Deryk Engelland has my utmost respect. If you like hockey fights, he should have your utmost respect as well. Image via Dan4th/Flickr

A good effort is not good enough in Detroit, but it shows you’re ready to battle. The St. Louis Blues played well enough to beat just about every team in the league last night, but they did not play well enough to beat the Detroit Red Wings at home. The 3-1 win, while it derails a hot stretch by the team, does not kill too much of the momentum the team held up to this point. Also, quite unexpectedly, there was a fight in this contest. Brad Stuart, after planting Alex Pietrangelo on a hit I felt was legal but some have thought to be dirty, answered the bell against Chris Stewart and got his ass handed to him. Serious demerits went to Stuart for punching Stewart (confused yet?) after both had fallen to the ice. That’s crap, Brad. (The video of the whole skirmish can be found here.) So the Blues now have collected 24 fighting majors on the National Hockey League season, which remains good for 10th alone in that category. With yet ANOTHER fight victory, the Blues’ fight record stays impressive, now at 12-2-10.

You may skip this, or wipe your ass with a printed copy of it, if you wish. That’s my official comment on the first time I’ve ever been personally flame-bombed by a Red Wings blogger. They couldn’t pay me to care.

Moving on . . . let’s welcome the red hot Pittsburgh Penguins to town! Yes, even though this team is missing Sidney Crosby, this team has seemed to find cohesiveness, in addition to finding ways to win hockey games. Evgeni Malkin might have a lot to do with that (I hear he’s pretty good at hockey). The Blues were able to defeat the Penguins in Pittsburgh in overtime on November 23rd (here’s the report from prior to that game), and there was a fight in that contest (you’ll find video in the next paragraph). In fact, the Pens are not in the least afraid of fisticuffs, unlike last night’s opponent. The Penguins have collected 25 fighting majors on the NHL season, good for a tie for eighth in that category with the New Jersey Devils. Their fight record is relatively average at 9-7-9.

The Pens are led in fights by Arron Asham (5’11’, 205lbs, 5-1-1, out indefinitely with a concussion), who has seven. Deryk Engelland (6’2”, 202lbs, 2-2-2 including a loss to Ryan Reaves) has worked six scraps. The awesomely-named Tyler Kennedy (5’11”, 183lbs, 1-1-1) has fought three times. Craig Adams (6’0”, 197lbs, 0-1-1), St. Louis native Joe Vitale (5’11”, 205lbs, 0-1-1) and Eric Tangradi (6’4”, 221lbs, 0-1-1) have each fought twice. Solo fighters include Matt Niskanen (6’0”, 200lbs, Win), Ben Lovejoy (6’2”, 215lbs, Draw) and Chris Kunitz (6’0”, 193lbs, Draw).

With Asham out, your best bet for a scrap would be a rematch between Engelland and Reaves (being that he sat out last night and the team lost, I will assume Reaves plays this game). I think it would be a great tilt, as the first one was. Otherwise, I’d love to see hometown kid Vitale mix it up with someone, just because it would be incredibly fun, and funny, to watch.

Last game before the All-Star Break. A home win would be an awesome send-off.

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

From Russian hockey blogger Alessandro Seren Rosso:

So, in Russia they say Tarasenko was traded to Dynamo Moscow. Truth or not? #StlBlues If he gets traded I think he’ll go to NHL this summer

From DmitryChesnokov of the Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo Sports:

#KHL’s Sibir will reportedly trade Vladimir Tarasenko to Dynamo Moscow. It means he will likely join the #stlblues over the summer.

From Fedor Fedin of Russian Machine Never Breaks:

According to the rumors, #STLBlues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko will be traded to Dynamo Moscow very soon. Will give him playoff experience.

More from Rosso clarifies the rumor:

Interview with Tarasenko’s agent – he kind of confirms a trade is coming, will decide about NHL after WC bit.ly/yFfEsw #KHL #StlBlue

Interview Translated by Rosso:

Sports.ru published a short interview with [Taraseno's agent, Alexi] Dementiev by Igor Eronko:

“The situation isn’t decided for now, and it won’t be before January 14th. Any information which didn’t come directly from me it’s just speculation. A trade to Dynamo Moscow is certainly possible, but they are just one of the teams which showed interest toward Tarasenko.

