bluenotezone.com » Carlo Colaiacovo

Blues Power Past Sharks

David Trigg — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:36:26 +0000

Don't Open My Door...

The opening round series between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks shifted location but not the momentum. After winning the second game in dominating fashion, the Blues followed their first playoff victory in eight years with another beating the Sharks 4-3.

Multiple Blues had multiple points and most came on the power play. Going three for four on the man advantage, the Blues exposed the poor penalty killing of the Sharks to take the series lead 2-1.

Patrik Berglund started the scoring fifteen minutes into the first period capitalizing on the Blues first power play. After dishing the puck to the point Berglund crashed the net and tapped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.

Moments later the Sharks would respond. Joe Thornton dumped a puck in and Kris Russell tried to glove it out of the zone. Not getting enough of it, Russell knocked it down for Brent Burns who skated by him and crossed the crease to lift one by Brian Elliott to tie the game.

But it was all St. Louis from then on. Hard work in the corner by Alex Steen set up Carlo Colaiacovo on the point who fired a shot that deflected off Berglund to the stick of Andy McDonald who scored his second of the series.

Later in the second another power play goal gave the Blues a two goal lead. On the point, Steen dished the puck to McDonald who made a beauty cross ice pass to Jason Arnott. The veteran with all his playoff experience had no trouble beating the out of position Antti Niemi.

The Blues third power play goal of the game came a minute into the third period. Steen manning the point again pulled up and took a big shot. The big Swedish body of Berglund limited the view of Niemi and Steen’s shot got through him for his first of the playoffs.

McDonald’s four point night came with assists on all goals except for his own. Colaiacovo also had three assists in the game while Berglund and Steen added two points a piece.

The Blues took the pressure off in the end of the game allowing late goals from Colin White and Logan Couture. But this only gave the Sharks false hope as the Blues finished the game still on top.

Up Next: Game Four in San Jose Thursday.

St. Louis To Take On San Jose In Round One

Randall Ritchey — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:15:30 +0000

After a huge 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars, the St. Louis Blues were awaiting the outcomes of the Edmonton Oilers/Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings/San Jose Sharks game to see who they’d be facing off against in the first round.

It's playoff time, expect a scrum after almost every whistle.

After the Canucks and the Sharks had both won their respective games, the western conference was finally pegged down. The Canucks claimed the West and the President’s trophy. The Blues finished second, set to face off against the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Looking at the rosters of each club, you can judge who’d better for yourself.

Jaroslav Halak/Brian Elliott vs Antti Niemi/Thomas Griess

There should be no question whatsoever in this case. You have the best statistical goaltender in the NHL in Brian Elliott and while Niemi has a cup, most would prefer Jaroslav Halak in net over the Finnish Niemi.

Halak and Elliott will share the William Jennings trophy for fewest goals allowed in the NHL. San Jose finished eighth in goals against, letting in fifty more goals overall than the Blues.

Offense Isn’t Lacking On Defense

When looking on the defensive side of the puck, both teams aren’t lacking offensively.

Dan Boyle lead the San Jose Sharks offense from the defense this year, scoring nine goals, 39 assists for 48 points on the year. He’s followed by Brent Burns’ 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists). Burns, however, adds a solid defensive game and grit on the blueline as well.

The Blues counter offensively with Alex Pietrangelo’s 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) and Kevin Shattenkirk’s 43 points (9 goals, 34 assists). Pietrangelo, however, has been playing at a Norris caliber level all season long for the Blues, something the Sharks haven’t had.

Then you have the supporting cast behind the “big two” for each club.

For San Jose, it’s the likes of Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Douglas Murray, Justin Braun, Colin White, Jason Demers, and Jim Vandermeer.

While the Blues have guys like Barret Jackman, Roman Polak, Kent Huskins, Carlo Colaiacovo, Kris Russell, and Ian Cole.

Obviously, you have to give the experience to the Sharks group, but overall, it’s fairly close and hard to really pick one side. We’ll call it a wash as I honestly can’t make a decision.

Depth The Story Offensively

While the Sharks probably have more well known names in Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Pavelski, they cannot say they have the depth like the St. Louis Blues do. The Sharks bottom six guys compared to the Blues bottom six just don’t add up.

When you have guys like Alex Steen, Jason Arnott, and even the struggling Chris Stewart playing third line minutes compared to Michal Handzus, Dominic Moore, and Andrew Desjardins, you’re going to have an edge offensively.

