Blackhawks - SB Nation

Transcription

Blackhawks - SB Nation
Game Time
St Louis
Four Dollars of Chicago Bashing
The Game Day Guide To St. Louis Blues Hockey
By Brad Lee
I give up.
Rooting for the Blues is a full-body experience. When they’re
winning, the team will leave you spent and breathless.
Sometimes it’s fast and furious. Others it’s long and satisfying.
When it’s good, it’s intoxicating, addicting. It’s why we do this
paper. It’s why you read this paper.
But this week, I’m drained, frustrated, numb and
speechless. I’m bitter, disillusioned and downhearted. This could have been the week of the
season where the Blues realized their early
season potential, proved critics nationwide
wrong and made the rest of this season
mean something. Instead in two games
they’ve given up two-goal leads and earned
one point instead of four, pretty much
ending the pipe dream that was their playoff
chances. It hurts.
Granted, since they’ve been in last place – a
timeframe that started out as days and weeks has
now reached months – making the playoffs hasn’t
been the most realistic goal for this hockey team. But it
wasn’t impossible. Before the Vancouver game they were six
points out and would have (should have) been four points out
at the end of the night. But it wasn’t to be.
In a week that was to be gut check time for the Blues, they
failed. They failed miserably. Welcome to the final turning point
for the 2008-09 season. Sure, losing defenseman Erik Johnson
to a golf cart injury before training camp even began was a blow.
Manny Legace slipping on the Sarah Palin carpet was a turning
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Established in 2005
point. Losing TJ Oshie, Andy McDonald and Paul Kariya to injury
for long stretches all right in a row was a turning point. Seeing
Legace blow up and getting demoted was a turning point. The
Blues could have helped fans forget all the stupid shit that’s
happened during this nightmare season. They could have shown
they learned how to be a team and grew as players and came out of
it as a dangerous and desperate hockey team. It didn’t happen.
Thursday night in Nashville, the game seemed to be in
hand with another two-goal lead at 3-1 in the third
period in favor of St. Louis. The Predators’ second
goal deflected in off Oshie’s skate. The tying goal
was a wild centering pass that hit Jay McKee’s
stick. The Preds were desperate as the clock
ticked under 10 seconds to play in regulation.
The puck bounced up, hit McKee’s chest and
came down straight into the crease where
Nashville banged it home. That’s the third
goal I can remember off the top of my head
this season that McKee caught a piece of the
puck in front and the other team scored. And
those are the ones I remember.
The memorable moment from the exchange
wasn’t how Barret Jackman, Jay McKee and
David Backes all had opportunities to clear the puck to essentially
end the game. The part that stuck with me was the reaction of the
Blues players on the ice. Goaltender Chris Mason seemed shellshocked at best and was practically laughing at the misfortune.
McKee looked wounded, McClement and Backes defeated.
Broken.
TM
It’s been said that adversity helps a team grow and learn how to
(Continued on page 26)
Today’s Records, Injuries & News
Today’s Team Records:
Blues:
Blackhawks:
22-25-6 (50 points) 30-14-8 (68 points)
5th in Central
2nd in Central
14th in Western
4th in Western
Last Ten Games:
Blues:
5-2-3
Blackhawks:
6-4-0
Season Series:
3-0-1
All-Time Series:
104-114-39-4
Today’s Injuries:
Today’s News & Notes:
Blues: LW Paul Kariya (hips), LW
Yan Stastny (thumb), D Roman Polak
(foot) and D Eric Brewer (back surgery)
are out. RW Dan Hinote (upper body) is
questionable.
• PIT defenseman Sergei Gonchar has
Blackhawks: D
(undisclosed) is out.
Brent
Sopel
been cleared to play. He has not played
this year due to a dislocated shoulder.
• WAS defenseman Mike Green tied an
NHL record for blueliners with a goal
in his seventh straight game.
• Thrashers have lost 16 of 20 at home.
• Game Time staff not gonna dump our
beer on a Hawks fan tonight. Probably.
CAUTION: St. Louis Game Time contains extreme sarcasm and less-than-gentle language. But it is a hockey paper, so you should fucking just get over it.
From The Editor
On our website recently, one of our regular
readers posed a question to the community
at large: what is it about going to a hockey
game that you really enjoy? It inspired me to
share some of my own game day routines.
