St. Louis Game Time

Thursday links: Happy Birth-day after edition

2009-12-17T11:00:28Z

One year ago yesterday, this little blog left its humble Word Press home and joined SB Nation. It's hard to imagine a world without the "z" button and auto-refresh comments. Happy Birth-day after to everyone.

Blues news

Blackhawks top Blues via a shutout. Ugh. Classic letdown game. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Alex Pietrangelo may not have played last night — in fact, he was in Canada — but according one fan, he helped knock off the glass last night at the United Center. [Chicago Now]
Team Canada has named its World Junior Roster, and Jake Allen and Alex Pietrangelo are on it. Go Team Canada? [NHL.com]
With Jake Allen making Team Canada, his family will be doing some traveling. [Daily Gleaner]
Look, this year may be a bit of a downer, but the future is still bright in St. Louis. [The Hockey News]
Erik Johnson and the Blues are talking contract. Surprisingly, the Blues aren't talking to David Perron. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
If you see cats and dogs living together, you'll know why: Brett Hull and Mike Keenan have patched things up. [Belleville News-Democrat]

Hockey news

Results from last night. [Yahoo! Sports]
Hey look, the Blues aren't playing tonight. We can't lose! [Yahoo! Sports]
The NHL wants not one, but TWO outdoor games. One in the States and one in Canada land. [ESPN]
Speaking of Canada, the Canadian teams are no longer struggling to stay afloat. [ESPN]
More Canada: The league is looking at increasing exposure in the Great White North. [TSN]
Joffrey Lupul will be out 6-to-8 weeks with back surgery. Does he have any kids to lift so Ducks fans can chart his progress? [TSN]
Joining Lupul in the "out 6-to-8" club will be Jason Spezza. Spezza has a torn MCL. [TSN]
The NHLPA is looking for a new leader and five players have joined the search. [TSN]

Other links

A list of the 10 biggest memes of 2009. The drunk guy we featured twice? He's No. 1. [Ranker]
The best mugshots of 2009. There are some AWE. SOME. ones in here. [Buzzfeed]
Get someone really good? That's a burn. [Buuurn]
Remember earlier I said dogs and cats living together might be a sign of the end of the world? I meant bears, lions and tigers. [urlesque]

Video

I think we all could use something lighter with the struggles on ice. I present you singing Muppets.

Adios, bitches. Gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Blues at Hawks Overflow, Period 2.

2009-12-17T02:44:02Z

More photos » by John Smierciak - AP

Waaaaah.

Browse more photos »

You request, we acknowledge.

Go get it.

Blues at Blackhawks GDT

2009-12-17T00:45:05Z

by Tom Gannam - AP

I told you we could be winners, no matter what coach says about us! AP Photo/Tom Gannam

View full size photo »

By Brad Lee

I don't recognize the world we live in any longer. The Blackhawks are the cream of the Central Division, the Blues the cellar dwellers. Joel Quenneville is the head coach of the Hawks, Ed Belfour the Blues' goaltending guru. Next you'll tell me the Blues have a racially insensitive mascot and the Hawks are named after a cool musical revolution.

This is the first time Chicago and St. Louis have met for a game this season. Considering we're two and a half months in, that's pretty fucking weird. Probably Gary Bettman's fault.

We don't need to remind you that the Blues had a nice convincing win last night against Calgary. The Hawks think the Tampa Lightning suck and stuff.

There's already been the discussion in the Road Music and over at Second City Hockey about how fans of both teams hate the Red Wings, but have a special level of distaste for each other that pre-dates the Wings dislike.

We're not really big on previews around here. You know what's going on. We know what's going on. So let's get the Game Day Thread started. One word about our friends at Second City. Gallagher and I agree they have a similar outlook on hockey as we do. They use language like we do. They like liquor like we do. They just choose their allegiances poorly.

If by chance some of their folks stop by (Good God, why would they?) give shit but don't take it seriously. Same if you wander over there. I think we can all dislike each other and not be dicks about it. I hope you share that philosophy.

This is the GDT. Break shit.

12/16 Road Music: @ Chicago Blackhawks

2009-12-16T13:33:15Z

The Blues won last night, at home, and now they take the show on the road. This is the first meeting with the division-leading Chicago Blackhawks. I had to choke back some bile just typing that last sentence. The 'Hawks have won 3 of their last 5 games (twice in OT), and are coming off a 4-0 win against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Our ol' friend Patty "Twenny Cent" Kane got a little banged up, but all indicators are that he'll be playing tonight. He and Captain Serious Jonathan Toews and NHL Whore Marian Hossa form one of the more formidable lines in the NHL.

After testing our mettle against one division leader Tuesday night, we get to do it all over again, on the road, against these guys. There's no secret to this: keep fighting until the battle's won. Never relax, never step back. Keep Pushin' On.

REO Speedwagon/ Keep Pushin'

I know that there's at least one Broke University Pupil that wont mind me drawing from the REO well again. Really, though, these lyrics are perfect for our situation, particularly the second verse...

Goin through all the changes
I made so many mistakes
oh yes I did
Tryin to leave behind the heartaches
And sometimes I think
I was a little bit crazy, oh yeah
Whoa, I keep pushin' on

and the third..

Well it's comin' together
I finally feel like a man
oh yes I do
I never thought that I'd be where I am
Oh everyday I wake a little bit higher
Whoa I keep pushin' on, oh yeah

...we've come so far, but there's a long, long way to go still. We're not there yet....

Wednesday Links: The Goblin lives to coach another day edition

2009-12-16T11:00:25Z

A home win? What is that? Now let's get a road win again tonight.