After the top nine, the Blues hold depth over the Sharks with the fourth line along with their scratches as well. The Sharks have Dan Winnik’s 23 points as top among their fourth liners, while the Blues have a guy who notched 20 goals last season in Matt D’Agostini and Jamie Langenbrunner’s 24 points as well.

The Blues are also holding a top prospect ready to play in Jaden Schwartz as well, very much like the Sharks did a few seasons ago with Logan Couture.

In terms of toughness, Ryan Reaves is by far the toughest player on either club’s roster, and given his ability to play a effective checking line role, he’s a valuable asset to the Blues here.

Heated History

We must also remember that these two organizations aren’t the biggest fans of one another. From the most recent Joe Thornton incident of Joe Thonrton concussing David Perron with a blindside hit, to the upset in 2000, games between these two are usually up tempo, hard hitting, grinding games, which favors the Blues more defensive system than the Sharks more offensive system.

Fighting usually isn’t common in the post season. The big, hard hits, the board battles usually tell the stories in playoff hockey, and that should give the Blues the advantage, like it has in the season series against these clubs, in which the Blues went 4-0 against them this season.

Leading The Ship

Another advantage the Blues have over the Sharks is leadership where it matters, the coaches. While Todd McLellan is a very good coach, he doesn’t have the pedigree that Ken Hitchcok has, which includes a Stanley Cup. Hitchock knows what it takes to get his team wins. Leading a team that many have stated was ‘built for the playoffs’ will again, give the Blues an advantage over San Jose.

The Sharks only have two players who have won a Stanley Cup on their roster in Dan Boyle who won it with Tampa, and Colin White, who won it with New Jersey.

The Blues have four guys in Jason Arnott (NJD), Jamie Langenbrunner (NJD, DAL), Andy McDonald (ANA), and Kent Huskins (ANA) who’ve won Hockey’s Holy Grail. So though as a team the Blues don’t have a lot of experience, they have more guys who’ve been there and know what it takes to win it all.

Home Sweet Home

The biggest factor in this series likely wont be the players, or the coaches, or the history of these two teams, it will be the Blues having home ice advantage. The Sharks will go into a hostile territory in which the Blues have lost six, yes only six games on home ice all season long. It will easily give a boost to the Blues all series long.

If the Sharks can take a game in St. Louis, it could help them gain momentum, but that will be no easy feat. Expect the crowd’s energy to carry over into the players and it could end up giving the Sharks fits if they cannot find a way to put the puck in the net.

Overall, the advantage has to be in St. Louis’ favor in this series from goaltending to forward depth, coaching and style of play. This projects to be a very hard fought series and the winner will have to earn their victory. This is where it all matters, where players will disappoint and players will prove their worth. Who will shine? We’ll have to watch to find out!

Series Schedule

Game One – San Jose vs St. Louis -Thursday, April 12th, 6:30 pm

Game Two – San Jose vs St. Louis -Saturday, April 14th, 6:30 pm

Game Three – St. Louis vs San Jose-Monday, April 16th, 9:00 pm

Game Four – St. Louis vs San Jose- Thursday, April 19th, 9:00 pm

Game Five (if necessary) – San Jose vs St. Louis – Saturday, April 21st, 6:30

Game Six (if necessary) – St. Louis vs San Jose – Monday, April 23rd, TBD

Game Seven (if necessary) – San Jose vs St. Louis – Wednesday, April 25th, TBD

Pick the Goal Scorer & Mini Game Preview: February 22- St. Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins

Kelly Quirin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:27:51 +0000

Tonight, the Stanley Cup Champions are in St. Louis to battle against our St. Louis Blues. The Blues are coming off a hard loss in Chicago. They are stopping at home for 1 game before heading out to Nashville and the start of a 6 game road trip. The Bruins are not an easy team to beat, but the Blues will need to keep pressure on tonight. In addition to the Bruins coming to town, fans will be able to celebrate Keith Tkachuk in a pre-game ceremony tonight. Tkachuk was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame this year, and tonight’s ceremony will honor this achievement. Fans in attendance will also receive a poster marking the achievement.

Blues News: Forward Jamie Langenbrunner is out at least four weeks after fracturing a bone in his left foot Sunday against the Blackhawks. The Blues have recalled TJ Hensick to take Langenbrunner’s place. After battling the flu, Jaroslav Halak appears to be healthy again. Ben Bishop has been sent back to Peoria now that his services are no longer needed with the big club. Carlo Colaiacovo will be back in the lineup for the Blues tonight, and defenseman Kent Huskins will be sitting out.

