(8-3-3)

vs

St. Louis Blues

(6-7-0)

at

Scott Trade Center

Game time 7:00 pm (CST)

TV- FSMW(HD)

Radio KMOX

Blues Team Recap- Where does one even begin with this segment? The St. Louis Blues, after falling to the Minnesota Wild 3-1 on Saturday night, decided to take a new direction with their coaching staff. Sunday evening, the Blues announced that Davis Payne had been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Blues. Payne, who took the helm just 22 months ago, was let go after he failed to get his squad to perform on a consistent basis. GM Doug Armstrong made the decision after talking with other Blues executives to give the nod to Former Columbus Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock. Hitch brings to the table a Stanley Cup (Dallas 1999), several late play off round births, and a knack for motivating his players to play a full 60 minute hockey game. Here is a link to the press conference held yesterday introducing Hitchcock as the new Blues skipper.  With a Stanley Cup champion caliber coach now in place who is touted as one of the smartest hockey minds in all of the NHL, Doug Armstrong has made it perfectly clear that now the responsibility is squarely on the players themselves. “We have given every player a mirror,” Doug Armstrong stated yesterday at the press conference in reference to the players looking at themselves  and whether or not this Blues team sinks or swims.  The team held practice at Scott Trade Center yesterday afternoon with their new head coach. One of the most notable questions asked of Hitch was how long will it take to fix our woefully bad Power Play unit. Hitch’s simple reply was “One Practice.” Hitch hinted at a few small things that needed to be adressed and was confident that he can turn those terrible (30th in the NHL) stats around. Tonight, the Bues square off against a strong Blackhawks team that will no doubt be looking to come into St. Louis and feed off of the turmoil that has been brought by the firing of Davis Payne and the uncertainty of expectations between coach and players. The Blues will need to play as a “TEAM” tonight for a full 60 if they wish to not be blown out. 

Blues Keys To The Game- Tonight the Blues will be looking to implement a few things from Hitch’s playbook. Look for them to attempt to be very quick on the puck in the defensive zone and attempt to get the game going north and away from their end. Getting pucks to the net with pressure around the net will be another key for success. Getting bodies in front of Corey Crawford not allowing him to see the shots will work greatly in the Blues favor. Containing the highly skilled Jonathen Toews, Patrik Kane, and Marian Hossa will be the tall order of the night. Shut down these guys and you stand a pretty good chance at two points. Allow these three to have a big night and it will be a long and drawn out 60 minutes for the blue bleeders.  Solid performance from Halak is a must tonight when the puck drops to the ice. Eliminating odd man rushes and wide open opponents in front of the net will help Jaroslav snatch a victory and get himself headed in the right direction.

Blackhawks Team Recap- The boys from the land of Lincoln come to St. Louis having been blown out by the Vancouver Canucks Sunday night 6-2. The “Canucklheads” poured on the offensive onslaught against a reeling Chicago team and never let up. At 8-3-3 The Hawks sit second in the Western Conference with 19 points, just behind the Dallas Stars (20 points). Finding ways to pick up points early in the season only helps to lessen the burden when the grind of the season rears its head in March and early April. Coach Q has his team playing very well so far in this 2011-2012 campaign and it does not look like they will be slowing down any time soon. 

Blackhawks Keys To The Game- The game plan for the hawks tonight should be very simple. Pressure, Pressure, Pressure. Make the Blues fall back behind the blue line and allow the Hawks to control the flow of the game. The Hawks will need to keep the puck out of the defensive zone and keep their legs moving. Creating separation and forcing the Blues to take penalties is key. With a penalty kill that is still near the bottom of the league, converting on any chances given will help to destroy any confidence the Blues may have found in the changing of the guard in Ken Hitchcock.

Blues News- Tonight is the Blues Tribute to #38 game.  The team will be hold in pregame ceremony in honor of Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev tonight at 6:45.  There are also fundraisers for the Demitra Korolev Fund happening online and at Scottrade tonight.  For all the information you need, check out the BNZ post.