Blues news

Blues win! At home! Exclamation points! [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Were the Flames star-struck? Who knows. I'm just glad they lost. [Vancouver Sun]
Brett Hull is, and always will be, the man. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Some quotes throughout the day — did you know the Blues told Brendan Shanahan he was traded in a five-second phone call? [Belleville News-Democrat]
Here are some pictures from last night. [Blues]
The Blues are back in action tonight, taking on the hated Chicago Blackhawks. [CBS Sports
Patrick Kane will play tonight against the Blues. [Chicago Breaking Sports News]

Hockey news

Here are your results for last night. [Yahoo! Sports]
Eight games tonight, but really one worth watching. [Yahoo! Sports]
FIGHT! Everyone loves a good throw down, here are the Puck Daddy Top-10 of the aughts. No love for the Cam Janssen/Aaron Downey fight? [Puck Daddy]
What's ailing the Sharks? For once it's not being in the playoffs. [Fear the Fin]
The 12 Days of Christmas gets a Vancouver makeover. [Nucks Misconduct]
Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak might be on the move. [TSN]
Gary Bettman tells the Board of Governors they won't have to cover the Coyotes' losses. That means, of course, they will. [TSN]
Guess what? The Canadian media loves Sidney Crosby. [TSN]
More notes from the first day of the BOG meetings. [ESPN]
Brian Burke will carry the Olympic torch. [ESPN]
Michael Leighton, who is not that good, has been claimed off waivers by the Flyers. [ESPN]

Other links

This map looks pretty accurate said every one of my neighbors. [Pic
You've heard of Letters to Santa, well this is Letters to Walken, as in Christopher Walken. [Letters to Walken]
The year in viral videos. Enjoy. [Videogum]

Video

Donut King knows who he wants to take over the Blues when Andy Murray gets fired: this guy.

That's it for today. Come back for the GDT. I'm off work so I'll be there.

Cancel My Away Game Season Ticket Plan: Blues Win At Home.

2009-12-16T04:58:43Z

First things first: teams are starting to look past the Blues. Calgary started Curtis McIlhinney tonight, he of four games played this season (Miikka Kiprusoff has played in 29). But let's give the Blues this: they took advantage of not having to play Kiprusoff and did what they needed to get one of those heretofore elusive home wins.

Generally speaking, that team reminded me of the Blues of the early part of the Edmonton game. As we were talking about that game tonight at the rink I made the comment that at first we were all so excited because they were playing like the team we thought we had. Then, in the third period, they played like the team we unfortunately knew we had. That second team never showed up tonight.

Yes, there were mistakes; teams don't play perfect for all 60 minutes. barret Jackman lost track of Jarome Iginla a couple times and it nearly cost them. Yes, Brad Boyes missed the net wide again in key situations, but at least he made some smart plays with the puck and wound up with three assists tonight. Chris Mason made his standard unbelievable save and his standard "how'd that go in?" faux pas.

Overall, however, the type of effort we expect to see from this team every night. If it takes Barret Jackman and Keith Tkachuk mistreating each other in practice like they did this weekend, then so be it. Professional athletes are weird, giant man-child finely tuned coordinated machines. Head games and superstitions come with the territory.

Finally, a few other notes from tonight:

I didn't see the Hull ceremony, but I'm hoping to catch the replay. I was in the building early enough to catch the whole game and when they showed Hullie up on the jumbotron and he flashed that smile-smirk of his and gave the thumbs-up, it made me smile. I miss that guy. He made me a hockey fan. I love that guy.
In case you missed it, the fan that yelled something out that gave Hull pause and made the whole rink laugh was someone who yelled out, "Keenan sucks!" People said it looked like Hull wanted to say something about it. Personally, I don't know how he refrained.
Another great recurring joke of the night was the interviews of Hull's Team. Angelllla asked Tony Twist, Curtis Joseph, Geoff Courtnall and others to tell a 'family friendly Brett Hull story. Not one of them could do it. CuJo even said, "There are no family-friendly Brett Hull stories." Did I mention that I love that guy?
As for the game, a big sign that things went the right way is that I don't have to gush about the play of Silent Jay McClement tonight. When McClement's solid defensive play is noticable, things aren't going well for the team. Silent Jay was solid as always, but it's a good thing that he was overshadowed.
Apparently Brett Hull said in an interview today that T.J. Oshie reminds him a lot of himself when he was that age. All I can say about that is that we should all go into avoid the jinx mode and never speak of this again. That said, how fitting was it for the Teej to win the game with a Hullian shot late in the game? Sinking into a hole in the defense and then snapping on in? Quite fitting, actually.
On the power play tonight, Brad lee said, "Why is Alex Steen out there?" I replied with, "He's a great puck handler." A second later he fired a shot that scored. Call both of us crazy.
David Perron may not have scored and I may be starting to come over to the Answer Man's theory that his teammates don't like him based on their lack of obvious love for him on-ice, but there are few players in the NHL that have that want for the puck that Frenchie has. Even when he's stickhandling through the defense and they're hooking and holding him, he stays focused, keeps moving his feet and trying to get the puck back. You can't teach that quality. wanting the puck is what makes players better than like-skilled equals.

In Chicago tomorrow, which will be a huge test. It'll be a good chance to see how much confidence this team got from tonight as they try to beat a fierce rival in the first game they play against them this year.

You want something else? Here it is, your Hullian end to the Brett Hull Night:

Brett and Cal and Gary; Your Flames at Blues GDT

2009-12-16T00:00:20Z

by Tom Gannam - AP

They sing that you, "Can't touch a Flame when it's red hot," and Nigel Dawes proved that true of Mike Weaver when they visited last month.

View full size photo »

After the debacle against Edmonton Friday, I wrote down a few words about the current Blues and their struggles. Along the way I made the comment that the Flames have "like three good guys" which someone called me out for as being arrogant and dismissive or something. Dismissive I have been called before, arrogant was a new one.