The Blues will need to put some serious pressure on the Bruins tonight to bring home a win. Who will score first for the Blues? Let us know what you think! Remember, you just need to comment on this post to be entered into the contest; the person with the most correct guesses at the end of the season will win a Blues themed prize (prize still TBD). *Comments must be dated/timestamped prior to the game start time*

Boston Bruins: The Bruins are coming to St. Louis after a shut-out loss against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. The loss was not from lack of effort- the team had 48 shots on goal in that game. The Bruins will be looking to repeat their effort against the Blues, and hope to prove that their effort can bring in a road win. Bruins Shawn Thornton is apparently ill today, and will likely be a game time decision.

Game Info:

Location: St. Louis

Opposing Netminder: Tim Thomas (Likely per Daily Faceoff, First off Ice per Lou Korac)

Blues Probable Line Combos: (per Lou Korac)
Forward Lines:
Sobotka – Backes – Oshie
McDonald – Berglund – Perron
Porter – Arnott – Stewart
Crombeen – Nichol – Reaves

Defensive Pairings:
Colaiacovo – Pietrangelo
Jackman – Shattenkirk
Russell – Polak

Blues Starting Goaltender: Brian Elliott (per Jeremy Rutherford)

Bruins Probable Line Combos (Per Lou Korac)
Forward Lines:
Lucic – Kelly – Krejci
Marchand – Bergeron – Seguin
Paille – Campbell – Hennessy
Pouliot – Camper – Caron

Defensive Pairings:
Chara – Boychuk
Seidenberg – Corvo
McQuaid – Ference

Game Day Preview- Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues 02-18-2012

Tony Timpe — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:21:46 +0000

Minnesota Wild

(25/23/9)

St. Louis Blues

(35/15/7)

Scottrade Center

Game Time 1:00pm

TV- FS-MW(HD) Radio- KMOX

St. Louis Team Recap- The St. Louis Blues are coming off a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders in a game where the Blues scored more goals then they had on the previous 3 games. Once the Blues broke open the scoring it was all a down hill slide for Isle back up goal tender Al Montoya. With Nabakov out with the flu Montoya was called upon on short notice to take on the high flying Blues. It was obvious Montoya had not played in awhile and was very rusty with his angles and vision on the puck. The Blues welcome in the Minnesota Wild today and look to pick up another two points in an attempt to keep pace with the NHL darling Red Wings.

St. Louis Keys To The Game- It is very simple for St. Louis today. Stay out of the penalty box and funnel as many pucks to the net as possible. If they can keep it tight defensively and not allow a talented Wild team time and space the Blues should be able to pick up another W for the win column.

St. Louis Expected Lines:

57-42-74

10-21-15

17-44-26

32-12-25

Elliot/Bishop

Minnesota Wild Team Recap- Looking at the team now as opposed to a few months ago you will find that they are a meer shell of the team that at one point lead the entire NHL in the standings. Shotty goal tending and bad team defense has lead Minnesota down a loosing path that seems to be oozing blood still. Sitting in the 12th place currently 6 points out of a very tight western conference the Wild are on the outside looking in wondering just what the hell happened to their season. Key injuries to players such as Devin Setagochi and Mikko Koivu at points during the season really hurt the teams over all game. I am not convinced that the Wild have what it takes to make the play offs this season but I have been wrong before.

Minnesota Wild Keys To The Game- Simple, Keep the puck out of your own zone. The Wild have to find a way to keep the puck away from the Blues. The Wild also have to find a way to make time and space for their players to maneuver in with the puck. The Blues do a superb job at eliminating these key factors of the game on most days which make it especially tough for the opposition to score on them. With Elliot expected to get the start for the Blues, the Wild will be facing a 1.61 GAA which is tops in the NHL. Pucks to the net with traffic will be key for the Wild and pestering the Blues into taking bad penalties will have to be part of the game plan for Minnesota. If the Wild don’t control the flow of this game it could get ugly in a hurry…. Think 5 or 6-1….