On most days, I arrive at the rink a couple
hours before the drop of the puck. At about
the same time, all of us who will be selling
the paper start to assemble; Clarence and
John, the Benoist sisters or anyone else extra
for the night. We’re usually lucky enough to
have a couple moments to joke
around on the northeast corner of 14th
& Clark before all heading to our
various distribution points.
Almost every day at that point,
this whole thing we do becomes worth it.
There’s something about standing around on
that corner way before game time that gets
me excited about doing this paper and the
coming game. John says it all the time, “I
love coming down here. I just like being here
and getting to see everyone.”
It’s true, too. We know that we’re usually
going to see either Roz or James first and
that slowly but surely, we get to see all our
other regulars coming down the street.
Knowing that you all look forward to getting
this paper as much as we’re looking forward
to getting to see everyone makes it worth it.
Whether it’s Clarence holding court with
his regulars or Amy chit-chatting with the
brothers-in-law or Becky trying successfully
to resist the charms of the drunk guy hitting
on her, being out front and interacting with
the readers is a blast. If we were ever to stop
printing this rag, I think that is the part I’d
miss the most about game days.
Once we get done with our little bit, I get
to roll in to the actual hockey game, usually
about halfway through the first period. It’s at
that point that the parts of the hockey experience that most other people on our website
described come into play. Whether it’s the
sounds, the smells or the taste of that first
over-priced beer, that walk into the first
hallway has it all. Having seen how much our
vendors appreciate it, I always like to flip
another buck to the beer vendor, which
likewise is always valued. Besides, they
already got me to believe that $9 is
acceptable, how could one more be a
problem? Besides, you can’t buy anything
worth a shit for a dollar in there anyway
(game notes, I’m looking in your general
direction).
As most people have figured out already, I
sit up in Sec. 307 where my season
tickets have been for the last three years.
In that time, 307 has become the only
place I really want to sit anymore. We
have the Red Berenson Cowboy, we have
the “How much time is left?” guys and
we have the section of concourse where
the same guys set up and openly boo
anyone wearing the opposing jersey
during every intermission. It’s like Blues
hockey heaven for me.
Need further proof? Section 307
is the same one that yells in unison
for Towel Boy to “JUUUUMP!”
after every one of his masturbatory displays. Plus, the girls
who sit next to me hand out
candy every time the Blues score. So we
got that going on too.
But there’s more to the hockey crowd
experience than that which makes the
game day experience great. Despite my
proclamation of 307 as the greatest
section in the universe, I know everyone
who has spent time in any one section
for a season or longer has their own
traditions and characters and crowd
participation moments. It’s the universal
passion of the fans that makes game day
what it is. I’ve been to exciting football
games and college basketball games and
baseball games (OK, moderately exciting
baseball games) and the explosion of
excitement that occurs when a goal is
scored in hockey is unparalleled. I’ve
done the standing high-five with strangers at a lot of different sporting events,
but a hockey game, I’ve damn near
hugged some of you. And I know you’ve
almost hugged me, too. I’ve seen that
look in your eye. We veered away at the
last possible second, but it could have
happened. Put us in the playoffs and who
knows what would have happened.
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
St. Louis Game Time
Established: November 6, 2005
St Louis, Missouri
Phone: 402-2266
www.StLouisGameTime.com
Godfather
Jeffio
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Sean Gallagher
[email protected]
Advertising
[email protected]
[email protected]
Distribution
John Nicolay
Amy Benoist, Becky Benoist,
Billy Cash, Clarence Walker
Columnists
Chris Gift, Duke, Brad Lee,
Answer Man & Brian Weidler
Contributors
Jeffio, Jeff Browning, LosBri,
Childhood Trauma, Dan Doke, Jeff
Fahrenkrog, Jeremy Pratte & Chris Reed
Photographer
Andrew D’Angelo
Mission:
Game Time will provide prospect
information, up-to-date statistics, articles
that spark discussion and humor that
points out the best and worst about our
favorite team and sport. We are all fans of
the Blues and our opinions will reflect
those of subjective fans.
The paper is published for every home
game, excluding the pre-season, which we
all know sucks.
Moving on.
The fact is, we’re just a different breed
and that’s the best part of game day for
me. Just being a hockey fan puts you in a
smaller group anyway. Add onto that
your passion for a last-place team and
you just narrowed yourself down even
more. The fact that you buy this paper?