So tonight the Flames come to town with like three good guys and look to wreck the now annual party we like to call Brett Hull Night. We celebrated wildly when we had Brett Hull Night to honor the re-naming of part of Clark Street to "Brett Hull Way." We celebrated even more wildly when we had Brett Hull Night to honor Hull and retire his iconic No. 16. Tonight we will celebrate, if maybe somewhat less wildly, Hull's unsurprising first-ballot selection to the Hockey Hall of Fame. And when we celebrate Brett Hull Night next year to celebrate the new statue they will surely erect outside for him, we will do so in wild, ticket-buying fashion.

Honestly, I have no problem with Brett Hull Night every year. He is a huge reason I became a fan, and likely a huge reason many of you became fans, too.

But what of the newly pissed-off Blues led by angry Barret Jackman, gruff Keith Tkachuk and their new heated practices? Will it be enough to leave a sell-out crowd happy as they leave, or will the home struggles continue?

The Flames are led by good guy Jarome Iginla, who has 17 goals and 32 points on the year, leading the team. For a franchise as old as the Flames, it's surprising when a player like Iginla, who has plenty of years left in the NHL, holds most of the franchise's offensive records. This isn't Nashville or San Jose, after all. But Iginla leads the franchise in games played (974), goals (426) and points (883), among other records. The Flames have other scorers and contributors, but the majority of the offense flows through Iginla (he has 19% of their goals himself and has a goal or an assist on 36% of the team's goals).

Another good guy is goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, who has 17 wins, a great goals-against (2.18) and a save percentage over 92%. Like Iginla, it's surprising when a guy like Kiprusoff holds franchise records, but he is the career leader in shutouts (30) and in goals-against (2.40). Kiprusoff gets the majority of the starts and with good reason: he gives them better than average odds of winning every time he starts.

A third good guy would be the montrosity known as Dion Phaneuf and Jay Bouwmeester. These two giant defensemen gobble up huge minutes (24 and 27 respectively) and can contribute offensively (14 points each). The difference between the two is that while Phaneuf plays a much more physical game, Bouwmeester plays the position technically better, using positioning and his stick to break up offensive chances.

The Flames can throw one or the other of their stalwart defenders out in front of Kiprusoff for effectively the whole game, guaranteeing that they won't give up many quality chances. On the front end, Iginla and whoever is lucky enough to be riding shotgun for him (this year it's Rene Bourque) can be counted on to contribute offensively, making the Flames a tough game every single time.

Extra effort required: It's Brett Hull Night.

This is your Game Day Thread. Do it to it.

Tuesdays With Hildy: How important is it to the future to focus on the past?

2009-12-15T20:49:54Z

More photos » by Frank Gunn - AP

Do scenes like this one inspire our current Blues to future greatness, or is nostalgia wasted on the youth?

Browse more photos »

Veteran leadership. Those words are bandied about quite a bit, especially in reference to a few players on the Blues that are the defacto old guys. The leaders who have about seen it all. The guys who have been in the league more than 10 years... Jackman, Walt, Sydor, and Brewer (I guess) are usually named as the guys on the team that the young Blues look to for advice and guidance, and inspiration when things are down.

Things are obviously down. The vets on the team have been leading in the practices, trying to show the kids dedication, but for whatever reason the team seems to have stagnated. What better way to light a fire under their asses than with a Brett Hull night!

Wait, what? Been done? Failed? *sigh*

This group of young Blues, though, has "foundations of the franchise" stamped all over it, and we'll remember that once they break this funk. Could seeing one of the greatest players ever to wear the jersey, even if it was the fugly one, get honored for his induction into the HHOF be an inspirational moment for them?

Hull, like him off the ice or not, was iconic in St. Louis during the 90s. You mentioned the Blues outside of the town, and the first person who came to mind was him. He was to us what Gretzky was to the Kings, and having him walk for nothing is something I'm sure that the team regrets. Very rarely do you get a player winning a Cup with 2 other teams saying "Yeah, those were nice, but I *really* wish I could have brought it to..."? Brett's still a part of the organization in some way. Look around the arena tonight and count how many Hull jerseys you see. Pull out your hockey card collections from the 90s, and count up how many Hull cards you have (mine? Is "butt ton" a number). He's going to have a statue out front - is this something for the kids to want?

To be an icon, you have to play like an icon. Last season we got glimpses of Oshie's crazed pinball-ness, Backes' grit, and Mason's skill, amongst others. This season, though, it seems stuck in the mud. Will these young kids, some not even born when Hull was traded to St. Louis, let alone when he was drafted, look at him tonight and think "God, I want that to be me one day. I want that for St. Louis and myself"?

Or, will they fulfill the stereotype of this generation (and something that I see every day) and just go "Pfft. History. Whatever. This is now."?

Poll

How important is the past to the present?

Wayne Gretzky Now Expected For Brett Hull Night

2009-12-15T20:22:38Z

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Wayne Gretzky probably received a much smaller reception at Lambert International Airport. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)

Browse more photos »

This is all going to get a little surreal.

Jeremy Rutherford with the Post-Dispatch made a posting at the Blues Talk Forum that Wayne Gretzky has been sighted in St. Louis and is expected to participate in the on-ice ceremonies honoring Brett Hull for his induction in the Hockey Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to experience the fan reaction.

You have to remember, Gretzky only played 18 regular season games and 13 playoff games with the Blues in the spring of 1996. His last moment wearing the Blue Note was him turning the puck over and then watching Steve Yzerman score over Jon Casey's shoulder.

There were reports the Blues offered a new contract for the soon to be free agent Gretzky, but that the offer was pulled by Mike Keenan after a poor early performance in the playoffs. I remember hearing Gretzky say he would never re-sign after they did that. The Great One eventually signed with the Rangers and his time as a Blue became just a minor footnote in the Gretzky mythology.

Hands down, Gretzky was the best player in the NHL during his prime years. His scoring records are light years from the rest of the league. But it is not reasonable to believe that fans in St. Louis have any connection with Gretzky.

