Chris Thorburn does not duck punches often, but he did here. Image via clydeorama/Flickr

I love wins that bust slumps. What the St. Louis Blues did Thursday night against the Nashville Predators definitely counts as a slump-busting win, and a great way to kick off a long road trip. 60 minutes of regulation play and five minutes of overtime were not enough to decide it, but two goals in the shootout by the Blues paired with none by the Preds finally decided it, 3-2. With the Preds’ top enforcer out, and with the game playing with the ebb-and-flow that it did, it is totally not shocking that there were no fights in this contest, and it’s almost better off that none did. The Blues stay at 29 fighting majors collected on the season, currently good for a tie for 10th in the National Hockey League in the category with this afternoon’s opponent. The Blues’ fight record stays at 13-5-11.

From Nashville to . . . Winnipeg? Yeah, that’s how this road trip is going to be. Next is an afternoon contest in Manitoba with the Southeast Division leaders, the Winnipeg Jets, in the two teams’ only matchup of the season. Since moving the Thrashers from Atlanta to their fair city, Jets fans have pretty much bought into anything in Jets colors, a sign of a nearly impoverished hockey fan base rejuvenated by the return of the sport after a 15-season hiatus. It creates excitement, even when you consider that these are basically the Atlanta Thrashers. Moving along . . . the Jets have fought 29 times, which – as noted earlier – is tied with the Blues for 10th in that category. The Jets’ fight record is not nearly as grand, though, at 9-11-9.

The Jets are led in fights by big Chris Thorburn (6’3”, 230lbs, 7-4-0) with 11 fights. He is followed by a pair of brawlers with six fights each – namely, Mark Stuart (6’2”, 213lbs, 1-4-1) and former Canuck Tanner Glass (6’1”, 210lbs, 0-2-4). The rest of the Jets’ six fighters have flown solo, and they are Captain and former Blackhawk Andrew Ladd (6’3”, 205, Win), Jim Slater (6’0”, 200lbs, Draw), Evander Kane (6’2”, 195lbs, Draw), Jason Jaffray (6’1”, 195lbs, Draw, currenty with St. John’s of the AHL), Johnny Oduya (6’0”, 190lbs, Draw) and Blake Wheeler (6’5”, 205lbs, Loss).

This sure seems like the kind of game that could lead to a fight, as this is the only time the two teams will meet each other this season. There are also several former Western Conference and Central Division opponents that play for the Jets. A heavyweight bout between Thorburn and Ryan Reaves, though, would be quite a show, with something like Glass vs. BJ Crombeen being a nice mid-card bout, possibly.

Now, to start another winning streak.

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

Stoner even looks high when he’s getting hit. What a name. Image via Zimbio

I didn’t see much of the game on Saturday due to bowling obligations (and by the way, my right arm frickin’ hurts), but I heard it was a pretty epic time during the Blues’ 6-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.  Well, when you score six goals and all six are by six different players, that will ALWAYS be fun.  What was NOT fun to find out was that there were NO fights in the game.  That was disappointing to this reporter, to say the least.  So the Blues stay steady at 72 fighting majors and remain tops in the National Hockey League in that category.  The fight record remains at a very good 30-21-21.

And here we go again, with the same team.  I really don’t know why it was pertinent to schedule, essentially, two home-and-homes with two teams that don’t even share a division.  But whatever, I guess.  We have covered the Wild on three occasions (February 11th and 12th and, obviously, this past Saturday).  With no fights Saturday, the Wild slid to a tie for 20th in the NHL with 30 fighting majors.  The Atlanta Thrashers fought over the weekend, so they broke free from the tie between the Wild and the Montreal Canadiens.  And of course, Minnesota’s fight record still stands at a very solid 14-8-8.

We’ll go ahead and recap the fighters again . . . Brad Staubitz (6’1”, 215lbs, 7-5-2 including a loss to Brad Winchester and a draw with Cam Janssen) leads the team with 14 fights on the season, obviously almost half of the team’s fights.  Following him is Clayton Stoner (6’3”, 225lbs, 3-1-1 including a bloody victory over David Backes) with five.  Following him are five guys with two fights each: Matt Kassian (6’4”, 232lbs, 2-0-0, currently with Houston in the AHL), Eric Nystrom (6’1”, 193lbs, 1-1-0), Cam Barker (6’3”, 215lbs, 1-1-0 including a loss to Matt D’Agostini), Brent Burns (6’5”, 219lbs, 0-0-2) and Kyle Brodziak (6’2”, 209lbs, 0-1-1).  Chuck Kobasew (6’0”, 192lbs, Draw) has only fought once and is the only Wild to fight only once this season.

After getting NO fights on Saturday, it’s hard to imagine these two would lay off each other this time.  Maybe this time, Ryan Reaves DOES go at it with Staubitz.  Maybe this time, Stoner and someone like BJ Crombeen go at it.  Maybe there’s a rematch between D’Agostini and Barker.  Really, who knows?

I will be in attendance for this one. Meet Jeff, Kelly and I (at least . . . there may be more) before the game!  And maybe we’ll also bring home a winner!