David Perron remains on IR recovering from a concussion. David is still practicing with the team and continues to wear the red no contact jersey. No time table for his return has been given but speculation is that he will return to the team near the end of November or early December. Andy McDonald remains out with a concussion. No new news is available on his status at this time and he remains on the IR. Kent Huskins has been officially added to the IR with a deep bone bruise to his ankle. Huskins blocked a shot in the second period of the game against Calgary last week. No official time table has been given for Huskins return, but it is said that he should return to the club with in the next week to two weeks. BJ Crombeen remains out on IR with a fractured scapula. BJ is not expected back with the team until late December or early January. No new news is available on the ownership front. Rumblings that the agreement between Hulsizer and Checketts is on the outs have been floating around the water cooler but no official word has been given from either side. St. Louis businessman Tom Stillman and Enterprise Car rental owners the Taylor family have been reported lately by Andy Strickland to be interested in a joint venture at acquiring the St. Louis Blues. No official word has linked this information to the two businessmen.  

There will be a lot to watch over the coming weeks with our Blues. Will they buy in to the Ken Hitchcock way of hockey? Will Hitch be able to get 100% effort out of his club every night? The time is now for this team to stop with the excuses and put on their big boy pants. There is no more pointing of fingers in any direction but their own. Either this club will right the ship and point itself in the direction of the playoffs, or they will continue to play inconsistent not interesting hockey and Doug Armstrong will send the responsible parties bags in hand down the road. Buckle up Blues fans… Its going to be a bumpy ride!      

Courtesy of blues.nhl.com

On November 8, 2011, the St. Louis Blues will honor former players Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev at Scottrade Center.  Both former Blues were killed in the September 7, 2011 plane crash that killed the entire Lokomotiv team.

The night will feature a pre-game ceremony at 6:45 hosted by John Kelly.  The ceremony will also feature the pair’s former teammates, and former teammates Keith Tkachuk and Brett Hull will be speaking at the ceremony.  Fans not able to attend the game will be able to see the ceremony in its entirety on Fox Sports Midwest prior to the game.

Kelly Chase, a former Blue who played with both Korolev and Demitra, has been talking about the event on Twitter.  Chase is pretty emotional about the event tonight, and said that if the Blues Alumni decide to include a letter from Maya Demitra (Pavol’s wife) there will not be a dry eye in the house.  He also stated that while Igor Korolev’s wife and children will be at the ceremony tonight, the Demitra’s will not be in attendence because the children are now afraid to fly.  According to Chase, the former players who will be showing their respect tonight include: “Hull, Macinnis, Cujo, Courtnall, Tkachuk, Jackman, Mayers, Quenneville, Low, Twist, Chase, Rivers, Young, Brown, Campbell, [and] Statsny.”

The evening will also feature fundraisers for the Demitra Korolev Fund.  This fund provides for children who cannot afford to participate in hockey without financial help.  Fans can donate online to the fund here.

The Blues will be hosting a game worn jersey auction to benefit the Demitra Korolev Fund.  The night of the tribute, the Blues players will be wearing a special “number 38″ patch on their jerseys.  Fans will be able to bid on the jerseys, with proceeds to benefit the Demitra Korolev Fund. You can place your bid on a game worn jersey online here.

The Blues Bump 50/50 Raffle will be benefiting the Demitra Korolev Fund on the night of November 8th.  Tickets are 3/$5, 8/$10, and 21/$20.  The winner will receive half of the pot.

Fans can also honor Demitra and Korolev by purchasing a $10 Special Edition Blues Love for Lokomotiv bracelet in the True Blues Authentic Team Store.  These bracelets had previously been sold by the Blues wives and girlfriends, but they are now available in the team stores.

ZACK STORTINI! He made the Preds roster . . . somehow. Image via Zimbio

It’s “BACK TO SCHOOL” time, and classes are back in session at PunchFace University! And no one could be any more excited about it than I am.