Analysis

Solid information about happenings in the KHL are not easy to come by on the Blues side of the world. For the time being the trade appears to be of rumor only. However, given who is the bearer of such news and the words to Dementiev, I would expect a move to a playoff bound team soon. The KHL trade deadline is January 15th.

The situation referenced in the translated interview is that of a trade. That said, Dementiev later states that no decision will be made on Tarasenko’s defection to the NHL till after the World Championships. He also states that his Russian contract expires on April 30th. Sorry to burst some euphoric bubbles, but in all honesty that really does mean there is no chance Tank plays for the Blues (or the Rivermen) till the 2012-13 season no matter what. Even if they make the playoffs and win a round or two to keep playing after the World Championships’ wraps up, he wouldn’t be added to the roster.

For those wondering why a trade likely equals leaving home, as speculated by Chesenokov, it’s not too difficult to understand. Earlier this season Sibir their head coach who just happens to be Tarasenko’s father. This deep linking to the franchise is what likely kept the 20 year old in his homeland for another season. A further severing of ties to his only hockey family he’s known opens a huge door to start his North American career. When coupled with his contracts expiration he is no longer held back by anyone other than himself. Don’t forget, he’s stated he that making it to the NHL is a dream of his. The connecting lines are easy to draw.

Should Tarasenko agree to his ELC and cross the Atlantic, where would he play? One option is likely out of consideration. Sorry Peoria fans, the AHL is not a desired destination for the franchise or the player. Though Jaden Schwartz would not be a bad consolation prize. That does not mean a spot is already delegated for him. Doug Armstrong has already dismissed that notion in both words and actions. But much like TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Alex Pietrangelo, Tarasenko will probably be given a roster spot to lose at training camp. Meaning so long as he is not injured or a total bust, he’ll be with the big club for game number one and many more after that.

There is some precedence for a Blues prospect to be traded from a languishing team to a contender. Pietrangelo was traded from the Niagara Ice Dogs to the Barrie Colts on January 7th, 2010. Remember that the Blues did not return Petro to his junior club after appearing in 9 games in the 2009-10 season. Instead they scratched him, as to not activate his ELC and kill its rollover ability, until the World Junior Hockey Championships. After the WJC concluded the Blues still had no plans to send him back due to fears of regression if playing for a struggling team. Niagara traded the defenseman in order to get something rather than nothing. While the Blues had no direct hand in the deal, they’re holding of Pietrangelo in St. Louis certainly played its part. It’s highly doubtful that the Blues had any bearing on Tarasenko’s impending trade, but its certainly a move they favor over staying put with Sibir. The added experience of playing in the KHL playoffs and playing at a high level will help prepare him for the NHL as well as test his current performance level.

What does this mean for teammate and fellow Blues prospect Jori Lehtera? With his contract expiring as well and his desire to play with Tarasenko, he may follow to the US. Though his path to a NHL roster spot isn’t as clear. He may need to go to Peoria first.

Stay tuned as this story develops. So far, it’s only good news from a Blues perspective.

Fellow blueliners Kris Russell (groin) and Kent Huskins (ankle) are still on IR which brings the Blues down to only five healthy defenders (Jackman, Colaiacovo, Pietrangelo, Polak, and Shattenkirk) who can play on Tuesday night.

Cade Fairchild (image TSNphotography)

So it’s pretty obvious that the Blues are going to have to recall a player from the Peoria Rivermen. Considering their play as of this season, the top two options for a recall, in my mind are Cade Fairchild or Danny Syvret.

Fairchild, a rookie out of the University of Minnesota has made a big impact  for the Rivermen this season already. His 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) have helped the Rivermen to a 17-15-2-1 record this season.

He’s already had one call up this season, and he didn’t look out of place in his only game played. He finished the night with a clean score sheet, an even +/- and no penalty minutes. He’s my number one option of getting a recall in fill in for Cole.

Danny Syvret (image TSNphotography)

Syvret is not to be looked over also, as a potential call up. His 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) leads all defensemen on the Rivermen squad and tied for fifth among AHL defensemen this season.

What Syvret brings, however, which could give him the heads up on Fairchild is his experience.  His 59 NHL games and 10 playoff games rank much higher than Fairchild’s one game, and that alone could give Syvret an edge  in his chances of being called up. He has 3 goals, 4 assists in those 59 regular season games while recording zero points in his ten playoff games.