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

Looks like Subban wants Staubitz to leave. Image via Zimbio

Sure, the Edmonton Oilers are probably the worst team in the National Hockey League, but that doesn’t make the dominating 4-0 Blues win over them any less sweet.  “Dominating” may not be the right word, but the absolute correct word might be one I won’t mention on this blog (but I probably would at Game Time).  And guess what?  There were three fights in the game!  And how different these three fights were to each other, I say.  First, it was a mini-epic dance fest between Jim Vandermeer and Cam Janssen that was rightfully scored a draw (video here).  Then, Ryan Reaves and Theo Peckham went at it with Reaves taking it quite decidedly (video here).  Finally, after a questionable hit from behind by Jean-Francois Jacques to Chris Porter, BJ Crombeen sparred with Jacques and despite giving inches and pounds to him, Beej was determined the winner (video here).  The Blues slide up to 72 fighting majors, and in so doing, slide into first place by themselves in fights.  The two wins and a draw move the fight record up to 30-21-21.  That record is starting to turn back to the good side!

Why is it, exactly, that we (technically, anyway, this time) play TWO home-and-homes with the Minnesota Wild?  Sure, they are a Western Conference foe, but why not do this more often with the likes of Chicago or Detroit or Columbus or Nashville?  You know . . . DIVISIONAL OPPONENTS?!   I digress, though.  So as you know, we HAVE covered the Wild on two occasions (February 11th and 12th).  If you ask me, THAT was probably the weekend where the Blues were put in the can for the season, with playoff dreams flushed down the toilet.  The Wild are not a huge fighting team, but in that weekend home-and-home they fought the Blues four times (you’ll find video links in the next paragraph).  The Wild are currently tied for 19th in the NHL with 30 fighting majors, sitting level with the Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Canadiens.  For a team that doesn’t fight much, they do a good job when they do, as their fight record on the season shows – 14-8-8.

Brad Staubitz (6’1”, 215lbs, 7-5-2 including a loss to Brad Winchester and a draw with Janssen) leads the team with 14 fights on the season, obviously almost half of the team’s fights.  Following him is Clayton Stoner (6’3”, 225lbs, 3-1-1 including a victory over David Backes with plenty of “Inglourious Blood”) with five.  Following him are five guys with two fights each: Matt Kassian (6’4”, 232lbs, 2-0-0, currently with Houston in the AHL), Eric Nystrom (6’1”, 193lbs, 1-1-0), Cam Barker (6’3”, 215lbs, 1-1-0 including a loss to Matt D’Agostini), Brent Burns (6’5”, 219lbs, 0-0-2) and Kyle Brodziak (6’2”, 209lbs, 0-1-1).  Chuck Kobasew (6’0”, 192lbs, Draw) has only fought once and is the only Wild to fight only once this season.

With the makeup of the Blues team markedly altered since the last meetings with the Wild, it’s hard to tell if the bad blood from the first two games will spill over here.  But if you’re the betting type (and believe me, if I had money, I WOULD be one), I would go with Reaves and Staubitz.  But as with the last set of games with the Wild, A LOT of things are possible here.

Can the boys get a modicum of redemption on the Wild?  We shall see.  Also, thanks for the birthday wishes yesterday, all.  It is much appreciated.  DIRTY THIRTY!

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

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Chara Hit Displays Lack of Respect

Please check out my full write up on Hockey Independent for my feelings on the near tragic hit on Max Pacioretty by Zdeno Chara.

Short story: There is a big lack of respect in the NHL for “the other guy”. Chara showed that last night with an intent to send a message, but not rip his head off. He is not Trevor Gillies.

Dive! Dive!

So, Bruce “Bubble Tummy” Boudreau called third year scoring sensation and generational talent Steven Stamkos a diver.

Really, Bruce? Really?

Have you looked in the mirror? Ok, scratch that. Have you look at the guys on your bench? Alex Semin and Mike Green have had their fare share of acting jobs over the last few seasons.

That said, Boudreau doesn’t care about pots or kettles or being right or wrong. It’s all about psychological warfare. Putting the onus on the officials to “keep #91 honest”. Slick move if you ask me, no matter how absurd it truly is.

Just Get It Over With

The Goldwater Institute is blocking the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes? Please, just ring a slapper off my forehead. Wake me up when this this torture ends.

I’m sick about hear about the Phoenix Coyotes. It’s okay to admit the great southern experiment has largely failed. Sure, it would be great to have footholds in huge markets like Atlanta and Phoenix. The reality is that the set up in each city has pushed both franchises to a breaking point. They cannot survive in their current location.

Hockey gods bless ya Gary for trying to bring the game to the sweltering reaches of Arizona (and Georgia), but we’ve reached the point of diminishing returns. If you can’t get parents and their kids to games consistently to grow the needed fan base, survival isn’t a viable outcome.

Cut the losses and find a colder climate.

Dan is the Man

In the good news department, the Pittsburgh Penguins extended head coach Dan Bylsma for three years Wednesday.