It is so grand to be back in business after a long offseason. When I say “long offseason”, I mean it . . . with the deaths of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, Wade Belak and the whole Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team that included the likes of Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev looming heavy, the very thought of hockey looming was too much to keep away from. But now, we’re back!

The St. Louis Blues finished 2010-2011 having “earned” the most major fighting penalties in the National Hockey League with a whopping 78 of them, earning 33 victories, suffering 23 defeats and working 22 draws, according to Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights. I don’t mean to burst anyone’s bubble, but I anticipate that the Blues may fight a bit less this year than years’ past.  With Cam Janssen now in New Jersey and with BJ Crombeen expected to be out an extended period of time, not to mention the influx of talent that is expected to be on the ice nightly, the role of the enforcer is slowly diminishing from this franchise.  Not only that, the new emphasis on suspending players for stupid plays such as head shots and boarding may cause a trend downward league-wide away from fighting.  But as with everything, we will see how it all plays out.

Our beloved Blues begin the season with Central Division rivals (but for how much longer?), the Nashville Predators.  Out of six games contested between the Blues and Preds last season, there was only one fight, and neither contestant will be on the ice tonight – Shane O’Brien, now of the Colorado Avalanche, squared off against Crombeen, now on injured reserve with a broken shoulder blade, in an October 14th fight in Nashville that Crombeen won relatively easily. In fact, the Predators finished second-to-last in the NHL with 18 fights during the 2010-2011 season. On a positive note for them, their fight record wasn’t horrible – 7-7-4.

Among those currently on the Preds roster, former Oilers enforcer Zack Stortini (6’4”, 215lbs, 1-5-2) leads the way with eight fights contested before he was sent to the minors. Jordin Tootoo (5’9”, 199lbs, 3-0-1) leads the team among players returning to the team from last year’s playoff run with four fights.  Francis Bouillon (5’8”, 198lbs, 1-1-1, on IR with Post-Concussion Syndrome) contested in three fights, while Kevin Klein (6’1”, 200lbs, 0-1-1) participated in two scraps. One fight each were contested by Mike Fisher (6’1”, 208lbs, Win), Blake Geoffrion (6’1”, 190lbs, Win), Islanders import Jack Hillen (5’10”, 190lbs, Loss) and Colin Wilson (6’1”, 210lbs, Loss).

The best opportunity we will see for a fight on Opening Night would be if both Stortini and Ryan Reaves play.  Reaves has a slight weight advantage but Stortini has the height and reach advantage, but nonetheless this would be a battle of two heavyweights, and it would be a GREAT fight to see.

The battle has only begun. It is that time, once more.

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights

Picture Credit to Blues.nhl.com

The St. Louis Blues Alumni have started the Demitra – Korolev Fund in honor of the two Blues alums who perished in the September 7 plane crash that killed the entire Lokomotiv KHL team.  The fund will provide hockey equipment and hockey team fees to children who cannot afford it, both in the US and in Europe.

The fund is asking for $38 (minimum) donations in honor of Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, who both wore the number 38 for the Blues.  Donations can be made online here, or can be mailed to: St. Louis Blues Alumni Demitra – Korolev Fund, 1401 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103.

Silicone Memory Bracelet

The Blues also have another fundraiser in the works to honor the members of the Lokomotiv team who perished in September.  The wives and girlfriends of the Blues players have united with the other NHL wives to benefit the “Love for Lokomotiv” campaign.  On October 8 at the regular season home opener the Blues wives and girlfriends will be selling specially made silicone bracelets for $10.  As seen on Jeremy Rutherford’s Twitter account, the Blues will be selling bracelets with a “38*Bluenote*38” logo on themKelly Backes, wife of David Backes, is the wife in charge of the Blues participation.  She stresses that the effort is to show that hockey communtiy, as “one hockey family,” has not “forgotten who was lost (blues.nhl.com).”

