According to Blues radio play by play voice Chris Kerber, the team has agreed to a contract extension with forward Ryan Reaves.

The St. Louis Blues have signed Ryan Reaves to a new 2 year contract extension through the 2013-2014 season.

The 6′ 1″, 225 lbs. Winnipeg, Manitoba native was drafted 156th overall (5th round) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

In 53 career NHL games Reaves has scored 2 goals and registered 4 points to go with his 126 PIMs.

Reaves has carved out his place in the professional ranks as an enforcer/fighter. But that has not always been the case. As a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings he scored 36 goals in 201 WHL games. At the time he was a physical, energy line forward. It wasn’t until his arrival in Peoria that then head coach Davis Payne suggested using his size for other purposes in order to reach the big show.

The extension shows that the Blues feel Reaves is not only a fighter and under the current system and head coach, Ken Hitchcock, he will develop more in to a BJ Crombeen type player. As he was earlier in his career. A gritty and responsible plumber line winger who can add to the team toughness factor.

The extension will cover through the 13-14 season. Keep that in mind as it outlasts Crombeen’s contract.

Beforea hearing the monetary details, is this a good or bad move?

(Update: Per MSM reports the deal is one-way and worth $600,000 per year.)

Center ice at Scottrade welcomed back one and said see you again soon to another last night.

A few transactions and lineup alterations may have gotten lost in the shuffle last night. In short form:

- Forward Ryan Reaves was activated from IR after missing five games with a hip injury. He replaced Chris Porter on the 4th line Saturday night.

- Defenseman Cade Fairchild was assigned to the Rivermen.

- Defenseman Ian Cole completed his three game suspension and is eligible to play Tuesday against the Canadiens in Montreal.

Analysis

Reaves return to the lineup ahead of Andy McDonald and Alex Steen likely ensures a three hour drive to Peoria is in the Evgeny Grachev’s near future. That is unless another forward falls victim to the hockey god of injuries’ interference. It’s not that the Blues do not value skill and ability in their depth. They do. It is exactly why Reaves is here and Cam Janssen is in New Jersey. Though the big Russian has shown he can adequately provide bottom six services, he still has a top six ceiling. The team wants him playing in that role when possible opposed to sitting in the pressbox.

The return of Fairchild to the AHL should be no surprise. Not because of poor performances, but because Cole has proven fairly NHL reliable where as former Golden Gopher just has one solid half season under his belt. It’s worth mentioning that with Kent Huskins and Kris Russell still out of order that the Blues have just six healthy defensemen on their roster.  While potentially troublesome if they were playing a game between Sunday and Tuesday, they are not so no trouble presented. The Rivermen do play Sunday so the return of Fairchild gets him back in their lineup where he is sorely needed. Peoria is also idle till Thursday allowing him to head to Montreal with the big club Monday.

In Other News

The Blues have announced the 2012 Rink Tour schedule. Hopefully there won’t be a snow out and reschedule this time. Judging by the weather. It seems doubtful.

Locations per the Blues website. Obviously subject to change.:

1. Affton Ice Rink
10300 Gravois Rd.
Affton, MO 63123

2. East Alton Ice Rink
631 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
East Alton, IL 62024

3. Fenton Ice Rink
1771 Gilsinn
Fenton, MO 63026

4. FSI Shark Tank
6297 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63129

5. Granite City Ice Rink
2900 Benton St.
Granite City, IL 62040

6. Hardee’s IcePlex
16851 Outer Forty North
Chesterfield, MO 63005

7. Hockey Performance Center
11133 Lindbergh Business Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63123

8. St. Louis Mills IceZone
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd.
Hazelwood, MO 63042

9. St. Peters Rec-Plex
1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376

10. U.S. Ice Sports Complex (Formally known as Fairview)
125 S. Ruby Lane.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208

11. Webster Groves
33 East Glendale
Webster Groves, MO 63119

I will be making the five minute drive to the US Ice Sports Complex. See you there.

It Came From Twitter

A collection of Blues related tweets…

Jaden Schwartz leads stirring CC comeback wp.me/p232wl-9n via @wordpressdotcom #wcha #ECAChockey #Tigers #Blues #cchockey

— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) January 8, 2012

That 2yr./3.3 mil contract to D’Agostini keeps looking better and better. That might be the best non-ELC for a forward in the NHL.