If I was in Doug Armstrong‘s shoes, I’d go with Syvret. He gives you the experience, he plays an offensive game but isn’t inadequate defensively either. While the call up is likely only going to be for the three games, it doesn’t force the Blues to put to much pressure on the call up either.

While I could see positives for Fairchild, I’d like to see him develop a little more in the AHL this season and get his call ups next season when he’s a little bigger, stronger, and more experienced.

Yet again, however, I’m not Doug Armstrong, so the call up could eventually be between two entirely different defenders. Watch me debate Fairchild and Syvret, then Mark Cundari gets the call up.

We should find out later today on who gets the call up.

(12-8-2)

vs

Washington Capitals

(12-9-1)

at

Verizon Center

TV- FSMW(HD) Radio- KMOX

Game Time- 6:00 pm CDT

Blues Team Recap- The St. Louis Blues stroll into Washington tonight to take on the Capitals in the first meeting of the season between these two teams. The Blues are coming off of a 2-1 win in Columbus 2 nights ago and are playing some very gritty hard nosed hockey. Tonight will proove to be a new challange for this Note as the Caps recently fired head coach Bruce Boudreauand named Dale Hunter as the new commander and chief. Hunter takes over after spending the last 11 seasons in the OHL as head coach of the London Knights. A shot of energy is what the Caps are hoping for tonight against St. Louis with the coaching change. The Blues will need to put their best foot forward if they wish to take yet two more points on to their next desination on this three game road trip.

Blues Keys To The Game- Contain number 8. Do not give him break aways, do not leave him in front of the net alone, and for god sakes do not give him room to skate. Yes,Washington has plenty of capable skaters and play makers but no one can finish like Ovi can. Like him or not, he is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL. Keep the great Russian quiet and the rest of the team should fall into place for the Blues. Check them hard and keep them in the offensive zone. Do not allow Washington to dictate the flow of the offensive puck possession time. If St. Louis allows the Caps to handle the puck for a majority of the play, they will find themselves looking at the little black rubber bicuit behind Halak A LOT tonight.

Washington Capitals Team Recap- After having one of the best if not the best start in franchise history, the Caps have fallen flat on their faces. Losing 6 of their last 8 games and giving up a 5-1 beat down at the hands of the tattered Buffalo Sabers in their last game prompted the front office to vote Bruce Boudreau off the island. A record of 17-20 in post season play has been hard for Captials fans to swallow after their team played so well and dominate like during the regular season. It seemed under Boudreau the team lost its ability to play during the playoffs. Call it fatigue, call it lack of preparation, call it plain being out coached the Caps no longer have to worry about that. Dale Hunter has taken over the reigns and if it is any indication from his past history in the NHL the Caps players are in for a rude awakening if they think they can just skate by and not give a 110% effort each night. Hunter was known for being hard nosed and determind player around the puck and did not shy away from contact. Will the Capitals become a more physical team? I am not convinced with the group of players assembled that they can be a truly physical team. The Caps rely on a fast transition game that allows them to use their speed and offensive ability to overwhelm the oposition. Time will tell if this switch is what the doctor order or if it will be a complete mega star melt down.

Capitals Keys To The Game- The Caps have looked just awful in thier last 6 games. They can’t score goals, they can’t keep the puck out of their zone, and they can’t keep the puck out of the net. Simplify the game… Be responsible in your own end and get the puck out of the offensive zone quickly. Do not allow St. Louis to get the cycle set up along the low boards. Inevitibly, some one will come open in front of the Caps net minder and it will end up not a pretty picture for the team from DC. The Blues play a very physical and up tempo game. The Capitals must match the speed and the physicality the Blues will bring to the rink tonight. The Blues take a lot of penalties. If the Capitals can “Capitalize” ( I know right..) on the Blues mistakes they may have a shot at winning this game tonight. If they sit back on their heels and let the Blues dictate the pace of the game the Caps are going to loose this game by a large margin.