Jade Prayer Bracelet

The Love for Lokomotiv fund states that the goal is to “raise money for their dear friends.”  The effort consists of “Hockey Girls” from around various leagues, with the wives and girlfriends of players uniting to show their support for the families of those lost.  The main organizers are: Erica Lundmark (KHL/European Leagues), Kelly Willsie (AHL), Danielle Preissing (NLA), Brijet Whitney, Katerina Jokinen and Kodette LaBarbera (NHL).  Bracelets can be purchased online in support; they are offering hand made jade prayer bracelets ($50 adult/$25 child) and silicone memory bracelets ($10).  Bracelets can be purchased online here, and don’t forget the silicone memory bracelets will be available at Scottrade on October 8.  You can show your support by “Liking” Love for Lokomotiv on Facebook and following @Love4Lokomotiv on Twitter!

The Blues are just one part of the hockey world that have come together to honor those lost in the September tragedy.  Donating in honor of those lost is a way to keep the memory of the Lokomotiv team alive.  The BlueNoteZone staff will be making a donation to the Demitra – Korolev Fund, and some authors will be purchasing memory bracelets at the home opener as well.  Please think about helping us honor our Blues alum and the others who perished that day by making a donation of your own.

RIP Pavol…. I just can’t say or type that without getting a little teary eyed…

Bluenotes is a (sometimes) daily dose of news and views from around St. Louis Blues nation and the NHL abroad.

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Former Blues Forward Cory Stillman Retires

Reports from Wednesday indicate that former St. Louis Blues winger Cory Stillman will announce his retirement Thursday September 8th after 16 NHL seasons.

He follows the trend set by many of his contemporaries and will stay involved in the game in a front office role with one of his former teams. His choice is a role on the Florida Panthers player development staff.

Stillman was acquired by the Blues in a March 2000 deal sending fan favorite Craig Conroy and a 7th Round pick (David Moss) to the Calgary Flames. He appeared in 171 games over parts of three seasons in St. Louis. Registering 119 points, 50 goals and 69 assists.

Stillman was a teammate of Pavol Demitra who passed away Wednesday in the Locomotiv charter flight crash in Russia.

On June 21st, 2003 Stillman was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2nd Round pick in the 2003 draft. Current Blues forward David Backes was selected.

Over the course of his career Stillman appeared in 1,025 games, scored 278 goals and 727 points. He also recorded 19 goals and 51 points in 82 NHL playoff games. He is also a two time Stanley Cup champion. In 2004 with Tampa and in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kudos on a great career, Cory.

The Dark Horse Once Again

The Bleacher Report came out with another 2011-12 prediction post, well more like a photo montage, of the seven dark horse teams to surprise this upcoming season.

Here is what Nicholas Gross had to say regarding your Blues:

The St. Louis Blues were expected to make the playoffs last summer after acquiring breakout goaltender Jaroslav Halak from the Montreal Canadiens.

However, due to injuries to multiple key players, the Blues finished 10 points behind the eighth-seeded Chicago Blackhawks.

With star forward T.J. Oshie returning after missing much of last season, the Blues offense will be better. Additionally, veteran additions Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott will bring playoff experience to the team.

They play in the tough Central division, but you can bet the Blues will come closer to making the playoffs this year than last. They may even sneak into the postseason.

Go ahead and take shots at Bleacher report, but Gross says the Blues should improve and may sneak back in to the playoffs. I’ll take all the positive vibes I can get.

How Should Demitra and Korolev Be Honored?

Not long after the confirmation of the passing of Blues alumni Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev the Asylum had a post rolling on how best to pay tribute.

Responses ranged from “Retire 38″ to little more than a moment of silence. My hopes fall in the middle.

In short list form:
- Players wear a commemorative patch featuring the number 38, the Lokomotiv and Blues logos on their sweater. Coaches and front office personnel at games wear a small pin version of the logo.

- Pre-game memorial ceremony before the home opener on October 8th honoring the #38 like Doug Wickenheiser’s 14, Bob Plager’s 5 and the four to wear the 7 sweater.

- Teammates Barret Jackman, Keith Tkachuk and Scott Mellanby all speak at the ceremony.