So Blues fans, I ask what your response will be tonight when Gretzky appears on the ice during the festivities? Let us know down below.

This is also your pre-party before the game.

Tuesday links: Brett Hull night part two edition

2009-12-15T11:00:35Z

Game tonight. Will the Blues show up?

Blues news

Blues vs. Flames tonight. Will the bed stay poo-free tonight? [Sporting News]
Brett Hull and his Dream Team will be honored tonight. [The Canadian Press]
Like the Blues, the Flames are talking about hitting each other, too. [Toronto Sun]
Reminder: No T.V. for tonight's game. It's 2009, why do the Blues keep fucking up with T.V. First Dish, then High School football and now Brett Hull night. Get your shit together, Blues. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
For those of you salivating over Andy Murray getting fired if the Blues lose on Brett Hull night, John Davidson says that's not likely. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Alex Pietrangelo reported to a very cold Regina for the World Juniors. [The Globe and Mail]
Some of the Blues went to Cardinal Glennon to cheer up some sick kids. I hope they didn't show them Friday's game. [Blues]

Hockey news

Last night's results. [Yahoo! Sports]
Blues are just one many teams playing tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
Brian Burke says U.S. Hockey roster is nearly done. [CTV Olympics]
Jason Spezza may be hurt. Well ... he is, but we don't know for how long. [TSN]
Is it a little early to look at the 2009 free agent signings? Yes. That doesn't mean we still won't [TSN]
Speaking of the Flames, Olli Jokinen is playing terribly. [ESPN]
The Wild(s) are having struggling with head injuries.[ESPN]

Other links

I have a feeling this is going to be a big story. [New York Times]
Here are 50 great headlines for 2009. [Buzzfeed]
Wanna see some ass tattoos? Not tats of asses, tats ON asses. [City Rag]
Holy shit this does not look good. [eating the road]

Video

It's Brett Hull night. Here are some videos.

I think it's pretty cool Hull got 500 with a hat trick goal.

Monday Links: Barret Jackman for Captain edition

2009-12-14T11:00:34Z

Well, we have all had a weekend to digest Friday's bed shitting. How are we all feeling?

Blues news

Maybe Chris Gift is right, Barret Jackman sure does sound like a captain. And, he's acting like one following The Loss. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
The Blues are saying the right things about The Loss, but actions speak louder than words. [Belleville News-Democrat]
It's rumor mongering time: Bruce Garrioch, who a few summers ago had Evgeni Malkin packing his bags to head to the Kings, thinks the Blues might try and deal for Eric Staal. [Ottawa Sun]
What do Erik Johnson and Tiger Woods have in common? Besides hanging out with tall blond Swedes, it's that they landed on this list of bad drivers. [Winnipeg Sun]
Need insight from the father of a Blues player. I mean BESIDES Coach Osh. Bob Boyes, father of Brad Boyes if you aren't good at logic, talks about the OHL draft and what his family dealt with. [CBC Sports]

Hockey news

Guess who is still in last in the Central? Hint: It's the Blues. [NHL.com]
Blackhawks beat the Lightning and the Avalanche beat the Flames on Sunday. [Yahoo! Sports]
After only two games Sunday, the NHL has a pretty full slate on Monday ... to compete with Monday night football. [Yahoo! Sports]
Marty Turco probably is on the trading block. [Defending Big D]
Did Christmas come early for Coyotes' fans? [TSN]
Bettman about suspending the owner of the Anaheim Ducks: My bad. [ESPN]
Not really hockey related, but interesting nonetheless, who should light the Olympic cauldron? [Nucks Misconduct]
You ever wanted to hear Red Wings fans instead of just reading them. Well then, your wish has been granted. [Winging it in Motown]

Other links

Since it's not sports, I'm OK with linking to the Bleacher Report. Here's a collection of Tiger Woods' jokes. Enjoy. [Bleacher Report]
Everyone, meet Mike the Headless Chicken. His name is not ironic. [Life]
More offices in America need this. Including mine. [The Chive]
Hollywood recycles more than just old tv shows into movies. [Cracked]

Video

Doc Whiskey wants to help you get in the holiday spirit.

Awesome way to start out the week. Get used to holiday themed videos because that's all I seem to be finding right now.

That's all for this Monday edition of the links. Got something to pass along? Please do at gametimelinks(at)gmail.com.

Prospect Stats as of 12-13-09

2009-12-13T15:00:15Z

Compiled by Brian Weidler, "Game Time" Prospect Department

New features this week include the "Blue Notes" section immediately following, and a "Trending Up" section in which five of the top performers among Blues' prospects are profiled.

PEORIA (SLGT) -- Following a 4-1 loss on the road in Grand Rapids on Dec. 5 -- a game in which Peoria allowed two empty-net goals in the last 1:31, and in which Hannu Toivonen made 39 saves on 41 Griffins' shots to earn third-star honors -- the Rivermen have reeled off three straight wins, allowing a total of three goals in those games.

On Dec. 9, in Austin, the Rivermen handled the Texas Stars by a 5-1 count, with Ben Bishop stopping 18 of 19 shots for the win. The next night in Houston, Davis Payne's squad eked out a 2-1 win over the host Aeros, with Bishop again in net stopping 23 of 24 shots.

And in their return to the friendly confines of Carver Arena on Dec. 12, Toivonen stepped in to handle 34 of 35 shots by the San Antonio Rampage, earning first star honors in a 3-1 Peoria victory.

Bishop (at right) is the Blues' Feature Prospect this week, and leads the "Trending Upward" category with a 4-0-0 record in the month of December to date. In four games (244:01 minutes) played, Bishop has allowed six goals on 93 shots. This translates to a 1.47 goals-against average and a 93.5% save percentage in December. The Peoria defense has been good in front of Bishop as well, giving up less than 23 shots against per 60 minutes (22.85) when Bishop has been between the pipes in December.

