For most of the last couple of seasons, I’ve been frustrated by the performance of the Blues. They were awful in the first half of ’08-’09, great in the second half of the season, and then woefully mediocre through 59 games this year. Woefully mediocre because they are 25-25-9, but have blown numerous third period leads at home.

I thought that, after last season’s second half surge, Blues players saw fit to get their coach fired at the midpoint of this season. Andy Murray was 17-17-6 before he got fired. Davis Payne is 8-8-3. So it wasn’t the coach that was the problem. Maybe the players DID play as well as they could for Murray, because they sure aren’t playing better now.

As it turns out, we all…Blues management, ownership, fans and players, misjudged this team. It just isn’t that good. The highest plaid player, Paul Kariya, is a shadow of his former self. Brad Boyes got a new contract and has ten goals. Patrik Berglund has been a colossal disappointment, and veterans like Eric Brewer and Brad Winchester have been underwhelming.

Unfortunately, John Davidson needs to revamp his lineup. The Blues need a goal scorer or two, another puck-moving defenseman (Alex Pietrangelo?), a great leader and probably a young #1 goalie to have any success next year.

Oh, by the way, Payne is still an interim coach. Might want to add that job to the list, too.

This season is done. The Blues need to start thinking about 2010-2011.