- A charity is set up in Demitra and Korolev’s name like Wickenheiser. Sure its a marketing ploy, but sell the commemorative pin the coaches and staff wear. Sell Sherseys of Demitra and Korolev with the proceeds donated to the charity… and I don’t mean the $40+ Brett Hull type ones. The $20 some-odd ones for current players is perfect.

I can see why some would want to retire the number. Demitra has the 5th most points in franchise history (493 points in 494 games). He was the top forward a whole generation of fans grew up with. If you look at the list of top 10 scorers in franchise history, Demitra is the only player in the top 8 to not have his number retired or honored.

Something needs to be done. I’m hoping for the best, but given some of the marketing departments recent gaffe’s, I’m concerned. If they mess this one up, I will stop believin’.

Picture from the Associated Press

The Lokomotiv team was in route to their opening game of the season in Minsk, Belarus.  According to the NHL.com report, the entire Lokomotiv team plus 4 members of their youth roster were on board when the plane crashed at noon Moscow time.  In addition, 8 crew members were reportedly killed.  NHLers (past players and coaching staff) who lost their lives included: Lokomotiv head coach Brad McKrimmon (former RedWings assistant coach), assistant coaches Igor Korolev and Alexander Karpovtsev, Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei, Karlis Skrastins, Josef Vasicek, and Alexander Vasyunov.

According to the  Russian Emergency Situations Ministry, the plane crashed shortly after take off, catching fire and crashing into a body of water near the runway.  According to the Associated Press, witnesses saw the plane “wobbling” in the air after take off.  Emergency responders rushed to the scene, pulling victims out of the water.  One player, Alexander Galimov, and one crew member reportedly survived the crash, but are in critical condition.

Former Blue Pavol Demitra was confirmed as one of those who perished by his agent.  Demitra was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Christer Olsson in November 1996.  He played with the Blues until the 2004 lockout.  In his career with the Blues, he proved to be an NHL star- making three trips to the All Star Game and winning a Lady Bing trophy during his time in St. Louis.  In his career, Demitra netted 304 goals and 768 points.

Blues fans are mourning the loss of Pavol Demitra, who made an impact on young Blues fans in the 1990s.  Demitra was a 20+ goal scorer in each of his full seasons with the Blues, with his high being 37 goals in a single season as a Blue.  The fan favorite earned his praise while being a point earner and an All-Star.  In reports of his death, those who knew him are quoted as saying he was an all around great guy, which seems to be the type of player that Blues fans are drawn to.

Igor Korolev, an assistant coach who perished today, was also a former Blue.  Drafted by the Blues in 1992, Koralev spent two seasons with the Blues before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets..  In his time with the Blues, the center notched 43 points.

The Blues recently released a statement regarding the crash and the loss of their former players.  Team President John Davidson relayed condolences to the families and friends of those who perished.  He also stated that the team was saddened by the loss of it’s former players, and described both players as “dedicated players and their influence in St. Louis was not only felt on the ice, but throughout the community.”

Blues fans should take a minute to remember the great player that Pavol Demitra was and everything that he meant to St. Louis hockey, but should also take time to think of and remember Igor Korolev the other lives lost in today’s crash.  Great lives were lost today in Russia, and this event is sure to be another tragedy of this summer in the hockey world that will be remembered and talked about for a long time.

Capgeek.com is a great website for fans wanting to play around with Free Agent scenarios and team salaries/Cap Space. One new feature they have is the Trade Machine. This is basically a salary calculator that figures out how a trade breaks down in terms of salary and cap hits. A nifty tool for a computer chair GM or blogger. I spent a little time playing around with the scenarios and here is how they worked out.

Pittsburgh

As of March 3rd Kariya will have $1,243,523 left as his Cap Hit. As of that same date the Penguins have $735,626 in Cap Space. The difference is roughly $550,000.