By way of comparison, the Peoria defense has allowed 73 shots against in the two games Toivonen has played in December, an average of 36.81 shots against per 60 minutes when "Ears" is in the net for the Rivermen.

Your Game Time weekly prospect statistical update after the jump...

ST. LOUIS BLUES 2009-10 PROSPECT STATS as of 13 December 2009

Lines with GREY backgrounds denote players above "prospect age" of 25 years.

##	FORWARDS	Ps/Sh	Ht	Wt	Birthdate	Birthplace	2008-09 Club(s)	League	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PP	SH	GW
3 (78) '09	ANDRONOV, Sergei	RW/L	6-00	183	07-19-89	Moscow, RUS	Lada Togliatti	KHL	31	5	8	13	- 3	18	1	0	2
Trade '07	BARRIBALL, Jay	C/L	5-09	165	05-27-87	Prior Lake, MN	Minnesota	WCHA	5	2	2	4	+ 3	10	0	0	0
F/A '09	CRACKNELL, Adam	RW/R	6-03	215	07-15-85	Prince Albert, SK	Peoria	AHL	28	5	9	14	+ 3	10	1	2	1
6 (171) '05	DRAZENOVIC, Nick	C/L	6-01	200	01-14-87	Prince George, BC	Peoria	AHL	22	8	9	17	- 3	16	2	0	0
1 (13) '07	ELLER, Lars	F/L	6-00	198	05-08-89	Rodovre, DMK	St. Louis	NHL	5	1	0	1	+ 1	4	1	0	0
							Peoria	AHL	23	4	16	20	- 1	20	0	0	1
4 (100) '07	ERSTAD, Travis	F/R	6-04	185	11-09-88	Madison, WI	Wisconsin-Stevens Pt	NCAA Div III	10	3	6	9	...	49	2	0	0
2 (39) '07	HJALMARSSON, Simon	RW/R	5-11	170	02-01-89	Varnamo, SWE	Rögle BK	SEL	30	2	5	7	- 2	10	0	0	0
3 (65) '08	LEHTERA, Jori	C/L	6-02	191	12-23-87	Helsinki, FIN	Tappara	SML	29	12	25	37	+ 3	20	5	1	0
3 (70) '08	LIVINGSTON, James	RW/R	6-02	213	03-08-90	Halifax, NS	Sault Ste. Marie	OHL	29	14	10	24	+ 9	41	6	0	3
2 (33) '08	McRAE, Philip	C/L	6-03	191	03-15-90	Apple Valley, MN	London	OHL	30	9	22	31	+ 5	41	3	1	4
6 (155) '08	NIGRO, Anthony	C/L	6-00	189	01-11-90	Woodbridge, ON	Ottawa	OHL	25	8	18	26	- 2	12	4	0	1
7 (190) '07	NILL, Trevor	C/R	6-01	180	04-11-89	Detroit, MI	Michigan State	CCHA	10	0	0	0	0	8	0	0	0
2 (44) '07	PALUSHAJ, Aaron	RW/R	6-00	185	09-07-89	Livonia, MI	Peoria	AHL	26	2	10	12	0	10	1	0	0
Trade '09	PELLETIER, Pascal	RW/L	5-11	197	06-16-83	Labrador City, NL	Syracuse	AHL	25	3	13	16	- 7	23	1	0	0
							Peoria	AHL	3	0	1	1	+ 1	7	0	0	0
							TOTALS	AHL	28	3	14	17	- 6	30	1	0	0
6 (160) '07	PELUSO, Anthony	RW/R	6-04	235	04-18-89	King City, ON	Peoria	AHL	13	1	0	1	0	43	0	0	0
							Alaska	ECHL	5	0	1	1	+ 1	15	0	0	0
F/A '07	PORTER, Chris	LW/L	6-01	205	05-29-84	Thunder Bay, ON	Peoria	AHL	28	7	8	15	+ 6	23	0	1	1
5 (156) '05	REAVES, Ryan	RW/R	6-02	200	01-20-87	Winnipeg, MB	Peoria	AHL	28	3	3	6	-10	76	0	0	0
5 (124) '06	SACKRISON, Andrew	F/L	6-01	200	11-12-87	St. Louis Park, MN	Minnesota State	WCHA	11	2	2	4	- 1	4	0	0	0
4 (87) '08	SCHULTZ, Ian	RW/R	6-02	200	02-04-90	Calgary, AB	Calgary	WHL	32	13	13	26	+ 1	70	6	1	1
4 (108) '09	SHATTOCK, Tyler	RW/R	6-03	190	02-03-90	Salmon Arm, BC	Kamloops	WHL	31	16	21	37	+ 1	42	5	0	4
3 (85) '07	SONNE, Brett	C/L	6-00	187	05-16-89	Maple Ridge, BC	Peoria	AHL	25	4	4	8	-11	16	3	0	1
Trade '06	STASTNY, Yan	C/L	5-10	195	09-30-82	Quebec, QC	St. Louis	NHL	3	1	0	1	+ 1	0	0	0	0
							Peoria	AHL	23	7	8	15	- 1	26	3	0	1
F/A '07	TALBOT, Julian	C/L	6-00	185	03-24-85	Wahnapitae, ON	Peoria	AHL	26	5	6	11	- 5	12	3	0	1
7 (202) '09	TARDY, Max	C/R	6-00	188	10-27-90	Duluth, MN	Tri-City	USHL	21	6	9	15	- 2	20	4	0	1
##	DEFENSEMEN	Ps/Sh	Ht	Wt	Birthdate	Birthplace	2008-09 Club(s)	League	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PP	SH	GW
5 (125) '08	BERGLUND, Kristofer	D/L	5-10	180	11-09-88	Umea, SWE	Luleå HF	SEL	30	2	6	8	- 8	12	1	0	0
1 (18) '07	COLE, Ian	D/L	6-01	211	01-18-89	Ann Arbor, MI	Notre Dame	CCHA	17	1	8	9	- 4	33	0	0	1
F/A '08	CUNDARI, Mark	D/L	5-10	200	04-23-90	Toronto, ON	Windsor	OHL	32	3	27	30	+33	81	0	0	1
4 (96) '07	FAIRCHILD, Cade	D/L	5-10	190	01-15-89	Duluth, MN	Minnesota	WCHA	17	0	8	8	- 5	18	0	0	0
Trade '08	FAST, T.J.	D/L	6-01	190	09-02-87	Calgary, AB	Peoria	AHL	5	0	0	0	- 1	2	0	0	0
							Alaska	ECHL	10	2	2	4	- 6	10	0	0	1
7 (184) '06	HELLSTRÖM, Alex	D/R	6-02	207	04-17-87	Falun, SWE	Luleå HF	SEL	20	0	1	1	- 8	50	0	0	0
3 (64) '06	JUNLAND, Jonas	D/L	6-02	200	11-15-87	Linköping, SWE	St. Louis	NHL	1	0	0	0	0	- 2	0	0	0
							Peoria	AHL	28	6	16	22	+ 9	20	4	0	1
1 (4) '08	PIETRANGELO, Alex	D/R	6-03	206	01-18-90	King City, ON	St. Louis	NHL	9	1	1	2	- 9	6	0	0	0
4 (48) '09	PONICH, Brett	D/L	6-06	205	02-22-91	Edmonton, AB	Portland	WHL	31	1	9	10	+ 1	38	0	0	0
Trade '08	RICHMOND, Danny	D/L	6-00	192	08-01-84	Chicago, IL	Peoria	AHL	25	1	8	9	- 3	86	1	0	0
1 (17) '09	RUNDBLAD, David	D/R	6-02	190	10-08-90	Lycksele, SWE	Skellefteå AIK	SEL	28	0	2	2	- 2	10	0	0	0
6 (168) '09	SHIELDS, David	D/R	6-03	216	01-27-91	Rochester, NY	Erie	OHL	32	5	6	11	- 9	18	5	0	0
F/A '08	STRACHAN, Tyson	D/R	6-03	225	10-20-84	Melfort, SK	St. Louis	NHL	6	0	2	2	+ 3	4	0	0	0
							Peoria	AHL	15	1	5	6	+ 6	33	0	0	1
4 (94) '06	TUREK, Ryan	D/R	6-00	185	09-22-87	Southfield, MI	Alaska	ECHL	19	1	2	3	+ 9	28	0	0	1
F/A '07	WAGNER, Steve	D/L	6-02	200	03-06-84	Grand Rapids, MN	Peoria	AHL	26	1	6	7	- 9	12	0	0	1
4 (95) '08	WARSOFSKY, David	D/L	5-08	170	05-30-90	Weymouth, MA	Boston University	HEA	13	4	4	8	+ 3	28	0	2	0

