Hitchcock is a Tavares fan

ST. LOUIS -- Even though John Tavares became an All-Star this season, most people still don't know how good he is, Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said.

"I think he's still an underrated player," said the man who coached Tavares for Team Canada in the World Championships last spring. "He was arguably our best player by the end of the tournament.

"He is really strong on the puck. To me, he's Jonathan Toews-strong on the puck," Hitchcock said, referring to the Blackhawks star. "He's got strength and puck patience where he's able to protect the puck.''

Ness has impressedIn 10 days, Aaron Ness has advanced from an emergency call-up making his NHL debut to a solid regular Islanders defenseman. "I told him, 'You're not here to play safe. You're here to help us win hockey games. We know what you can do,' " coach Jack Capuano said. "We don't want him to change his game."

Ness, 21, said, "It says a lot about the organization, I think, to make it easy to jump in.''

Friendly rivals

Matt Moulson worked out in Connecticut last summer with solid young Blues D Kevin Shattenkirk, who is from New Rochelle. Unlike Moulson, Shattenkirk is an avid golfer. He often plays at Bethpage, and his best score on the Black was 88.

Ness seizes opportunity

Matt Moulson worked out in Connecticut this summer with solid young Blues D Kevin Shattenkirk, who is from New Rochelle. Unlike Moulson, Shattenkirk is an avid golfer, who often plays at Bethpage. His best score on the Black was 88.