Scenario One was a deal to send a conditional pick (similar to the Guerin deal) + a Roster player (Eaton, Dupuis, Fedotenko, etc). All three players listed as examples are below the needed $550,000 Cap Hit that the Pens have to clear. For the Pens to make such a deal, multiple players would have to go to St. Louis to add Kariya. If multiple Pens players are sent back, can the Pens replace said player? They could with a warm body, but it would be very hard to replace the experience lost. Dupuis and Eaton + the Pick(s) would clear the needed cap space and leave the Pens roughly $130,000 in Cap Space.

Scenario Two was a deal moving a mid level prospect (not named Caputi or Tangradi) + a Roster player. This is basically the same scenario, but instead of a pick, the Blues get a player who can go to Peoria and be an upgrade there now and in the NHL for depth later.

Scenario one is the most plausible because the Pens can replace Eaton with Skoula as a top 6 and then use Ben Lovejoy (or someone of the same ilk) as the #7 Defensemen. Dupuis can be replaced by Max Talbot who was not playing prior to the break. Someone like Dustin Jeffrey, Nick Johnson, or Chris Conner can replace Talbot as the depth player on the NHL roster. Scenario two is far less possible upon second review because the Pens are dealing too much personnel and cutting in to their depth.

Vancouver

Vancouver is even more precarious because they will have only $536,788 in Cap Space come the March 3rd deadline. meaning they would need to find a way to clear out roughly $700,000 to make Kariya fit.

Scenario One was A Roster player + a Pick + Corey Schneider. In this scenario only the roster player is pulling Cap Hits from the Canucks figures. Corey Schneider is not on the NHL roster so his contract is not counting towards their cap figure. The only player who could clear enough space is Pavol Demiitra. His Cap Hit is $829,016 come March 3rd. This scenario may work as Demitra has had very little to do with the success Vnacouver has had this season. He played in just 11 games before the Olympic break and pitched in just 1 Goal with 4 Points. He doesn’t really fit back in to the Canucks Top 6 of Sedin x2, Burrows, Raymond, Kesler, and Samuelsson. Is he the type of guy to play a 3rd line role and help a team win a Cup? I think some Vancouver fans would say no (I bet some Blues fans will too). Demitra would save the Blues roughly half a million dollars in salary from March 3rd to the end of the season.

Scenario Two was a Roster player + AHL Prospect + Schneider. Just like in the Pens scenario’s, this one is virtually the same impact on the destination team. The Canucks won’t be moving Schroeder or Hodgson, so there wouldn’t be too much depth lost in moving a mid level prospect.

Scenario one is the most likely here as well. Demitra is a was out considering both he and Kariya are UFAs come July 1st. The Pick is a throw in. Schneider is what the Blues would really be after. The Blues save money and “get their goalie” while the Canucks upgrade Demitra to Kariya and get some return for Schneider.

Other Teams?

Could another team still be involved? Of course. The Pens and Canucks are obvious starting points due to Paul’s life and career. Who else could be looking to add a rental for a reduced cost?

NY Islanders – In the middle of the muck in the East. Lots of Cap Space and could use some added veteran experience. Will Snow want to give up picks or prospects for a rental? Maybe. Will Kariya waive his NMC to go to NYI? Doubtful, unless he thinks he can raise his UFA value there.

Ottawa Senators – They will have roughly $1,349,508 in Cap Space come the deadline and could use another producing forward with some experience. If they can’t get in on Ponikarvosky, Whitney, etc. Kariya could be in play.

LA Kings – They are poised for a playoff run and are already rumored to be kicking tires (and have made offers) for Ray Whitney of Carolina. Could Kariya be their consolation prize? They have the Caps Space and the prospects/picks to do the deal and not lose future depth.

Colorado Avalanche – The team has “overachieved” but is playing well. They could benefit from Kariya’s experience and speed. They have the space to cut a deal and take on that Cap Hit. He could be a nice stabilizer for their young core and provide some consistency in effort for the Avs. The Avs have a shot at a decent run and Paul is familiar with the Avs. Will they gamble on him a second time?

