Vladimir Sobotka won't ever move any higher than the third line on the Blues' depth chart. He's a grinder and he's a hard worker, but he doesn't have that scoring touch that those on the top two lines have. He wears down the opposition; he doesn't score on them.

Well, in the NHL, that is. In the Czech Extraliga, Sobotka is all-star material. A few days ago he had a goal and three assists for Slavia Prague in their 5-2 win against Pardubice. In 73 games last season, Sobotka had five goals and fifteen assists. So far in five games? Eight points. He's on pace to score over 115 points in 82 games. Who would have thought that the little spitfire had it in him?

If the lockout lasts much longer, Sobotka might be starting in the Extraliga all star game.