Blues News- Tonight Alex Pietrangelo will not be in the line up. Petro has been sick per a Jeremy Ruthuford tweet earlier today and will not play in tonights match up. Cade Fairchild has been recalled from the Peoria Rivermen and will play in his place tonight. No word on possible pairings has been released yet. Pietrangelo is not expected to miss more then one game at this point. David Perron might get back into the line up as early as this saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford has a hunch that David could get back into the action this weekend providing a shot in the arm in terms of scoring and puck handling ability. Andy Mcdonald remains sidelined with a concussion with no time table for return. Defenseman Kent Huskins is still nursing a fractured ankle back to health and is expected to miss 3-4 more weeks. BJ Crombeen has skated with the team wearing the red no contact jersey and is slated for a late December or early Janurary return to the line up. Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is nearing a return from the IR with a hamstring injury. No exact date is available but it is assumed he will return soon. Vladamir Sabotka will miss tonights game as well after suffering a fractured maxilla (upper jaw bone) when he blocked a puck with his face against the Calgary Flames in St. Louis this past weekend. Sobotka is traveling with the team and may return to play against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

With Sobotka and Pietrangelo out tonight, the Blues will need to work together to get through this match up. Play strong, hard, and fast and get us another two points to bring home! LET’S GO BLUES!!!

]]> http://bluenotezone.com/2011/11/29/game-day-preview-st-louis-blues-vs-washington-captials-11-29-2011/feed/ 0 http://bluenotezone.com/2011/11/29/blues-news-blues-down-a-defenseman-recall/ http://bluenotezone.com/2011/11/29/blues-news-blues-down-a-defenseman-recall/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:37:10 +0000 Jeff Quirin http://bluenotezone.com/2011/11/29/blues-news-blues-down-a-defenseman-recall/ Per a tweet from Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford, a defenseman is out for tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals.

Hitch says 1 defensemen is not able to play tonight, but wouldn’t elaborate. Best guess is Petro who’s been sick lately. Call-up necessary.

All I have to say is, “this scenario is why a team shouldn’t travel with only six healthy defensemen”! Instead of someone already with the club now an extra body must be scmabled from Peoria and somehow make it out to DC in time for the game.

Based on performance and skill set, Cade Fairchild likely gets the recall. If they want a “proven player” who can handle NHL minutes, Danny Syvret will be the replacement. Stay tuned for updates.

Update: 12:10 pm CST

Rutherford confirms Cade Fairchild has been recalled and will make his NHL debut tonight. No word on who is out yet.

In 19 games with the Blues AHL affiliate, Peoria Rivermen, the former Minnesota Golden Gopher has registered 2 goals, 7 points and leads the club with a Plus-16 rating. Fairchild was selected by the Blues in the 4th round, 96th overall, of the 2007 draft.

Update: 1:30 pm CST

Rutherford confirms via Twitter that Alex Pietrangelo is out of the lineup and Fairchild will replace him tonight.

Since Kent Huskins suffered an ankle injury blocking a shot back on October 28th in Calgary, the prognosis has been difficult to determine. First considered fractured and requiring a stint on IR, then not. On Tuesday this week the media reported that there is in deed a fracture.

Huskins bravery will cost him up to two months of the season and a trip to the surgeon.

The duration could be reduced if he heals like TJ Oshie…

The Blues announced via Twitter Wednesday that the surgery was performed successfully and reevaluation will come in roughly eight weeks.

In 9 games this season Huskins has tallied 2 goals, 4 points with a Plus-6 rating while averaging 16:55 ATOI. He was utilized as Alex Pietrangelo’s primary even strength pairing partner.

Impacts on the Blues Blueline

With Taylor Chorney already shipped back to Edmonton after his rental via waivers, Ian Cole’s time in St. Louis has been extended. His assumption of the seventh defenseman role says that the Blues believe he’s hit NHL readiness and sticking with the big club is more important than icet in Peoria. The move could be taken as an odd change of direction following Doug Armstrong’s comments this summer regarding first and second year pros playing in Peoria rather than sitting in the Scottrade press box, but is likely more indicitive of Cole’s improved level of play and the need to have quality options given situation and performance.

On a related side note, the absence of Cole from the Rivermen lineup has increased the workload on Mark Cundari, Cade Fairchild and Brett Poinch. Three young defensemen jostling for position in the organization who will take all of the playtime they can earn. Danny Syvert, a “forogtten” depth addition this summer, has stepped up his play. For example, he logged over 30 minutes in last Friday’s epic 7-6 comeback win over Rockford when Jake Gannon, an AHL contract defensemen playing very well for Peoria, left the game due to injury.