Buffalo Sabres – The team can play and has great goaltending, but goal scoring and offensive production are in question. Would Buffalo be willing to move MacArthur, Stafford, or the like to bring in the speedy Kariya? They space is there if the Sabres move a roster play back to St. Louis.

Final Destination #2

Vancouver seems to be difficult even though both teams have what the other team wants. Money could be the issue that trumps any move. That said, If Vancouver is willing to move Demitra, the deal could work in terms of salary and Cap Hits.

Pittsburgh can do it, but at what cost to their NHL depth?

I still think Vancouver is the most likely trading partner. I would not discount LA or Ottawa (or Pittsburgh) if Whitney, Ponikarvosky, or Torres is not to be had.

Chris Thorburn is all like, "STAY HERE, TANNER!" Image via treehugger.com (of ALL places!)

As expected, the fists flew in Stampede City on Monday night.  As anticipated, one of the fights was between Cam Janssen and Brandon Prust.  And as we all know he can, Janssen took down Prust, with an impressive finish to boot.  Unfortunately, Janssen got involved with Brian McGrattan earlier in a matchup that proved to be a bit much for Cam.  So with the 1-1-0 record on the evening, Janssen moves to 8-3-2 on the season.  The Blues as a team are now 21-13-11 and hold tight at the 5th spot for number of fights on the season with 45 – only one behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.

So now it’s our “good pals” from Canada’s beautiful Pacific Southwest, the Vancouver Canucks.  There have been three games between the two already this season – two at home, one at their place – and all 5 fights that took place were in St. Louis.  There were four fights on November 10th – Kevin Bieksa and BJ Crombeen traded victories and Janssen worked a draw with Darcy Hordichuk before defeating Tanner Glass later.  In the New Year’s Eve game, Rick Rypien defeated Janssen amid controversy over tape on his hand, which he received a game misconduct for.  So Vancouver is 2-2-1 against the Blues this season in fights and they’re 14-9-18 in 41 scraps this season – the 41 fights represents 7th place in the NHL in ’09-’10.

As most of us know, Vancouver has several players willing to drop the gloves.  I count 9 different Canucks with fights – 6 of which have shed the gloves multiple times on the season.  The leader of the pack is center Rypien (5’11″, 170lbs, 4-2-5).  We are not guaranteed that Rypien will fight in this game, as he just returned on Monday from a bout with food poisoning.  We’re also not likely to see defenseman and “old friend”, Bieksa (6’0″, 205lbs, 3-1-1).  He is on injured reserve with a leg laceration.  Another defenseman who may be out is Willie Mitchell (6’3″, 210lbs, 0-0-2) – he’s day-to-day with a concussion.  This leaves us with three other Canucks players involved in multiple fights – wingers Glass (6’0″, 200lbs, 4-2-4) and Hordichuk (6’1″, 215lbs, 3-2-4) and center Ryan Kesler (6’2″, 205lbs, 0-2-0 and fresh off getting destroyed by Andrew Ladd of the Chicago Blackhawks).

There’s still bad blood between these two teams stemming from last year’s playoff series, so you can expect pretty much anything as far as pugilistic activities in this game.  But your best bets begin and end with any combination of Janssen, Crombeen or Brad Winchester (who has a lot to prove after his fight on Saturday) against Glass, Hordichuk or Rypien.  Maybe we’ll get lucky and David Backes will return to take on a member of someone’s Olympic squad.  Since we can eliminate Team Canada goaltender Roberto Luongo, we’ll go to other participating nations: Kesler is a Team USA teammate, Henrik and Daniel Sedin are on Team Sweden, old friend Pavol Demitra is on Team Slovakia and Sami Salo is on Team Finland but is currently day-to-day with a groin issue.  The options for Backes are admittedly light here, so if he’s looking for a fight, he may want to sit out one more game.  Oh, who am I kidding?!  BRING HIM BACK!!!!!

Two in a row in Western Canada?  Why, that sure would be swell, wouldn’t it?

LET’S GO BLUES!!!!!

Information obtained via the incomparable Fried Chicken’s Hockey Fights