Well, you don’t even know it yet, but you
probably just joined a cult.
-Sean ‘it ain’t about smells, it’s
about the people” Gallagher
Rights & Permissions:
All material printed herein is copyrighted
and protected. Do not reprint in any
format without expressed, written
permission from Game Time LLC.
Logos & Photos
Team logos and pictures used herein are
the property of the individual teams
and/or the NHL and are used solely for
identification and editorial purposes.
Today’s Prediction: Hawk fans from before
2001: OK. Fans from after: obnoxious.
G AME T IME
Page 3
Top 11 Reasons We Hate
Tonight’s Trivia
Kane And Toews
By Childhood Trauma
First Period (true or false):
11.
1. It took 50 years for Chicago to decide between “Black
Hawks” and “Blackhawks.”
10.
2. The Blackhawks own the distinction of being the worst
team to win the Stanley Cup. In their Cup-winning season,
they compiled a winning percentage below 36%.
9.
8.
First Intermission (T/F):
3. Batman was created by Bob Toews.
Second Period (multiple choice):
4. The Hawks first coach, Pete Muldoon, when fired, he
cursed the team to never finish first. When did the Hawks
finally break that curse: 1952, 1967, 1991, or never?
5. Tampa Bay acquired Nikolai Khabibulin for Paul Mara,
Ruslan Zainullen and which 2008 Blue: Martin Rucinsky,
Mike Johnson, Hannu Toivonen, or Micky Dupont?
Second Intermission:
6. Which song is not about Chicago: Presley’s In the Ghetto,
Sinatra’s My Kind of Town, the Standell’s Dirty Water or the
Doors’ Peace Frog?
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Anyone who self-applies a nickname like
‘Showtime’ should be sterilized to protect the
rest of us.
Pretty sure that T-O-E-W-S should definitely be
pronounced as ‘douche.’
Hockey players shouldn’t cry on camera.
Just something weird about the way they’re
always holding hands.
One never speaks, one can’t shut up. Split the
difference, freaks.
Always leaving their tampons lying around.
They can’t beat Detroit, either.
Post-goal hugs are just fine. Post-goal caresses
seem excessive.
The Overrated Club called, you’ve both been
accepted!
Their young faces have created a weird situation
where now we want to punch babies.
They’re Blackhawks.
From the 12 Fluid Ounces of Gallagher’s Brain
Third Period:
7. Which is not true about Brian Campbell: was quarantined
for SARS, was a starter for this season’s all-star game, is Jim
Campbell’s uncle, or played in 83 games last season?
8. Three of the top four Slovakian scorers have played for the
Blues or the Hawks. Name the top two.
9. Who was President the most recent time the Blues and
Blackhawks traded NHL players?
We’re All
Around You.
www.stlouisgametime.com
Overtime!
10. The most recent season in which the Frank J. Selke
Trophy was awarded to a Blue was 1990 and to a Blackhawk
was 1991. Name these two defensive forward award winners.
Corrections & Clarifications
• Game Time would like to apologize for flipping out so
badly when the Blues blew that game against
Vancouver. We just figured that we’d compensate for
the team’s lack of emotion.
• [This apology has been held out of practice due to a
pending trade.]
• Game Time
printed the wrong
picture of Andy
McDonald in the
last issue. The
correct picture is
shown here.
1. True. Since 1926 the team used both variations. In 1986 Chicago
decided it was a one-word town.
2. True. The 1938 Stanley Cup Hawks were 14-25 that season.
3. False. Bob Kane created him.
4. 1967. They also won the division and President’s Trophy in 1991.
5. The Cologne Shark in the group is Mike Johnson.
6. Dirty Water is about Boston’s Charles River.
7. He is not related to Jim Campbell.
8. Hawk Stan Mika is first with 1,467 points, second is Blue Peter
Stastny (1,239) and fourth is Pavol Demitra (750).
9. The most recent trade was Pierre Plante for Dick Redmond in 1977,
during the Jimmy Carter administration.
10. Rick Meagher remains the only Blues winner and Dirk Graham
won it as a Hawk the following season (the second Hawk winner).
Page 4
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 5
G AME T IME
The Five Hole
With Chris Gift
There comes a time on every team where a torch must be
passed. Quite often, there isn’t an incoming torch bearer
ready to receive the flame from the outgoing holder.
each team’s captain, and for as much grief as we give Eric
Brewer; he did a pretty good job on his edition. He was
honest, funny and did a great job representing the Blues.
