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SportsDecember 15, 2006

ST. LOUIS -- Andy Murray's lack of familiarity with the St. Louis Blues' roster could work out to be a plus for Manny Legace. The team's new coach, who's still getting to know his players, might not know about the early-season struggles his No. 1 goalie has experienced. He doesn't intend to look at old videotape, either, viewing this as a fresh start for all...

By R.B. FALLSTROM ~ The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Andy Murray's lack of familiarity with the St. Louis Blues' roster could work out to be a plus for Manny Legace.

The team's new coach, who's still getting to know his players, might not know about the early-season struggles his No. 1 goalie has experienced. He doesn't intend to look at old videotape, either, viewing this as a fresh start for all.

Legace was eligible to come off injured reserve on Thursday, a week after he was knocked unconscious for about a half-minute by a slap shot in practice that struck him square in the face mask. He's been fine since not long after the accident but the enforced time off has given him an opportunity to reflect on his performance.

"Not as good as I've wanted to," he said. "Not even close to it. The last couple of weeks here were just horrendous."

Legace, who was 37-8 with the Red Wings last season, is one of seven free agents added by new ownership and so far he'd give himself a grade of C. He's 5-10-1 with a 3.48 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage -- ranking near the bottom of the league in both statistical categories.

In his last start, his shaky play helped spoil the night the Blues retired Brett Hull's jersey. Detroit got three goals on 12 shots before Legace was yanked in that game, and two starts before that the Predators scored five times in 17 shots. He thinks the reason for his troubles is he's been pressing to impress.

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"I'm just not used to losing, and I let it snowball a little bit," Legace said. "Every stop is a game-winning save, and it seems to be backfiring."

Legace said that usually shots off his mask are deflected away harmlessly. The one in practice struck him flush on the only flat spot on the mask, and when he was revived he was surrounded by trainer Ray Barile and several concerned teammates.

"The next thing I know I'm looking up and Ray's there, and the guys are all looking down on me like it's a football huddle," Legace said. "I don't think I've been laid out like that before.

"No headaches or nothing, though. Just got my lights knocked out."

He expected to be activated on Thursday with a clear head, ready to impress his new boss. The Blues were without both of their top goalies for the week, with Curtis Sanford also sidelined another month or more with a groin injury.

Rookie Marek Schwarz got his first career start in a 3-2 loss to the Blackhawks on Tuesday, and Jason Bacashihua made 41 saves in a loss Wednesday night at Colorado.

"This week off has kind of been a blessing in disguise," Legace said. "Hopefully I can retool and reboot it up, play my game like I have for the last seven years in the league."

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