St. Louis Team News- Alex Steen remains out on the road to recovery from a concussion suffered over a month ago. Steen has skated with the team in practice but has yet to kick all of his symptoms. defenseman Kent Huskins has found his way back from injury and worked himself in just one game into Hitch’s favor. Hitch commented that Huskins was strong defensively and was steady and reliable. As for defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, Carlo may be sitting for awhile while Huskins shows him how to be Pietroangelo’s partner. Carlo injured his wrist in practice this week and was a no go in the game against the Islanders. Carlo has since been released to play but Hitch will be sticking with Huskins for the time being. Matt D’Agostini was reported as being at the rink the other day but did not skate or participate in any practice activities. No time table for his return has been made offical. With Jaroslav Halak battling the flu Peoria super star goalie Ben Bishop will make the trip up to the big club to back up Brian Elliot today. Ben as many of you know will be a UFA at the end of this season and is poised to be a starting goal tender some where in the NHL this up coming season. Ben is eager to get into an NHL line up sooner then later but will fulfil his role as a Blue/Rivermen until said time comes for him to part ways with the organization.

It is Mardi Gras in St. Louis so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the Scottrade Center for the 1pm start this afternoon. Toot your horns and let out your inner Blunatic and cheer on the Blues to another victory!! Let’s Go Blues!!!!

Call Up Option, Fairchild VS Syvret

Randall Ritchey — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:56:18 +0000

With Brendan Shanahan and the NHL disciplinary committee suspending St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole for three games after his hit on Detroit Red Wings forward, Justin Abdelkader, the Blues are now short a defender for the next three games.

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.

Blues News: Colaiacovo & Grachev Activated From IR

Jeff Quirin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:59:59 +0000

The Blues have had plenty of run-ins with the injury god of the hockey pantheon this season already. They announced two are ready to return Tuesday night against Central Division rival Detroit.

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Tuesday the club has activated defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and forward Evgeny Grachev from Injured Reserve.

Colaiacovo has been out since sustaining a hamstring injury in the Blues 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on November 17th. In 13 games this season the one time Toronto Maple Leaf has 1 goal, 6 points and a Plus-4 rating. The Blues anemic power play has missed him. When Colaiacovo plays the power play is 6 for 38, 15.7%. For the season the Note is dead last in the NHL with a 9.2% conversion rate.

Grachev has missed four games with an eye injury that occurred during practice. In 17 games this season Grachev has proven an effective depth winger who has plugged away on both Davis Payne’s and Ken Hitchock’s 4th line. He has two assists on the season.

The roster is now at the maximum of 23 healthy bodies. Considering the Blues were carrying that many at the start of the season, they’re likely to continue to. Unless a new body is sacrificed to the gods the next major roster decision will come in late December or early January when forward BJ Crombeen returns from a fractured left scapula.

According to reports Colaiacovo will partner with Alex Pietrangelo against the Red Wings. Ian Cole moves up to the press box for now. Grachev is expected to be a healthy scratch with the return of David Perron Saturday.

Game Day Preview- St. Louis Blues vs Washington Captials 11-29-2011

Tony Timpe — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:45:59 +0000

St. Louis Blues

(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!!!

Game Day Preview – St. Louis Blues vs Columbus Blue Jackets 11-27-2011

Tony Timpe — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:09:00 +0000

St. Louis Blues

(12-8-2)

vs

Columbus Blue Jackets

(6-13-3)

at

Nationwide Arena

Game Time- 5:00 pm CDT

TV- FSMW(HD) Radio- KMOX

Alex Steen has been a beast lately on the puck. One of the best two way forwards in today's NHL.

Blues Team Recap- The St. Louis Blues are coming of a 2-0 shout out victory over the Calgary Flames Friday night at Scottrade Center in which goaltender Brian Elliot stopped all 24 shots he faced. Elliott improved to 9-1 on the season with 3 shutouts and has been nothing short of amazing this season. “Ells” focus and positioning are out standing and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. When a goalie is riding a streak like this its hard not to play him even if he is the “back up goaltender”. Ken Hitchcock has said he will play those guys who earn their minutes and give them more opportunities to shine as they earn the time.

Under Hitch the Blues are 6-1-2 and sit in a three way tie for 6th place in the ultra tight western conference at 26 points. This afternoon the Blues face off against his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets who sit last in the NHL with a dismal 6-13-3 record. After replacing Steve Mason with Curtis Sandford the Jackets have gone 3-0-2 in their last 5 games and beat up on Buffalo 5-1 in their last outing. This afternoon’s game should be a good physical contest as these two divisional rivals have developed some tainted blood over the past few season going back to the ”soccer gate” incident when in Columbus. RJ Umberger and others decided to interrupt the Blues pre-game hack-n-sack style warm up in the underbelly of Nationwide Arena which did not sit well with the Blues.