— Nicholas Hand (@Nick_Hand) January 8, 2012

Day off then flying to Montreal tomorrow morning and then practice at bell center! Nothing like going home to play the @CanadiensMTL !!!

— David Perron (@DP_57) January 8, 2012

With the history of the Habs and being the team I loved growing up is a dream come true every time I jump on the ice at the bell center

— David Perron (@DP_57) January 8, 2012

On a flight and btwn check in and boarding10 people have commented on the Blues season keeper going boys @dbackes42 @DP_57 @shattdeuces

— Kelly Chase (@Chasenpucks39) January 8, 2012

#stlblues post-game interview video: video.blues.nhl.com/videocenter/co… A little cameo by yours truly at 2:47.

— Jeff Ponder (@jponder94) January 8, 2012

Whoa Nelly …. Blues’ power-play unit now 22nd in the NHL (14.8 percent). #stlblues

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) January 8, 2012

Despite Elliott’s shutout, Halak starts Tues in MON. Hitch: “This is once in a lifetime, first time going back there. In fairness … (1/2)

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) January 8, 2012

Hitch will bring Elliott back Thursday against Vancouver, in which Hitch said, “… will not be a day at the beach.” #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) January 8, 2012

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Wednesday the club has assigned forward Evgeny Grachev to the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

In 17 games this season the former New York Rangers prospect accumulated 2 assists while averaging 8:44 per game.

Grachev had an outstanding camp on a line with David Backes, but started the season as a healthy scratch before making headway by earning a stint on the 4th line and holding it down. In a few brief opportunities, late in games looking for a goal, he was moved up a line and did well enough given the situation. In his prolonged chances on a scoring line he did not fare as well. Namely his one infamous disjointed period with Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart in which Ken Hitchcock promptly sat him for most of the following 20 minutes.

He was not the same player after that game.

Combine in his regression and the increasing health of the Blues lineup, it was time to send him for a stint in Peoria. Exactly where he should have started the season, but the injury to BJ Crombeen in the final preseason game alter those plans.

Partially because he is Russian (and also because he is skilled with “upside”), Grachev as earned a small, but pugnacious following of fans. Needless to say they are upset at the move. Hey, if my favorite prospect was sent to Peoria, I’d not like it either. But, bear in mind he isn’t being punished.

He’s being tested. That’s a good thing.

As Dave Eminian tweets, the big guy will partner up with another big guy with aspirations of getting back to the NHL.

Grachev will play w Phil McRae. PEO opens 3 in 3 Fri at Oklahoma City.

Yes, the Rivermen play three games in three days starting Friday. The AHL just works that way. They go from OKC to San Antonio Saturday and then Houston on Sunday. With the Blues rolling sans Grachev on the ice and Peoria hit with some injury issues, they need the bodies more than the press box does.

Need details on who Fairchild is? Check out this post.

The decision to bring up Fairchild for the trip to Pittsburgh over someone more experienced like Danny Syvret (or even Mark Cundari) is an interesting one. Really emphasizing the fact that the Blues want a high tempo, puck possession style game. Even ghough Syvret is far from Tyson Strachan’s lacking level of skill and mobility, he isn’t as high as Fairchild. Cundari plays a similar game and possesses comparable abilities, but has struggled with puck management and lazy stick infractions.

Let’s not get started on Brett Ponich…

If for some odd reason one of the six healthy regulars is unable to play, Ken Hitchcock would dress Fairchild, but keep him on a short leash. Likely leaning on Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk, Barret Jackman and Roman Polak to eat more minutes.

Assuming Coliacovo progresses and is reay to play by Friday the 25th, expect Fairchild to return to Peoria. He should be able to considering the injury occurred on the 17th against Florida meaning he should be eligible to return as of Thursday.

Much like Ian Cole and Brett Sterling’s recalls, to the victor goes the spoils. Proper output with the Rivermen leads to a recall reward.

With three forwards on IR and Chris Stewart suspended for one more game, a recall for insurance purposes would be required. The Blues announced Sunday who would be making the trek down 74 to 155 to 55.

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Sunday the club has recalled forward Brett Sterling from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

Sterling, 27, is second in the AHL with 22 points while his 12 goals are tied for the league lead in 18 games with the Rivermen this season.

