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Playoff chirping is a game within the game

Blues coach Ken Hitchcock will rely on instigators Steve Ott and Ryan Reaves to get into the heads of playoff opponents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Most experts agree “playoff experience” is relevant in hockey. From a playing standpoint, it's considered advantageous for those who have it, a potential shortcoming for those who don't. 

As the Blues face the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the NHL playoffs, they will be counting on particular players to score, particular players to defend ... and particular players to disrupt. 

The question is, does postseason experience matter in the game within the game, where the tools of intelligence are most important, where the talent for taunting comes to the forefront?