Cundari is having sophomore struggles while Fairchild is pleasantly surprising in his first pro campaign. I will have more on these two, Ponich and others in my AHL Road Trip wrapup post coming later this week.

For those clamoring for the benching (or trading) of Carlo Colaiacovo in favor of Cole following the Kris Russel trade, don’t expect it anytime soon. In the four games under Ken Hitchcock Colaiacovo has three assists with a Plus-1 rating paired up Pietrangelo.

Russell will remain in the lineup, at least through Thursday’s game against Florida, but he could easily sit for Cole is the situation warrants going forward. Russell has averaged just 14:24 ATOI in the two games since the trade and his role on the power play is already being filled by Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colaiacovo.

Translation: Since Cole fills a different role being a “left handed Roman Polak” the two could easily be interchangeable.

A final thought. Is it a coincidence that Barret Jackman’s ATOI is down over a minute and a half compared to last season and he is playing some of his best hockey since late in 2009? I don’t think so. There is a lot of tread on Jackman and decreasing his workload maximizes output. It is also worth noting that the exceptional play of Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk are allowing old number 5 to do more with less.

By the numbers…

Backes: 4 goals, 8 points, Plus-3 rating, 16 games played
Pietrangelo: 2 goals, 7 points, Plus-2 rating, 16 games played
Halak: 2-6-1 record, 2.78 GAA, .882 save percentage, 1 shutout, 9 games played

Hardly the numbers by in which many fans would classify an All Star. But keep in mind that the event is not all about who is performing the best sadistically and rewarding them with 15 minutes of fame.

The game is a significant opportunity for the league to “give back” to sponsors. Gather the biggest names and projected up and coming stars in the sport for a few days and bring advertisers in front of fans who are eager to consume the festivities on the TV. Any blatant snubary just brings more PR and the league loves PR.

Who on the Blue should rejected?

Brian Elliott certainly makes a strong case by out performing Halak to date. Posting a 6-1-0 record in 8 appearances with a league leading 1.49 GAA and second best .946 save percentage. He is also tied for fourth overall with Nikolai Khabibulin in shutouts with 2.

Kevin Shattenkirk leads the Blues in scoring with 11 points in 16 games (2 goals, 9 assists) and is second to Matt D’Agostini in Plus/Minus with a Plus-7. His 20:49 ATOI is second to only Pietrangelo’s 24:08 ATOI and they are the only two averaging more than 20 minutes player per game.

Do not fret those who wish to vote for those two, TJ Oshie or any other Blues players. There is a Write-In option.

To Vote:

1. Go to NHL.com/vote. You can vote this way up to 30 times each per Desktop and Mobile versions of the site.

2. Text BACKES or HALAK or PIETRANGELO or any Blues player’s last name to 81812. Message and data charges may apply. Up to 30 votes via text message are allowed.

My Ballot:
Forwards: Jamie Benn, James Neal, Phil Kessell
Defensemen: Kris Letang, Alex Pietrangelo
Goalie: Marc-Andre Fleury

How did you vote? Post your selections in the comments.

The game will be held on Jan. 29, 2012 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

After recording a victory in Ken Hitchcock’s debut, the St. Louis Blues continued their home stand against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Down early, the Blues rallied only to fall short in the shoot out.

Another slow start got the Blues playing catch up. Continuous first period penalties are difficult to over come and Toronto capitalized with the man advantage.

It is said by some that if you are not cheating, you are not trying to win. With this mantra in mind, the Maple Leafs were doing all they could to win this game.

Midway through the first period Clarke MacArthur was bumped by Patrick Berglund. Grabbing his head as if he was just clubbed, MacArthur drew a call that would make Cristiano Ronaldo proud. Shortly later on the power play, Dion Phaneuf set up a one-timer that John-Michael Liles buried past Jaroslav Halak for the first goal of the game.

Late in the first period the Leafs took a 2-0 lead on the power play again. Matt D’Agostini was whistled for an apparent trip away from the action and Toronto went back to work. Tyler Bozak tipped a puck on net that was swept aside onto the stick of Phil Kessel who chipped the puck over Halak.