Elliot working hard in practice

Blues Keys To The Game – Hello Power Play.. Calling the Power Play… Kindly pull your head from between your cheeks and get this thing moving in the right direction.

The Blues man advantage crew sits dead last in the NHL. How bad is it? So bad that the note has scored more short handed goals in their last five games then they have power play goals. This aspect of the Blues game is a must fix. I do not care how good you are at even strength, special teams are crucial. The power play most of all. If a team doesn’t capitalize on those chances you leave the door open for the other team. It has been very scary to watch these one goal leads the Blues have played with lately and quite frankly they could have lost every one of those games had it not been for solid performances in net by the netminders of the Blues. Getting that next goal after scoring the first is a vital component to winning in today’s game. Against Columbus tonight it will be no different. Score a few early goals and get a team that has struggled gravely back on their heels. Take away their will to fight and 2 points will fall to the Blues like the apple fell for Newton. Treat the Blue Jackets with not enough respect and you will end up getting blown out like Buffalo did. Play hard nosed and get the early goals are the keys for this game against the Jackets.

Blue Jackets Team Recap – Who would have thought that a change in goaltender could make such a difference? Who am I kidding.. Steve Mason was on most accounts playing worse then a rookie ECHL goalie on a good night. Coming out of the gate at 6-13-2 the Jackets are clinging to a tiny floatation device and praying the crashing waves are about over. The Blue Jackets have seemed to turn things around touting a new goalie in Curtis Sandford who is doing what any goalie in this league is tasked at doing each night. Giving his team the chance to stay in games and win them. With prolific goal scorers like Jeff Carter and Rick Nash in their lineup that is all you can ask for. Time will tell if they have turned the corner or if this is just a brief respite before they sink to the bottom of the well and stay there for good.

Blue Jackets Keys To The Game – No fancy bull crap here folks.

The Jackets are too far down to get to creative. Good goaltending, hard work and determination in the offensive zone are all they have to rely on at this point. If they get away from any of these three points it will be lights out on the guys from Columbus this evening. The Blues and former Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock come to town tonight playing a very physical checking game. They are very tough on the puck in the defensive zone and they are transitioning the puck as well as any team in the league right now. Tonight will be a tall order for the Cannon touters of Ohio but all is not sticks and stones. The Blues take a LOT of penalties because of their physical play. Forcing the noted to play a man short can lead to opportunities for a struggling team to take the reigns and drive wagon. Will Columbus be able to play a full 60 minute hockey game at Hitch’s 200ft? If they hope to continue their climb from the basement they had better bring their best effort and then some. When the Blues come calling you can count on a tough game. Jackets. Will you respond? We shall see.

Starting Goalies – If you couldn’t tell by the two goalies I talked about, the Blues are starting Brian Elliott in goal and Columbus will counter with Curtis Sanford.

Blues News – Reported as breaking news last night blues beat writer and sports columnist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Jeremy Rutherford stated he had sources that link former Forward Brett Hull to Tom Stillman’s collection of investors who are trying to buy the Blues. It was stated that he may have more aspirations then just becoming an investor and play some role in the Blues front office. I along with ever Blues fan in existence would love nothing more then for the Golden Brett to come home to St. Louis where he never should have been forced to leave. Stay tuned to Blue Note Zone for more information as it becomes available!

Crombeen with the red no contact jersey

Forward David Perron continues to fly around the ice in practice and look better and better every day. Hitchcock has indicated that David will be put into the line up the very instant he says he is ready to go. Most sources close to the team say David is most like 1-2 weeks away from his 2011-2012 debut with the Blues. Andy McDonald remains sidelined with a concussion and is not slated to return any time soon. Kent Huskins remains out while recovering from surgery to repair a fractured ankle. Husk is expected to be out another 3-5 weeks. Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is most likely ready to come off of IR in the near future. No date has been given for Colas return but it should be with in the next week. BJ Crombeen skated with the team in practice yesterday wearing the red no contact sweater and shot some pucks while participating in a few drills. Crombeen has been out since suffering a fractured shoulder blade in the teams last preseason game.

Get ready for a hot and heavy match up between two teams that do not like each other very much. Fully expect a good amount of PIMS tonight and a spirited debate after most plays. Most of all… LET’S GO BLUES!!!