I’m no more than a fan that happens to write a column
for each home game, I’d like to think that I can tell when an
ascending player is ready for a more prominent role.
But next season when he comes back, and Tkachuk is most
likely either retired or gone, it is time for ascension for
Backes, to the captaincy of the team.
When he first became a St. Louis Blue, David Backes was
compared to Keith Tkachuk. “Little Walt” not only
described his body style, but also how he played the game.
Speaking of Big Walt, there is a rumor floating around the
interwebs that the Blackhawks are interested in acquiring
him.
Backes was supposed to be the next Tkachuk; to take
Walt’s position as the team’s power forward, and become
the dominant force for this generation of Blues that
Tkachuk was for the previous generation.
With the Blues in this bizarre situation where the playoffs
are within reach, but there are so many teams ahead of them,
for the right price, go for it.
Enough “supposed to’s,” don’t you think?
I remember one night a few years ago, Sean and I were
here watching the Blues play and Marek Schwarz was
getting a start in goal. Schwarz won the game, and Sean said
something along the lines of “isn’t it cool to know you were
here the night that the next great Blue started to show us
just what he is all about?” Like I said, it was something to
that effect, he might have just burped really loud.
That’s how I feel about Backes on a night by night basis
this season.
Every game he plays is better than the last. He’ll play
better, a more complete game, than he did last night.
Monday against the Rangers, he’ll be even better than he is
tonight.
He’ll probably flirt with 30 goals this season, might hit
200 penalty minutes too. He is, in 2009, everything we
thought Tkachuk would be in 2001 when he was acquired
from Phoenix.
The Blues ineptitude on the power play last night most
likely cost them a point. In my mind, the top power play
unit is getting a little bit stagnant. Carlo Colaiacovo and
David Perron up top with the right handed shooting Brad
Boyes on the left side, the left handed shooting Patrik
Berglund on the right side and Tkachuk taking up space in
front of the goalie and patrolling behind the net.
Why not try Backes there? At this point, he has better
hands than Tkachuk, he’s quicker than Tkachuk, and I think
he’s a better passer. Granted Tkachuk is a fireplug in front
of the net, but Backes can hold his own there as well.
I realize Backes isn’t infallible, he could have more goals,
he has flipped his lid a couple times this season and gotten
game misconduct penalties, but you’d be hard pressed to
find a forward in the league with as much skill, grit,
determination, leadership, and upside as you’ll find in
Backes.
NHL Network is going around doing half-hour shows on
What? Walt as a Hawk? Say it isn’t so (I refuse to use “aint”
in my columns, it isn’t a word).
Tonight is Chicago’s last visit here this season. Tkachuk
won’t have to worry about coming here wearing the Indian.
He’d face the Blues one more time, on April Fool’s Day in
Chicago. Sure, he’d have emotions playing the Blues, but he’d
get over it.
But if the Blues do decide to sell, and after pissing that
game away against Vancouver and the weird ending that last
night was, selling may be the thing to do.
Remember, just a couple years ago, the Blues received a
pretty good compensation package from Atlanta for Tkachuk.
Last season, Atlanta made up for that trade by auctioning off
Marian Hossa at last year’s deadline. Who knows, Tkachuk
could be this year’s catch at the trade deadline once again.
So add Chicago to the mix with Boston and the Rangers.
Let the bidding begin. But only do it if the Blues can fleece
highest bidder.
If not, what the hell, how about making a playoff run and
seeing how close this team can come?
Contact: [email protected]
The Jeffio Joke of the Day
Patrick Sharp’s wife and Brian’s Campbell’s
wife were hanging out together one afternoon.
Campbell’s wife was reading the latest issue of
Cosmopolitan when she exclaimed, “Do you know
what your asshole does when you’re having an
orgasm?”
Sharp’s wife answered, “Usually he’s at
practice.”