The 5’7, 175-pound forward has 26 games of National Hockey League (NHL) experience posting nine points (five goals, four assists) and 32 penalty minutes.

The Los Angeles, California native was signed by the Blues as a free agent on July 4, 2011.

Luckily the need comes at a time when the request doesn’t hurt the AHL affiliate. The Rivermen are in the soft spot of a 8 games in 15 days road trip covering November 12th to the 27th where they do not play between the 21st and 24th. Sterling did not play in Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Marlies in Toronto.

Willing to bet Sterling was happy to not be on the overnight trip home with Jake Allen.

The selection of Sterling over TJ Hensick, Phil McRae, Jonathan Cheechoo and Adam Cracknell is interesting, but not surprising.

- Experienced Counts: At age 27 Sterling has played in 337 AHL games and 26 in the NHL. A combined 363 games over the course of six professional campaigns. An average of 60 games per season. More than Hensick, McRae and Cracknell. Cheechoo has a greater number of games played, but as seen in training camp, he cannot keep up with the pace of play anymore.

- Speed Kills: In Ken Hitchcock’s system mobility is emphasized just as much as the utilization of skill and size. Out of the potential recall options no one can skate as well as Sterling can.

- Bring the Lunch Pail & Do Your Job: The drive to compete from whistle to whistle is critical given the current state of parity in the league. It’s management of the details that set teams apart. Sterling has that and also display some Burke-ian truculence when I took in a pair of games two weekends ago. Just ask the Rockford goalies he crashed in to repeatedly. A dimension that Hensick hasn’t added to his game ro at least hasn’t shown it in recalls last season.

- Performance Plays: The “to the voctor goes the spoils” mantra may have been mentioned the most by former head coach Davis Payne, but the dynamic holds true past his departure. Remember, the Blues want first and second year pros playing and not sitting. Tuesday’s game would be a great opportunity to get McRae an extra game in while the Rivermen are idle. He’s performed well enough to deserve a recall. A pair of hatt tricks speaks volumes, but Sterling has been better.

Don’t take the choice as an indication that the Blues have soured on the other four mentioned. Hesick is a known commodity and there is no shame in being a good AHL player. Cheechoo was a Peoria first signing from the outset and will remain there unless the injuries pile up worse than last season. Just like “the other TJ”, there is no shame in the type of player he has become. McRae will get his chance at some point this season. They don’t really need him in the pressbox if Oshie is ready to play Tuesday anyways. Cracknell is blazing the “Chris Porter path” to the NHL. Biding his time till a bottom six opening becomes available. Right injury scenario, wrong person to get hurt to be his gain.

Don’t feel bad having a laugh at Hitchcock’s expense. His quote to Lou Korac is hockey comedy gold.

Hitch’s scouting report on Brett Sterling: “Don’t even ask me what he is. I don’t know. Never seen him play.” #stlblues

For those who would like a scouting report…

As stated above, Sterling is a slick skating forward with an goal scorers toolkit that produces in the AHL. Mobile enough to create effective forechecking pressure and brave enough to play in the dirty areas. Think a hybrid of Andy McDonald’s and Vladimir Sobotka’s play style.

The challenge for him will be adapting his game from an offensive weapon on a scoring line to a well rounded opportunist. If he can do that and Oshie remains questionable for Wednesday’s game in Pittsburgh, Sterling may find himself with the Blues for one more game. It’s doubtful the recall lasts past Thanksgiving unless Oshie’s situation deteriorates. Otherwise the recall is just a good time to see what Sterling has to offer.

ABE – Always Be Evaluatin’

Happy trails to you, Nikitin, untill we meet again...

If Bob McKenzie of TSN is to believed, which he is, the Blues have made a trade late Thursday night.

Tis a sad night for Blues fans who love themselves some Russian flavor in the lineup. So long Nikita Nikitin. Be safe heading east.

Tis a good night for Blues fans who want to see a more dynamic play overall and starting with the blueline. Welcome Kris Russell. Watch out for that crazy giant cross on I-70 as yea head west. It’ll spook ya if you’re driving over tonight.

For those who don’t know much about the potentially newest blue, here’s the details.

Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 3rd Round (67th overall) in 2005 by Columbus.
Height/Weight: 5’10, 172 lbs
Current Season: 12 games played, 2 goals, 3 points, Minus-1
NHL Career Totals: 288 games played, 18 goals, 79 points, Minus-29

Scouting Report: Russell’s lack of size and strength is a concern, especially in his own end. However, he is a capable puck mover and an excellent skater. His skill set and abilities peg him as a third pairing defensemen who can help on the power play. A similar optimal role to that of current Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo.

Money Matters: Currently in the second year of a three year, $3.9 million contact. The salary structure is not escalating, meaning Russell is due to make $1.3 million in 2011-12 and 2012-13. He will be a Restricted Free Agent in the 2013 off season.

The trade on the surface appears to be a part of a shakeup taking place in Columbus following their poor start. Beyond that Russell has become expendable. His prolific junior career and exceptional skating ability lead the Blue Jackets to consider Russell one of their top prospects. Over the last few seasons he has not developed to the player they hoped he would, at least as quickly as they needed. the emergence of David Savard at Traverse City and in the preseason as well as 2009 1st round pick John Moore put Russell as overpaid for is production level and role.

Niktin, in theory, provides Columbus needed size and defensive strength on the backend while not sacrificing all puck moving and offensive ability.

From the tin foil hat department… This move could easily assist in setting up an additional deal or two down the road as those like Kent Huskins and David Perron who are out of the lineup return.

When the deal is confirmed by the teams, the post will be updated. in the between time, what say you blue bleeders? Yay or Nay? Let it out in the comments.

- – -

Update 9:20am CST: The Blues have confirmed the trade via a posting on official website.

Ian Cole - Recalled Sunday from Peoria for the first time this season.

With all of the ruckus created by the St. Louis Blues coaching changes, lost in the shuffle was a minor transaction. The Blues have recalled defensemen Ian Cole from their AHL affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

At first glance it’s easy to be confused by the move. How could they recall Cole without trading, waiving, assigning someone elsewhere? Easy, Kent Huskins is still on IR. Meaning Cole brings the active roster to 23, not 24.

With the Rivermen off till Friday, the Blues with two games before then and neither Nikita Nikitin or Taylor Chorney playing exceptionally well now was as good as any time for a merit based return to St. Louis.

VS

(1-1-0)

AT

Thursday if you happen to be in Dallas around 7:30 pm a cheap ticket might be able to be found. With the Texas Rangers locked in an ACLS battle with the Detroit Tigers most eyes will be glued to coverage of the game with little thoughts of hockey. Enough, however, of that baseball stuff as we take a quick look at the upcoming game. The Blues will be facing off against the Dallas Stars at 7:30; don’t forget the game will be on Fox Sports Midwest (HD) and FRESH 102.5 FM- NOT KMOX. The Blues are coming off an offensively impressive game against the Calgary Flames. The Blues were able to bury 5 goals in a game that they dominated most of the 2nd and 3rd periods. The Blues got off to a shaky start when Calgary winger Curtis Glencross netted his second goal of the season to put the Flames up 1 to nothing in the first period. Jarosalav Halak once again looked to be a bit shaky between the pipes in the early part of the game. With goals from 5 different players the Blues came from behind to snuff out the Flames and send them packing without a win yet this season.

One of the more impressive back hand goals we have seen from a Blues player in quite some time came off of right winger Chris Stewart’s stick. Stewart made it seem like it took such little effort as he fluttered the puck with a gentle flick of his wrists. If you can not get excited about Chris Stewart and his top end potential, you should check your self into the closest crazy bin and stay far away from the windows! The Boys in Blue will need to come in to Dallas with a full bag of tricks and effort. The Stars will not go down quietly and goalie Kari Lehtonen is known to have a hot hand when playing against St. Louis. The Blues will need to control puck possession just as they did against Calgary. Containing the likes of Mike Ribeiro, Loui Eriksson, and Brenden Morrow to name a few will be paramount. Getting a few early goals on the Stars and keeping the pressure in the Dallas zone are my two keys to the game for the Blues. With Carlo Colaiacovo (Lou Korac, Blues beat writer reports) headed to the IR after a knee to the head in the opener against Nashville the St. Louis Blues acquired Taylor Chorney from the Edmonton Oilers. The waiver claim will keep rookie Defenseman Ian Cole in Peoria for the time being. The Rivermen are off to a very sluggish start and the front office wants to keep Ian there as the leader on the blue line to play big minutes.