Drafted	GOALTENDERS	Ps/Ct	Ht	Wt	Birthdate	Birthplace	2009-10 Club(s)	League	GP	Mins	GA	SO	GAA	W	L	OL	Shts	Sv %
2 (34) '08	ALLEN, Jake	G/L	6-02	175	08-07-90	Fredericton, NB	Montreal	QMJHL	23	1241	55	1	2.66	11	11	0	624	0.912
4 (106) '06	BERRA, Reto	G/L	6-04	189	01-03-87	Bulach, SUI	EHC Biel	NL-A	8	...	...	..	3.30	..	..	..	...	...
3 (85) '05	BISHOP, Ben	G/L	6-05	205	11-21-86	Denver, CO	Peoria	AHL	14	858	37	0	2.59	9	4	1	377	0.902
7 (185) '08	KARPOWICH, Paul	G/L	6-03	185	10-25-88	Thunder Bay, ON	Clarkson	ECAC	12	700	42	0	3.60	3	7	2	393	0.893
Trade	TOIVONEN, Hannu	G/L	6-02	200	05-18-84	Kalvola, FIN	Peoria	AHL	14	848	39	0	2.76	6	7	1	433	0.910

"Game Time" takes a look at five of the Blues' prospects who have performed above and beyond the others over the last seven days.

Jori LEHTERA	Philip McRAE	Brett SONNE	Hannu TOIVONEN	Steve WAGNER

** 4 games played this week	** 3 games played this week	** 4 games played this week	** 2 games played this week	** 3 games played this week
** 4 G, 2 A, minus-6	** 1 G, 2 A, plus-2	** 2 G, 1 A, plus-1	** 119 minutes, 3 goals against, 1-1-0 record	** 0 G, 2 A, plus-3
** 2 PIM, 2 power-play goals	** 0 PIM, 1 power-play goal, 1 game-wining goal	** 6 PIM, 1 power-play goal, 1 game-winning goal	** 1.51 GAA, 96.1% save percentage	** 6 PIM, 0 special teams goals.

Sunday Links: "Still Pissed Off At Edmonton" Edition

2009-12-13T12:00:18Z

It's unfortunate that we're in this predicament. Unfortunately, we're in a time where we're debating the merits of our head coach, our captain, and even our own on-ice committment of the rest of our roster.

But you didn't come here for my commentary, you came here for the linkage. Go ahead and click shit.

Blues News:

Brett Hull night is Tuesday. Don't fuck it up, Blues.
Buy tickets for Tuesday or else.
And when you buy tickets, be in your seat by 6:45.