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 6
St. Louis Blues Statistics
Skater Statistics
PLAYER
Brad Boyes, RW
Patrik Berglund, C
David Perron, LW
Keith Tkachuk, C
David Backes, RW
Andy McDonald, C
Carlo Colaiacovo, D *
Jay McClement, C
T.J. Oshie, C
Paul Kariya, LW
Barret Jackman, D
Alexander Steen, LW *
Jeff Woywitka, D
Brad Winchester, LW
Roman Polak, D
B.J. Crombeen, RW *
Yan Stastny, C
Eric Brewer, D
Mike Weaver, D
Cam Janssen, RW
Steve Wagner, D
Dan Hinote, RW
Tyson Strachan, D
Jay McKee, D
D.J. King, LW
Goalie Statistics
PLAYER
Manny Legace
Chris Mason
GP
54
49
53
52
54
18
35
54
29
11
54
34
38
36
44
38
34
28
33
43
19
34
24
43
1
G
24
16
7
17
18
7
2
8
7
2
3
4
1
9
1
8
3
1
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
A PTS +/- PIM ATOI PPG PPA SHG SHA SOG SPCT
25
49 -18
24 19:21
13
11
0
0 142 16.9
19
35
14
14 15:56
6
11
0
0
99 16.2
28
35
5
40 15:30
1
10
0
0 115
6.1
17
34 -11
41 17:37
11
3
0
0 125 13.6
14
32
-5 131 17:34
4
2
1
0 130 13.8
13
20 -13
14 19:28
2
9
1
0
51 13.7
17
19
1
19 18:21
0
14
0
0
45
4.4
10
18
-9
25 16:25
0
0
2
0
88
9.1
11
18
6
6 16:07
4
2
0
1
55 12.7
13
15
1
2 18:06
0
9
0
0
31
6.5
12
15 -12
60 23:20
1
1
0
1
62
4.8
11
15
-3
16 17:43
2
6
0
0
64
6.3
12
13
-3
40 18:36
1
6
0
0
42
2.4
4
13
-2
55 12:47
4
2
0
0
52 17.3
10
11
-5
29 21:30
0
4
0
0
49
2
3
11
-5
85 13:08
0
2
1
0
68 11.8
4
7 -14
20 12:45
0
0
0
1
30
10
5
6 -14
24 25:07
1
2
0
0
49
2
5
5
-3
6 16:24
0
0
0
2
21
0
3
4
-5 107 5:30
0
0
0
0
17
5.9
2
4
-3
18 15:59
0
1
0
0
15 13.3
2
3
-5
45 11:04
0
0
0
1
15
6.7
3
3
5
32 13:15
0
0
0
0
15
0
1
2
-3
25 17:13
0
0
0
0
25
4
1
1
E
0 8:20
0
0
0
0
0
0
GP W L GAA
29 13 9 3.18
29 8 15 2.64
SV SV% SHO TGA TSA PIM ENG
592 88.5%
0
77 669
0
1
728 91.3%
3
69 797
0
7
*Statistics reflect time with St. Louis only. For full season totals, see Pg 14.
Blues Leaders
Goals
Brad Boyes
Assists
David Perron
Points
Brad Boyes
Plus/Minus Patrik Berglund
PP Goals
Brad Boyes
Wins
Chris Mason
GAA
Chris Mason
Save PCT
Chris Mason
24
29
49
14
13
8
2.64
91.3%
Blues All-Time
Games Played
Goals
Points
PIM
Goalie GP
Wins
GAA
Shutouts
Leaders
Bernie Federko
Brett Hull
Bernie Federko
Brian Sutter
Mike Liut
Mike Liut
Jacques Plante
Glenn Hall
We’re All In The Same Gang.