The St. Louis Blues lines for Thursday’s game should remain the same and look a little something like this:

Mcdonald-Backes-Langenbrunner

Oshie-Berglund-Stewart

Steen-Arnott-D’Agostini

Sobotka-Nichols- Reaves

Defensemen Pairings:

Jackman-Pietrangelo

Huskins-Polak

Nikitin-Shattenkirk

7th D-man Chorney

The Dallas Stars continue to lay down the wins coming out of the gate at 2-1 on the new 2011-2012 season. With guys like Mike Ribeiro and solid goal tending from Kari Lehtonen the Stars are off to one of the better starts in the league this season. Head coach Glen Gulutzan has his boys fired up and playing well so far. Except for a bad game number 2 of the season the new head coach is pleased with the performance of his guys and hopes that they can continue to play well. Thursday night you can expect once again to see some sparks between these two teams. With the tension between the two over they years, one would think the two come from the same division. With Steve Ott being a royal pain in the Blues back-sides it will be interesting to see what antics he brings to the rink this season. Grab a few frosty cold ones… A bag of your favorite snacks… and watch our boys put a whoopin’ on those pesky Stars from Big D!

A questionable play by Nashville’s Blake Geoffrion in Saturday’s home opener put Colaicovo in to the end boards during an icing race. He left the game with an upper body injury and did not return. He was kept him out of Monday’s game versus Calgary as well. Though the true extent of the injury was unknown at the time, It seemed as if the Blues believed he would return to action soon enough. At least that was the thought process till Tuesday according to the reports of Jeremy Rutherford on Twitter. Additional information was learned which forced the decision to shelf Colaiacovo.

As Jeff Gordon clarifies further, Colaiacovo is suffering from headaches. Adding that per NHL protocol he may not resume skating till the lingering effects have cleared.

Uh, oh indeed…

It is important to point out that the “c” word hasn’t been used officially (yet), but the Blues are treating the situation as if that was the case. Knowing Colaiacovo’s history, erring on the side of caution is the right thing to do. With a career high of just 67 games played and with last season’s concussion complements of another Predator, Jordin Tootoo, there really is no other choice.

Consider the lesson learned from David Perron’s story.

A four game in six day swing through Dallas and California looms as the team takes on the Stars Thursday. Traveling with only six healthy defensemen is far from advisable. Someone new is coming along for the ride. But who?

Ian Cole is a viable replacement and has earned his place on the depth chart, but the timing and situation are going to permit his first recall from Peoria. The Rivermen have been out of sync to start the season and losing their top defenseman will only worsen the situation. Certainly the focus is on ensuring the NHL club is winning, but the needs down on the farm are always considered. Cole needs to play consistently and his preseason performance doesn’t dictate precedence on the lineup sheet over Kent Huskins and Nikita Nikitin. Therefore, in the AHL he will stay. For now.

If there are other options available to fill the need in St. Louis, they won’t start stripping down Peoria. Plan B was found in a waiver claim snatching Edmonton Oilers defenseman Taylor Chorney. The 36th overall selection in the 2005 draft has appeared in 56 NHL games over the last three seasons with the Oilers. Registering just one goal and seven points. His plus/minus rating is best left unsaid.

Don’t just focus on the numbers though. He has been primarily used in a defense first role with the Oilers AHL affiliate, Oklahoma City Barons.

The crew over at Copper & Blue, the Oilers SB Nation blog, did a little write up regarding the news and potential impacts to everyone involved. Let’s just say their analysis doesn’t speak highly the newest member of the Blues.

Never a positive sign when the “addition by subtraction” card is played.

Before getting caught up in dumpster diving rants, keep in mind what the need is though. Management is looking for is a warm body to sit in the press box with two of three extra forwards. A little security blanket for a long road trip. Hopefully when they return for their only other home game this month on Friday, October 21st, Colaiacovo will be healthy and ready to go. Chroney was available for “nothing” and fills that need.

However, there will be an interesting decision to make upon Colaiacovo’s return. Per waiver rules Chorney must play 10 games with the Blues or appear on their roster for 30 days in order to retain his rights. Think back a few years to the David Koci claim. Same scenario, different role. They could let him go as they did Koci or elect to keep him by carrying eight defensmen. Of course any potential injurys that pop up in the between time will factor in to the decision.