NHL News:

Chris Chelios, not joining an NHL team near you anytime soon.
Phoenix, hockey, and optimism. Puck Daddy discusses.
Another guy from Puck Daddy (Leahy) recalls the Top 10 All Star Game moments.
Toronto wins! Join the Leafs fan base, where they're doing all sorts of ass-backward things like playing Lee Stempniak on the penalty kill.
Montreal will be forced to pay a hefty fine for using an ineligible player or they will be forced to fill out months of paper work in the NHL's formal process of requesting a "do-over"
Speaking of Montreal, check out Price/Halak by the numbers.
Saturday's scores.
Sunday's slate.

Other Stuff:

Library book requests: That sounds about right.
They took away this guy's name. And dignity.
Mental Floss takes you through some legendary roommate pairings.

Video:

In the interest of reminiscing about one of the all-time greatest Blues, here's a clip of Hull on Letterman.

Averagejoe is back tomorrow. He's really, really good at this sort of thing. But if you find something to send his way for the links, send it to gametimelinks (at) gmail.com

Booing And Firing And Getting Emo: Be A Blues Fan 2009.

2009-12-12T15:00:18Z

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

If you think Andy Murray looks mad, you should have seen the people in the crowd.

Browse more photos »

I've never booed the Blues. Never sat in my seat and openly booed a poor performance before. Never sat on the couch at home and booed the team or even an individual player. I've been pissed plenty. Thrown stuff at my own TV. Broken my own possessions. Stormed out of rooms. But never booed the team before.

Last night I helped boo the home team off the ice. I don't feel guilty about it at all.

I think I've never booed the Blues before because even when they were getting killed in games or, like in 2005-06, simply didn't have the talent to compete with the other team most nights, at least there was effort. There was some drive or some sense of personal pride or personal embarrassment. There was some sense that even if they were getting wacked harder than my college roommate's dick on Five Hour Porno Sunday the players were trying their best to make it stop or to stem the tide or just avoid getting completely bent over in front of their fans.

But last night they let the Oilers embarrass them in front of a home crowd which, if not the rowdiest I've ever experienced, was at least behind the team. I'm sure some of those players felt shame in what had happened to them, but I know full well that some of them were over on the east side within an hour, and shame isn't exactly what was making their cheeks burn.

Only one other time have I sat in that building and thought definitively, "This coach is getting fired in the next couple days." that was on the night that Brett Hull's No. 16 went to the rafters and the Blues promptly had their mouths raped for them by the visiting Red Wings. At the time I realized that if the team couldn't get up to play hard on that night, then something had to change and that the change had to be the firing of Mike Kitchen.

Tonight I had the same feeling as that day right before Kitchen's excuse of "I told them what to do, but they just aren't doing it" failed to save his job. Andy Murray is going to lose his job.

As much as he is a likeable guy and as much as I don't want to see any individual lose his job, sports are still a business and this sports team is run by businessmen who didn't get to the position of being able to own a hockey team by making bad decisions. The owner, Dave Checketts, has already said in the media that mediocre isn't going to cut it, a statement that seems to indicate one of two courses of action: a trade or a firing. As I broke down in my overlong article about possible tradeable assets, there just aren't a lot of players that can be moved right now. And that leaves just one other option, an option that is familiar to people who run companies in America. In business, when one division of a company is failing, that division head gets the axe. All the employees get freaked, a new division head is hired with a mandate to kick ass and take names and the division either succeeds or more people get fired.

Andy Murray is that division head. If the new guy comes in and struggles, then we'll see some trades. But Andy Murray is going to be the first guy to fall on his sword for the Blues this year.

Finally, I've written about the Blues' lack of a killer instinct this year. Killer instinct? Holy shit. Maybe I need to write about them being less emo and losing the suicidal instinct they showed last night. Or maybe I have that wrong too. Maybe less suicidal and more of a less-hubris situation. Up by three and just 20 seconds to go until the third period? Wheee! Look at us! We are the bestest!

Dear Blues, Here's what you looked like from the stands last night. Guess which guy is you.

Next game is Tuesday against the Flames, who have like three good players. Brett Hull will be in the building as the Blues honor his career for the 17th time in the last four years. Will Murray still be behind the bench for that game? What happens if they Detroit it up for that one? How long does he get after that?

Saturday Links: Fucking "Shopping for protective sheets" Edition. Fuck!

2009-12-12T12:00:36Z

After pissing the bed again with a 3rd period lead, I figure the Blues ought to invest in some rubber sheets or something that will absorb the brunt of these 3rd period pissings. Son of a bitch!

Blues News:

Blues piss away a three goal lead.
Weaver's happy to be "low key" (that didn't take yesterday's game into effect) and Hullie's line-up card. You'll be able to guess most of Brett's team.
AP recap. It's as depressing as you expect it to be.
Hockey Prof linked to it yesterday, but just in case you missed it, LuvHockey has your back on a good Red Berenson article.

NHL News:

Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson celebrated 37 years yesterday.
Friday's results.
Saturday's slate.
Some good news? Well, Patrick Lalime did give a big "Fuck you" 39 save effort for Buffalo in the general direction of the Hawks.
Puck Daddy looks at D-men in shootouts. No mention of this Dennis Wideman effort.
Ice Edge nears purchase of the Coyotes. How long until this falls through somehow?

Other Stuff:

Try this one on Christmas Day.
Now these are my kind of people.
Next time you go camping and run into a bear, don't play dead, play bear.

Video:

Busch Ice has our educational video on how to celebrate a blown Blues lead and/or finally getting done with finals week.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Drink Responsibly

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

And if that didn't work, go here.

After a blown 3-goal lead, there's no amount of booze that can soothe my pain. Allegedly.

Fuck!

Gametimelinks (at) gmail.com

Blues Blow 3-0 Lead

2009-12-12T04:02:29Z

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

This game is over! Where are we going to celebrate after the victory! (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Browse more photos »

I'm not going to say that the Blues thought the game was over, but David Backes and Keith Tkachuk were caught smiling on the bench after he nearly got a hat trick. It all seemed a little too easy.

