Where We Are: In shockingly good shape considering the team is still missing Marian Gaborik and has been outplayed in nine of their 13 games. Last game they were a snapping turtle - the hard shell of Henrik Lundqvist protecting the important parts while Brandon Dubinsky represented the powerful jaws that snapped at the weak spots of the predator.
Where They Are: J.D.'s bunch are red hot at 8-1-2, carrying a six game win streak into the Garden. St. Louis will be playing their third game in four nights after beating San Jose at home on Thursday before topping the Bruins in Boston Saturday.
Who To Watch For: Jaro Halak had a shutout streak of 150 minutes and three seconds snapped on a one timer by Greg Campbell in Boston. He may very well play in the Garden as he played both games of a back-to-back two weeks ago and Ty Conklin has played just one game this season. Then again, Conk-blocker is 3-1 in his career against the Rangers so either way, the Blueshirts will face good goaltending. As I mentioned above, there aren't any 'names' on this team but the Blues are still getting things done - they have only scored four or more goals three times this season and no one has more than five and no player is averaging a point per game. David Perron, arguably their top scorer, didn't play against Boston as he was still dazed from the Thornton incident. Perron has five goals, as does former Hab Matt D'Agostini. Brad Boyes and David Backes have underperformed while a personal favourite of mine, former roller hockey star T.J. Oshie, is leading the team with 10 points.What To Watch For: A grinding, back-and-forth game with the Blues matching the Rangers hit for hit. The Rangers to be outshot, as St. Louis has done that to their opponents in each of their last four games. Former Devil d-bag Cam Janssen to play his second straight game and his third of the season, just to start stuff with Avery. Young Patrik Berglund stepping up his game against our Swedish King. A St. Louis power play that is 0-13 in the last three games. J.D. to stop by the MSG booth to remind us just how great he and Sam were as a team and just how horrible Joe Micheletti is on the air.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: A healthy Ryan Callahan (and the A taken off Rozy's sweater). MDZ to look across the ice at his old peewee teammate Alex Pietrangelo and outplay him. The Rangers to take advantage of Barret Jackman's injury to set up camp near the St. Louis crease. Fedotenko to break his two game streak of getting crushed in what should have been highly penalized, illegal hits. Boogaard to keep Janssen, B.J. Crombeen and Backes in line. Barring the Boogeyman actually doing his job, Prust to take on Janssen to re-new a rivalry that goes back to their OHL days. Hockey Fights has three NHL battles between the two of them, with Cam winning all of them so hopefully Prust will get the edge this time ... as long as it isn't some preplanned, meaningless dance.
Also Check Out: SBN's St. Louis Game Time is the top St. Louis site IMO but you can also stop by Let's Go Blues and Jeremy Rutherford's MSM blog Morning Skate.
Peepin' Foes: A Glimpse into the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues, one of the NHL's most iconic and storied franchises, have captured the hearts of hockey fans for decades. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Blues have left an indelible mark on the league. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the St. Louis Blues, their history, recent performances, and what the future holds for this proud team.
A Blues History Lesson
Founded in 1967 as part of the NHL's expansion, the St. Louis Blues quickly became a force to be reckoned with. The team's name was inspired by the musical genre closely associated with the city, and they adopted the distinctive blue note as their logo. Despite their early success, which included three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first three seasons, the Blues faced a championship drought that lasted until 2019.
The Glory of 2019
The 2018-2019 season was a turning point in the franchise's history. Led by head coach Craig Berube and star players like Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O'Reilly, the Blues stormed through the playoffs, eventually winning their first Stanley Cup in a thrilling seven-game series against the Boston Bruins. The victory was particularly sweet for long-suffering Blues fans, who had waited over five decades for their team to hoist the coveted trophy.
Recent Performances
Since their championship win, the Blues have continued to be a competitive force in the NHL's tough Western Conference. However, like many teams, they have faced their share of challenges. Injuries, roster changes, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of the league have made it difficult for the Blues to maintain their championship form year after year.
Key Players
The Blues' success has often hinged on the performances of key players. Vladimir Tarasenko, a dynamic forward known for his scoring ability, has been a cornerstone of the team's offense. On the defensive side, captain Alex Pietrangelo provided leadership and stability on the blue line for many years, although he has since moved on to the Vegas Golden Knights. Ryan O'Reilly, acquired in a trade prior to the championship season, has been a consistent force at both ends of the ice.
The Future of the Blues
As with any NHL team, the Blues face questions about the future. Can they continue to be contenders in the Western Conference? How will they replace the leadership of players like Pietrangelo? Will younger talents like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas step into larger roles?
One thing is certain: the Blues' passionate fan base will be there every step of the way, filling the Enterprise Center with cheers and supporting their team through both highs and lows.
The St. Louis Blues are more than just a hockey team; they are a source of pride for the city and its dedicated fans. With a history that includes both heartbreak and triumph, the Blues continue to be a formidable force in the NHL. While their path to future success may have some twists and turns, one thing is clear: the St. Louis Blues will always be a team worth watching and cheering for.
FAQs
Q1: How did the St. Louis Blues get their name?
A1: The team was named after the musical genre closely associated with the city, and they adopted the distinctive blue note as their logo.
Q2: When did the Blues win their first Stanley Cup?
A2: The Blues won their first Stanley Cup in the 2018-2019 season.
Q3: Who are some key players in the history of the St. Louis Blues?
A3: Key players in the Blues' history include Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo, and Ryan O'Reilly.
Q4: What challenges do the Blues face in the future?
A4: The Blues face challenges such as maintaining competitiveness in a tough Western Conference and finding replacements for key players who have moved on.
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