The claim highlights a significant concern many fans, pundits and media members voiced going in to the season. The defensive depth is far too shallow.

Last season serviceable replacements ran ten deep. The likes of Nikitin, Cole, Nathan Oystrick and Dean Arsene could make the jump up from Peoria and provide an adequate level of play for short periods. The story is much different in 2011-12. Oystrick and Arsene moved along to lucrative AHL deals elsewhere. Niktin has moved in to the top six with the injury to Colaiacovo.

The only NHL tested replacement left is Cole. Brennan Evans is not an desirable option and neither is fellow minor league journeyman Jake Gannon. None of the first year pros in Peoria like Cade Fairchild, Brett Poinch or David Sheilds should make the jump. Mark Cundari could be a candidate later in the campaign, but he is in the same boat as Cole.

Grabbing Chroney off waivers allows the status quo in Peoria and St. Louis to be maintained. Prospects keep developing and current roster players jobs are largely unaffected.

That said, one does never know what change will bring.

The franchise’s success rate has been high with obscure additions, reclamation projects and a change of scenery seekers. Chris Mason, Matt D’Agostini, Vladimir Sobotka and BJ Crombeen have all taken their careers up a notch while in St. Louis. Not to mention the Blues do have a good track record with Norta Dakota developed players. In Chorney’s best year statistically, 2006-07, he scored 8 goals and 31 points in 39 games on a team with current Blues forwards TJ Oshie and Chris Porter.

Maybe that’s all he needs. A new place to call home with a few familiar faces to fulfill some of his potential. A little extra depth isn’t a bad thing.

Tonight the St. Louis Blues take on the Colorado Avalanche in their first meeting of the pre-season. In recent years, the Avs have had the blues number winning a bulk of the match ups. Blues killer Chris Stewart lighting the lamp for the guys from the foot hills. Silently watching in the back ground, one Doug Armstrong plotted to snatch that goal scoring nightmare and put him to work for the good guys. On a cold night in February 2011 that dream came to fruition. In a deal that shocked every blues fan that I have ever met or know straight down to the core, the blues overnight dealt their 2006 first round first overall selection in Erik Johnson. Included in the deal was Forward Jay McClement, and a 2011 conditional first round draft pick. Not only did St. Louis hit a home run by grabbing 6’2 230lbs Stewart, they hit a grand slam by snatching up rookie defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, along with a 2011 2nd round draft pick in which the blues snuck Ty Rattie at number 32.

The tide has turned here in St. Louis. This season the bleeding blue hopefuls have more to look forward to then they have in over 5 years since the lock out. The game tonight will be no doubt a small glimpse into the future of what this on going match up brings. With the Avs taken a bit of a long slide at the end of last season it will be interesting to see how they pull themselves up this season. Will Erik Johnson ” make us regret trading him?” I am not convinced as some may be that Johnson will break out in Colorado and be a monster Defenseman. It will be up to him wether or not he is ready to put forward the effort to be a number 1 guy on the Avs blue line. I for one will not be looking over my shoulder to see if it happens or not. There are too many positive things right here to keep my attention then to worry about that. Tonight’s game will be played at Pepsi Center in Denver Colorado at 8 p.m. central. You can find the game on Cruisin oldies 950 on the  am dial. Tonight’s blues line up will look to include more youth as Stefan Della-Rovere, Phil McRae, Adam Cranknell, Brennan Evans, Ian Cole, and TJ Hensick get into the line up.

Jake Allen will get his first start of the pre-season. Allen is expected to be the number one guy for the Peoria Rivermen ( The blues AHL club.) In the years to come Blues fans will hear more and more of Jake and the blues front office fully expect him to be with the big club in the years to come. The blues are taking their time to develop him the right way and it will show once he makes it to the Lou.

Blues fans… Can you feel that energy in the air? Can you hear Charles Glenn belting out our national anthem at the top of his talented lungs? For the last few days the chant “LET’S GO BLUES” has been ringing clearly inside my head. With a Mile High Match Up tonight we are one day closer to the October 8th season opener and the road to Lord Stanley’s cup!