Columbus Blues Jackets
(5-10-2)
vs
St. Louis Blues
(9-5-2)
at
Scottrade Center
Game Time 7:00 pm
St. Louis, MO- Blues fans have known for years that injuries are a way of life around this place. The case was no more evident than against Colorado a few nights ago when Colorado’s Mark Olver took liberties against Vladimir Tarasenko. Olver’s blindside hit to the head ended up concussing Tarasenko and sending him to the IR. Brendan “Captain Dipshit” Shanahan, in all his infinite wisdom, deemed it to be a legal hit and no further action will be pursued on Olver. How long ago was it that Ian Cole, with no intention, struck the head of Detroit Redwings Justin Abdelkater and earned a suspension? Intent or not, hits to the head are what the league swore they were out to crack down on, and this is the crap we get. More inconsistent, willy-nilly BS. You’re right, I am a bit biased because I am a fan of the team of the player injured, but am I really out of line? No, I do not think that I am. Now the Blues have their super-star youngster on the shelf while the Avalanche skate away with no repercussions at all. This league is slowly killing its reputation of reliability of its referees and its complete lack of consistency in regards to upholding the rules set in place. It is shameful the way things have gone since Shanahan took over as Sheriff of the NHL. Teams have been getting screwed all across the league, and I for one am tired of it. If your gonna punish hits to the head, you have to punish them all regardless of intent. Heck, even a 2 minute boarding minor would have been better than nothing at all.
Tonight’s match up with the Jackets should honestly be no match at all. The Blues have the ability to elevate their play to a level the Blue Jackets can not compete with. Trouble is, will the team that is capable of doing so show up? They did not show up and respond to the hit on Tarasenko, so why would they tonight against a weaker division foe? I was left shaking my head the other night when I saw nothing done, no pride in defending your mates. Some may say it is stupid to avenge and take penalty minutes for such things, but it is much more than that. Sticking up for your mates lets the other team know that if you pull stupid stunts you’re gonna get pounded. Gone are the days of the goon for goon’s sake, but my goodness where is your fight and passion for your team mates? Which squad will show up tonight at the Scottrade Center? We all hope the hard-nosed, in your face, take it to the house team will be on the ice at 7:00 pm. I know as a life long Blues fan the change has to happen tonight. Post David Perron Concussion, nothing was done to San Jose. Wake up Blues, it’s time to get nasty and not let people push you around anymore.
Chris Porter was recalled from Peoria and is expected to be with the club in St. Louis today. Hitchcock says Porter is expected to sit as the extra forward. Here are the expected lines tonight as Lou Korac sees them:
Forward Lines:
Perron-Backes-Oshie
McDonald-Steen-Stewart
D’Agostini-Berglund-Sobotka
Schwartz-Nichol-Reaves
Defensive Pairs
Cole-Pietrangelo
Jackman-Shattenkirk
Russell-Polak
In Goal
Jaroslav Halak
This is what I hope we start to see from the Blues when their teammates go down to bad hits!