The Blues dug deep and found some energy in the second period. Jason Arnott scored on the power play to bring St. Louis within one. The chip and chase that some believe never works provided the opportunity for Alex Pietrangelo to come in low and center a pass for Arnott who netted his fourth of the season.

The momentum shifted to St. Louis as they were in control for most of the second and third periods. But the goals eluded the team even after multiple opportunities.

With the clock ticking down toward another loss, the Blues pushed again. A great pinch by Ian Cole kept the play alive and Berglund got an open chance in the slot. After a couple bounces and a swipe by Chris Stewart, Berglund crashed the net hard and jammed in the rebound to tie the game at two.

Halak held down his own end stopping 20 of 22 to keep the Blues in the game even through a tough onslaught by Toronto in the closing minutes. He continued his success through the overtime period and only gave up one goal on the shoot out by the hands of Kessel.

The Blues failed to get any into the net in the shoot out. Alex Steen, TJ Oshie and D’Agostini were the representatives.

The shoot out should not have been necessary when the Blues had a fantastic chance with seconds left in the extra period.

An offensive face off to the left of Ben Scrivens was won by Arnott. The puck was dumped toward the net by Pietrangelo and ricocheted around sliding across the crease with Arnott skating for it. Scrivens, being completely out of position, saw two options; losing or grabbing Arnott illegally. The penalty was called but with only a couple ticks left. The young Toronto goaltender has already bought into the Maple Leaf winning mantra.

Up Next: Saturday vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

(6-6-0)

vs

Minnesota Wild

(6-3-3)

At

Xcel Energy Center

Game time 7:00 pm CST

TV- FSMW (HD)

Radio- KMOX

Blues Team Recap-  Friday night there was a stir in the air at Scott Trade Center. The world champion St. Louis Cardinals were in the house for Cards and Blues night at the rink. Former cards manager Tony La Russa, 3rd Baseman David Freese, and starting pitcher Chris Carpenter were in attendance. In a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game, La Russa carried the World Series trophy out to center ice where he was flanked by Freese and Carpenter. Carpenter’s son dropped the puck between Blues Captain David Backes and Vancouver Captain Daniel Sedin. The pulse of the crowd was palpable as cheers came from every section in approval of the season just completed by the Red Birds. After the pre-game festivities were concluded, the puck was dropped to open the game and the Blues came out with grit and determination against a Canuck team that had the night before gotten trounced by the Minnesota Wild 5-1. The Canuckleheads came to play and was evident as they pressured the net striking first blood on a nifty wrist shot by Alex Burrows. The Blues answered right back on a goal from forward TJ Oshie. A slow start, to say the least, for the young left winger had left many fans wondering if he was going to show up as advertised this season. Oshie added a second goal in the second period and an assist in the third period on a goal by David Backes to put the blues up for good on the Canucks.  Brian Elliot once again came up big for the blues when they needed it the most stopping 29 of 30 shots. A few defensive lapses and puck give-aways lead to several sustained attacks by Vancouver. Elliot stood tall and weathered the storm in front of him with great positioning and good reflexes. With Elliot playing so well, it will take Halak working his tail off to regain the confidence from his team mates as well as his head coach. Treat yourself to a fun scrap and check out the fight card from the Nichol vs Booth fight from last nights game.

 Blues Keys To The Game- Minnesota has been playing some very good hockey lately. The Blues will need to cut the scoring chances of the Wild tonight if they want to waltz into Minny and pluck two points. Solid forechecking and puck possession will work to the Blues favor in this Saturday evening match up. Solid performances from the combination of Barret Jackman and Kevin Shattenkirk have helped the Blues to dominate their opponents in recent games. The continued great play of rising star Alex Pietrangelo is nothing short of exciting every night, and will need to be seen yet again tonight. Where o Where are you Chris Stewart? Like the old saying goes ” If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it does it still make a noise” Stewart has silently and with noted frustration underperformed up to this point. With only 2 goals on the season the offensive production from the touted possible 40 goal scorer has been all but absent. The Blues need Chris Stewart to play like the Chris Stewart of last season. Stewart came to St. Louis in February of last year in a deal from the Avalanche and showed just what a beast of an offensive power forward he can be. The big guns for the Blues have all but been silent so far this season with little to no production. At 6-6-0 can you imagine where we would be if our big boys Stewart, Berglund, and Oshie were producing in each game? With a solid 60 minutes of hockey tonight, the Blues have a great chance to steal away two points from the “North Stars 2.0.”  