Game Day Preview- St. Louis Blues vs Pittsburgh Penguins 11-23-2011

Tony Timpe — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:22:31 +0000

St. Louis Blues

(10-8-2)

vs

Pittsburgh Penguins

(12-6-3)

at

Consol Energy Center

Game Time 6pm CDT

TV- FSMW(HD) Radio- KMOX

Blues Team Recap- The Blues are coming off a regulation loss to the LA Kings last night at the Scott Trade Center. With a few botched plays from defenseman Barret Jackman and a couple of undisciplined minors later the Kings skated out of the Lou with two more points handing Ken Hitchcock his first regulation loss since taking over as head coach. Emotions were high in last nights game and none was more evident then a very dirty cross check from behind laid down by Kings defensmen Drew Doughty on Blues forward TJ Oshie. The hit sent Oshie head first the boards who had no idea Doughty was going to check him from behind. Leave it to the good ole NHL officials to only call a 2 minute minor cross checking penalty. Another awesome development this morning would be the NHL sheriff Brendan Shanahan only fining Doughty 2,500 bucks for the hit and rendering no suspension. Just last week the front office Lawmaker laid out a 3 game suspension to Chris Stewart for a VERY identical hit on Redwings player Nikolas Kronwall. Shanny is not doing himself any favors by giving punishment that is not equal for hits that the NHL and the NHPLA want to remove from the game. I find it completely absurd that Shanahan delved out the punishment that he did and I feel disrespected and slapped in the face. If you can’t handle disciplining big name athletes from big name teams but you can hand out huge fines and games missed to the smaller ones you have no business being in control. Do I think Stewart deserved the suspension that he received? You bet your sweet ass I think he deserved it. Stop giving Blues fans reasons to doubt and hold grudges against the people at the top.

Blues Keys To The Game- Score goals. Gee Tony, Isn’t the goal of every game? Yes, Yes it is but the blues have not done a good job of tallying marks against their opponents in the last several games. The power play has once again regressed and gone of for o well hell you get the idea. Scoring chances are coming the Blues way but they have not been able to finish on those chances like their opponents have. If you can’t finish on your chances you wont go very far in this league. Crash the net.. This is the bread and butter of this teams offensive ability and it seems they have lost touch once again with this idea. Shots are coming through but the opposing goal tender is able to see the puck thus making an easy stop from perimeter shots. A few lucky bounces is all the Blues need to get back to the winning ways that they have become accustom to under Hitch. Play hard, choral the Kid and fore check them into next week and the Blues should have a good night in P-Town. O by the way.. STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Pens Team Recap- After missing the last 10 months due to a concussion Pens center-man Sidney Crosby returned to the line up against the New York Islanders a few nights ago. It did not take Sid long to find his touch. Crosby went on to polish off 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points on the night. The only place the Penguins are headed from here is a steady climb upward in the Eastern Conference. Look for the polar aquatic birds to make a big splash come playoff time if this roster of offensive giants can remain healthy.

Pens Keys To The Game- Get the Blues to take bad penalties and score power play goals. This should be every teams MO from here on out against this team. The Blues have been very undisciplined over their last three match ups and have taken penalties that have lead either directly or indirectly to their demise. With a mediocre PK unit and a terrible Power Play the Pens could dominate this game if they keep possession of the puck time way up and force the stingy defensive Blues to play in their own end. The Blues will make mistakes and it is how the Pens react to those mistakes that will ultimately define this match up. Can Sid the Kid and company capitalize on some mistakes by a young team? Or will the Pens take a lazy approach to a very good team and get shown some humble pie? The puck is in the Pens court and it is up to them whether or not they dominate St. Louis or cough up two points.

Blues News- David Perron continues to skate with the team in full contact practices. No time table has been officially set for his return but all indications point to him being just a few weeks away from his 2011-2012 debut with the Blues. Andy McDonald remains on IR with a concussion and no time table for return at this point. Kent Huskins remains out on IR with a ankle fracture. BJ Crombeen is sidelined with a fractured shoulder blade and is expected to return some time in early January. Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. Cade Faichild has been recalled from Peoria to be the Blues 7th Defenseman.

I again as a Blues fan shake my head at the decision making of the disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. When you let hits like this go you set a precedence that top teams and top players will get a free pass but those who are lower on the popularity pole will get crucified and made an example of. Shame on you Shanaban, Shame shame shame….

Blues Send Colaiacovo to IR & Recall Fairchild From Rivermen

Jeff Quirin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:22:34 +0000

I may be a little behind in the times, but the Blues announced Tuesday that defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo has been placed on IR and Cade Fairchild has been recalled from the Peoria Rivermen.

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.