pizza and then walked out of the door.

With the lights out in the dressing room, this reporter wonders who will be back next season?