Bylsma has been a breath of fresh air in the coaching ranks. Not the cranky old man screaming at players to do things the old way (yes, cheap shots at Andy Murray and Ken Hitchcock) because it worked that way when they skated up hill both ways to school. He has brought a progressive mindset and system to the Steel City and the players want to go to war for Danny boy.

Hopefully his doppelganger and good friend, St. Louis Blues head coach Davis Payne, can appropriate some of that mojo and bring the Blues back kicking and screaming next season.

Early Hart Finalists

With the regular season closing out in 6 weeks, thoughts turn to playoff chases and awards. Is there a clear early favorite for the Hart? Not really.

Steve Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lighting > League leading 41 goals. Second highest point total (79) in 66 games played. The bulldog leading the Bolts’ assault on the Eastern Conference.

Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks > League leading 84 points in 68 games. Second highest Plus/Minus(Plus-23) amount forwards. Leagues second highest amount of game winning goals, 8. Brother Henrik stole the spot light last season, but Daniel is the man this time around.

Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames > 9th in the NHL in scoring with 30 goals (for the 10th consecutive season) and 66 points. Heart and soul leader every night. The Flames climbed out of the depths of the Western Conference on the backs of goalie Miika Kiprusoff and captain Jarmoe Iginla. If they make the second season, the top power forward in the game deserves consideration.

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks > 10th in the NHl in scoring with 27 goals and 65 points in 65 games. Heart and soul leader of the Blackhawks spurring a surge up the standings. The Cup champion, Conn Smyth winner and Gold Medalist has single handily brought the Hawks back to Stanley Cup contender status by registering 6 goals and 21 points in 13 games during the month of February.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals > 5th in league scoring with 25 goals and 69 points in 67 games. The Great 8 has finally learned how to win. Forsaking his usual padding of offensive status for a commitment to the tough parts of the game that lead to points. His 9 game winning goals are tied for the most in the NHL.

Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins > Top GAA and save percentage in the league at 1.97 and .939. An outstanding 63% winning percentage, 29 wins in 46 games played. Tied for second with 7 shutouts. Many don’t often bring Defensemen and Goalies in to the Hart picture, but Tim Thomas has had that type of season. Lights out since day one.

My pick for the three finalists at seasons end?

Daniel Sedin
Steven Stamkos
Tim Thomas

Winner: Thomas

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*Recommended to start in bold.

Montreal @ Atlanta

Carey Price vs. Chris Mason

New York (I) @ Washington

Nathan Lawson vs. Michal Neuvirth

Buffalo @ New York (R)

*Probable starters. Not yet confirmed.

Ryan Miller vs. Henrik Lundqvist

Florida @ Carolina

Scott Clemmensen vs. Cam Ward

Boston @ Ottawa

Tukka Raask vs. Craig Anderson

Calgary @ St. Louis

Miika Kiprusoff vs. Ben Bishop

Dallas @ Phoenix

Kari Lehtonen vs. Ilya Bryzgalov

Nashville @ Edmonton

&Nashville not confirmed

Pekka Rinne vs. Martin Gerber

Columbus @ Vancouver

Steve Mason vs.Roberto Luongo

Colorado @ San Jose

*Probable starters. Not yet confirmed.

Brian Elliot vs. Antti Niemi

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news.

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I said I wasn’t going to put anything up today, but here are a few FYIs to pass along.

- Per a JR tweet, expect Ben Bishop to be recalled from Peoria and travel with the Blues to Buffalo. Insurance for Jaroslav Halak’s if his phantom upper body injury acts up.

- Casino Night was a success! Check out the write up on the Blues website.

- Dustin Byfuglien’s super sized contract of 5 years and $26 million (matching his physique) will likely raise alarm bells with a few teams in the West. Namely Keith Yandel in Phoenix and Shea Weber in Nashville. Players with similar production, and a stronger history in Weber’s case, who will now cost their current employers more than they likely want to shell out.

The Blues should take notice as well. Erik Johnson’s contract expires at the end of 2011-12. Don’t think if he has a rebound season comparable to Buffy’s (or the other two mentioned) that EJ’s agent won’t point back to that deal and say “we deserve that and more”.

- The Montreal Canadiens re-acquired Defenseman Paul Mara for a 5th Rd pick in the 2011 draft from the Anaheim Ducks. This very likely ends the possibility of “Brewer to the Habs” speculation. Montreal isn’t likely to add another defenseman, but look to add up front.

Did Army ask for too much? Assuming Montreal was truly interested… I hope he did. Brewer is a valuable commodity to the team and on the trade market. Selling him now, when the Blues still have some post season pulse, would be foolish. Let him build up value and the market build up the need. Then if the Blues fall out of contention after the Calgary game on the 27th, then is the time to act.

- Quick Standings update: The Blues stay in 13th with 59 points. They are 2 points ahead of Colorado and three behind Columbus. They are 9 points out of 8th place Calgary AND 4th place Phoenix. Yes, just NINE POINTS separate 4th from 13th and TEN POINTS separate 3rd from 13th.

You wanted parity Gary, you got it!

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news.