And then Gilbert Brule scored. And he scored again. Suddenly it was a game. And then it wasn't with four third-period goals for the Oilers. And then it was over 5-3.

Shocking.

I'll end this wrapup jus like the Bl

Oilers @ Blues GDT

2009-12-12T00:43:34Z

by Paul Sancya - AP

If you get more playing time, will you smell better? I need to know. You are ripe. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

View full size photo »

The Edmonton Oilers make their first visit to St. Louis tonight. Try not to get too excited. They have one more point than the Blues.

The Oilers are coming off a 3-2 win Wednesday night at Tampa Bay. Zach Stortini scored a Gordie Howe hat trick with his third goal of the season, an assist and not one but two fights. Overachiever. The win gives Edmonton four straight victories on the road coming into tonight. Who do they think they are, the Blues? The Oilers also got goals from Tom Gilbert and Dustin Penner.

Penner is having a renaissance this season, his third after signing a ridiculous free agent offer sheet while in Anaheim. His first season in Alberta, Penner 23 goals and 24 assists, only two points more than he had scored the season before. Last year, his second for the Oilers, his production dropped to 17 goals and 20 assists. This season already Penner has matched his goal total of 17 and has 15 assists. Even if he has turned his career around at age 27 and made his signing not seem like such a freaking joke, Penner will still remain the argument against a franchise gambling by throwing gobs of money at young restricted free agents. I guess that's better than being remembered for marrying one of the actresses on Baywatch and then having his messy divorce go public.

So Sheldon Souray got married to Angelica Bridges who was on Baywatch. They were happy. Had some kids. Decided to get a divorce. She got a Twitter account and started accusing Souray of being violent towards his family. Real, real messy. The big defenseman with a big shot from the point, especially on the power play, Last season for the Oilers Souray netted 23 goals. This year, two. To match his 53 points from last year, he's going to have to turn it up a notch from seven.

Lubomir Visnovsky is having a fine year and enjoying time away from Los Angeles. The defenseman has seven goals and 15 assists and is supplying the offense from the blue line that Souray should be providing. Of course offense has been at a premium for the Oilers since their leading scorer Ales Hemsky went down with a torn left labrum. Season-ending surgery. Too bad for him.

Gilbert Brule was a bust as a first-round draft pick in Columbus. Without the pressure of being the next big thing in Ohio, he can be just another player for the Oilers. He's scored seven goals and 11 assists during this his first season in Edmonton. And he's only 22. So go figure what his real potential ceiling is.

The pressure is still on young Sam Gagner to get better. As an 18-year-old he scored 49 points. It was precious. And then at age 19, his points dropped to 41. Now that he's not a teenager but not old enough to order his own beer, he has 18 points on the season. Good luck, young fella.

I had totally forgotten Nikolai Khabibulin signed in Edmonton. And maybe the Oilers wish they could forget too. The Bulin Wall has a record of 7-9-2 on the season. While sporting a 91 percent save percentage, his GAA is above 3.0. That's a really weird mix. He's been on the shelf with a sore back since Nov. 21. Playing in his place have been Jeff Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk. I think they may sell tires in their spare time.

Can the Blues play a good game on home ice? Who's the starter in net? Will Towel Boy actually jump? Let's drop the puck.

This is your game day thread. There's no way you read all that. Do your thing.

Great Story on Blues Great Berenson

2009-12-11T12:12:40Z

Great Story on Blues Great Berenson

Favorite quote from Glenn Hall on the night of Red's six goal game:

‘Red, you’ve had your hands in the air all night. How about putting them in your pocket and buying us a drink?'

Friday links: Wishing for a home ice win tonight edition

2009-12-11T11:00:24Z

It's Friday. I can't wait for this week to end.

Blues news

The Oilers vs. Blues tonight. Here's a preview. [CBS Sports]
Ty Conklin has done well as a backup. I'm not used to the Blues having a backup who doesn't make me cringe. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
The Oilers are trying to make history in St. Louis. [Toronto Sun]
Pascal Pelletier is pretty happy to get out of the of Syracuse and into the Blues orgnaization. Also, his eyes are very close together. [Peoria Journal Star]
From the good Dr. (drfrankentweed) comes a nice little article on the Eureka fury, Cam Janssen. [Duffer's Dabbles]

Hockey news

Thursday's results. [Yahoo! Sports]
In case you want to watch something while the Blues are on, here are Friday's games. [Yahoo! Sports]
Fenway Park is being set up to play hockey. Stanley Cup of Chowder has some videos of the set up. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
Dominik only roots for teams that can't score goals. Outside of John Tavares and Matt Moulsan, the Islanders are having trouble putting the puck in the net. [Lighthouse Hockey]
Dan Cleary will be out for a month after hurting himself against the Blues. [TSN]
Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone are both day-to-day. Gotta love the NHL injury rules. [TSN]
At 51, Slave Fetisov — one of the Russian Red Wings — will play for CSKA Moscow on Friday. And it's not a stunt. The team actually needs him. [TSN]
Pierre LeBrun wants to copy baseball and have Summer meetings for the NHL. [ESPN]

Other links

I'm pretty sure we have some House fans around here. I'm told this is the show in a nutshell. [Pic]

Video

I don't know if this video is supposed to be a commentary about how movie trailers are pointless, but all I can say is I'd see this movie.

Poor College Student has the weekend shift. Send him links at gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

"Oshie" leads in naming contest for Jaguar Cubs...

2009-12-10T22:59:59Z

...at the zoo in Evansville, Indiana. The cubs were born at the zoo early this fall; it is still quite rare that they are born in captivity, so this is a big deal for the zoo there. So far, Oshie leads Maya: 116 votes to 85.

http://www.courierpress.com/news/entertainment/attractions/jagcam/

Look on the far right side of the screen for the Name the Cubs Contest! You have to register to vote; it's quick and easy, though.