Minnesota Team Recap- In the words of Darren Pang ” Holy Jumpin!” The Minnesota Wild have been firing on all cylinders and are coming off a very impressive 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in their last game at home. Forward Matt Cullen had two third period goals to seal the deal for Minny. Cullen has 6 goals and 2 assists on the season for 8 points in 12 games played. Coach Mike Yeo currently feels very good about goaltender Josh Hardning and plans to start him against St. Louis tonight. Harding owns a 1.77 GAA and a .938 SV% to go along with a 4-2-0 record in his last six starts against the Blue Note. Things are going well for the Wild this season and they look to continue their winning ways tonight in an attempt to elongate their current winning streak to 4 games.

 Minnesota Keys To The Game- Tonight it is all about pressure and getting on a Blues team that is coming off a big win against Vancouver. The Blues arrived in Minnesota late last night after their game in the Lou and will be the more tired team. Not letting the Blues get the puck deep and retaining control in the offensive zone will be paramount for the Wild tonight. The Blues used puck possession and good cycling of the puck to create scoring chances which directly lead to their 2 point night last night. Capitalizing on mistakes made by a still young defensive core could help Minny sneak a few pucks in to the net. Yet to be revealed is the starting goal tender for the Blues. If the Wild face Halak they will need traffic in front of him. Get Jaro off his game early and often will lead to him making mistakes and missing positioning. If they face Elliot they may have a tougher job at hand. Elliot has been on with his positioning and his ability to adapt and respond to deflections in front of him. Screens and rebounds will be Minnesota’s friend in this game. Failure to create rebounds and failure to screen Elliot will lead to a very long night for the Minnesota Wild should he get the nod.

Blues Notes- Forward David Perron continues to practice with the team still wearing the red no contact jersey. David has been rumored to be headed toward a late November or early December return. No official word has been given as to when he will begin to participate in full contact drills. Forward Andy McDonald remains sidelined with a concussion with no updates available as to his condition at this time. BJ Crombeen remains out of the line up on IR with a fractured shoulder blade. BJ hopes to be back by late December, but no time line has been officially given. Defensmen Kent Huskins did not skate with the team yesterday at the morning skate and was a scratch for last nights game. It is not known whether he traveled with the team to Minnesota, but at this point it is unlikely that he did so. Huskins remains day to day with a deep bone bruise of the ankle.

Blues fans, Take a moment and check out this post by Kelly Quirin of the Blue Note Zone. An auction of a signed Kevin Shattenkirk hat ( along with other blues players) is available to be bid on. All of the proceeds go to the Demitra Korolev #38 fund. Please check it out and leave a bid in the comments section!      

Alex Pietrangelo #27: This cutie is hanging in the middle of the Blues pack, but his offensive power has him sitting high among defensemen.  Pietrangelo has 5 points so far (2G, 3A), but with a majority of the team sitting on 3-6 points, he is looking pretty good as a defenseman. Petro has more points than Stewart at this point in the season.  Pietrangelo has high expectations placed on his shoulders, and hopefully they continue to pan out in this young man (hopefully more so than Erik Johnson’s expectations did!).  Watch for this cutie to continue to work hard for the Blues in whatever play he gets put into.

Canucks Cutie to Watch: The Canucks have been a powerhouse in their last few games against “big” NHL teams, but fell dramatically against the Wild last night.  Tonight is game 3 of 6 on the road for the Canucks, and their second night in a row playing.  Hopefully,this seemingly tired team will play the way they did last week against the Blues, when they fell 3-0 to the Note. Here is who I’ll be watching for tonight:

Alexander Edler #23, Defense: This cutie is on a major hot streak with the Canucks, with 10 points in his last 7 games.  He now sits in third on the team for points, just behind the Sedins.  For a defensemen, sitting pretty behind the Sedins is something to be proud of.  In 13 games, Edler now has 12 points.  He had just 33 in the 51 games he played in last year.  Will the point streak last?  Maybe not.  Look for this cutie to be trying as hard as he can to notch a few points against the Blues tonight.