Q’s Cuties: Blues @ Sharks | October 15, 2011
Welcome to tonight’s Cutie Watch! Tonight, the Blues continue their road trip against the San Jose Sharks. The Blues fell hard to start their road trip in Dallas, coming up short in a 2-3 loss against the Stars. Blues have also lost forward Andy McDonald for an undetermined amount of time as he travels to St. Louis for further medical exams for a head injury. McDonald took a hit at the end of the second, and was cleared by Blues trainers and Stars doctors to play in the third. Apparently, he woke up with symptoms on Friday morning and headed back to St. Louis. Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak still looked weak against Dallas. Many fans seem to be questioning if the Blues can rely on this starter to pull out the game play needed to have a successful season. As the injuries seem to be piling up, yet again, the Blues need to step up their game to compensate. Here’s who I’ll be watching tonight:
Alex Steen #20: This cutie is tied for top points after the first three games of season with 3 (1 G, 2 A). He has been working hard on the 3rd line with Jason Arnott and Matt D’Agostini. Their line seems to be clicking well, as all 3 have been successful in the point making department. Last season, Steen had a career high 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists). His breakout season last year is something that fans have their eye on for a repeat performance, and Steen is not disappointing with his play in the first games. Through the off season, Steen also made great strides off the ice with his charity, the Amadeus Steen Foundation. You can find a full write up with an interview with an ASF director on BNZ here. Watch for this cutie to continue do good things- on and off the ice.
Sharks Cutie to Watch: That’s right fans, get ready to “boo” Joe Thornton because the Blues are back in California to play the Sharks for the first of 4 times this season. The Sharks have split their first two games of the season, but have allowed only 4 goals total in those two games. With both Niemi and Nittymaki both out to injuries, the Sharks have been depending on their number 3 goalie. This hasn’t stopped the Sharks from being successful- they scored six goals in their first game at home. Here’s who my eye will (hopefully) be on:
Thomas Greiss #1, Goalie: This cutie has stepped from number 3 to starter with lingering injuries to the top two goaltenders. In his first two regular season games, Greiss has allowed only 4 goals. He currently has a 0.923 save percentage. Not bad for a guy who had only played in 19 total NHL games before this season. Niemi has been battling toward a comeback, but he is still considered day to day. If Niemi cannot make his first appearance of the season tonight, Greiss will get his first start. Keep your eye on this cutie to continue to crank out quality goaltending against the Blues tonight, as long as the number one is still injured.
Tonight is Hockey Fights Cancer Night in San Jose! Tonight, the Sharks are hosting young people with cancer through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of San Jose. They will also be holding a silent auction to benefit the LLS of San Jose. After the game, the special guests will get to meet and greet with Sharks players in the locker room. The Sharks Foundation has also hosted a suite, courtesy of Martin Havlat, to “Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer and Support Services.” This charity provides assistance for the entire family of children with cancer. It helps with financial burdens during treatment, including gas and household bills, gives counseling to parents and siblings, and provides positive outlets for children with cancer such as art and celebrations of milestones. Jacob’s Heart has also received a $5,000 grant from the Sharks in honor of Hockey Fights Cancer Month. In commemoration of HFC night, the coaches and broadcasters of the Sharks will be wearing the 2011 HFC tie; the Sharks players will be wearing HFC logos on their helmets this month.