St. Louis Game Time
927
527
1,073
1,873
347
151
2.07
16
G AME T IME
Page 7
Chicago Blackhawks Stats
Skater Statistics
PLAYER
GP G A PTS +/- PIM ATOI PPG PPA SHG SHA SOG SPCT
Patrick Kane, RW
50 17 29
46
-2
34 18:33
9
16
0
0 149 11.4
Martin Havlat, RW
52 17 25
42
11
18 17:04
5
6
0
0 149 11.4
Kris Versteeg, LW
49 15 26
41
17
43 17:30
4
8
4
3
84 17.9
Jonathan Toews, C
52 17 23
40
7
33 18:27
5
7
0
0 121 14.1
Patrick Sharp, RW
52 23 15
38
2
39 18:35
8
9
0
0 161 14.3
Brian Campbell, D
52 7 30
37
7
12 23:24
4
14
0
0
69 10.1
Dave Bolland, C
52 12 21
33
17
20 16:06
0
1
2
2
66 18.2
Andrew Ladd, LW
52 9 23
32
20
18 14:32
0
0
0
1 121
7.4
Duncan Keith, D
48 6 23
29
26
32 25:27
2
6
1
0 102
5.9
Cam Barker, D
39 4 21
25
-5
41 18:17
4
14
0
1
44
9.1
Dustin Byfuglien, RW
48 9 10
19
1
63 14:37
3
4
0
0 123
7.3
Troy Brouwer, LW
43 7 10
17
10
36 14:05
3
3
1
0
77
9.1
Brent Seabrook, D
52 5 10
15
13
45 23:19
2
4
1
0
84
6
Colin Fraser, C
52 4 9
13
5
44 11:02
0
1
0
1
39 10.3
Ben Eager, LW
48 8 4
12
6
95 8:04
0
0
0
0
52 15.4
Matt Walker, D
40 0 8
8
13
51 15:54
0
0
0
2
50
0
Aaron Johnson, D
27 3 5
8
18
24 14:11
0
0
0
0
20
15
James Wisniewski, D
22 1 7
8
5
10 20:31
0
2
0
0
49
2
Adam Burish, RW
36 5 2
7
5
62 9:14
0
0
0
0
52
9.6
Craig Adams, RW
30 2 4
6
-1
18 8:31
1
0
0
0
32
6.3
Brent Sopel, D
23 1 1
2
-4
8 13:49
0
0
0
0
15
6.7
Jack Skille, RW
6 1 0
1
-2
5 9:57
0
0
0
0
12
8.3
Jordan Hendry, D
8 0 0
0
-1
4 10:07
0
0
0
0
1
0
Pascal Pelletier, C
1 0 0
0
E
0 9:02
0
0
0
0
1
0
Niklas Hjalmarsson, D
2 0 0
0
E
0 9:24
0
0
0
0
1
0
Goalie Statistics
PLAYER
GP W L GAA
SV SV% SHO TGA TSA PIM ENG
Nikolai Khabibulin
29Vancouver
17 5 2.37
1
66
870
6
1
*Statistics
reflect time with
only. For804
full92.4%
season totals,
see Pg
15.
Cristobal Huet
26 13 9 2.41
625 91.4%
2
59 684
0
3
Blackhawks Leaders
Goals
Patrick Sharp
Assists
Brian Campbell
Points
Patrick Kane
Plus/Minus
Duncan Keith
PP Goals
Patrick Kane
Wins
Nikolai Khabibulin
GAA
Nikolai Khabibulin
Save PCT
Nikolai Khabibulin
23
30
46
26
9
17
2.37
92.4%
Blackhawks All-Time Leaders
Games Played Stan Mikita
Goals
Bobby Hull
Points
Stan Mikita
PIM
Chris Chelios
Goalie GP
Tony Esposito
Wins
Tony Esposito
GAA
Charlie Gardner
Shutouts
Tony Esposito
Join Project Mayhem.
www.StLouisGameTime.com
1,394
604
1,467
1,495
873
418
2.02
74
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 8
Like The Photos in GT?
The Big Johnson Joke of the Day
Now available for purchase
from our photographer
Hey Chicagoland, you wanna know how big my
Johnson is?
My Johnson is so big, everyone gets
pissed when the elevator is out for a
couple days.
My Johnson is so big, we recently
put a new antenna on it so it’s taller
than the Sears Tower.
My Johnson is so big, my leaks keep
Old Style in business.
The Roman Polak Joke of the Day
Great Rates!
Perfect for autographs!
Great gifts for your favorite fan!
Roman Polak was walking around
downtown with Brad Winchester. At
one of the crosswalks a buzzer
started going off.
View the shots online.
“What is that buzzer for?” asked
Polak.
Contact: Andrew D’Angelo
“It’s a waning signal,” answered
Winchester, “It lets blind people
know when the light is red.”
[email protected]
(314) 546-0369
Polak, alarmed, replied, “What in the hell are blind
people doing driving around?”
Game Time Gear
The BJ Crombeen Joke of the Day
Three guys are arrested in an adult book store and appear
before the judge. He asks the first guy to stand.
“What is your name and why were
you arrested?” the judge asked.
“I was by the magazine rack holding
a big fat cigar and blowing smoke,” he
answered.
The judge didn’t see anything wrong
with that, so he dismissed the guy and
called up the next one.
Time to get your gear.
Any color. Any size.
Represent.
StLouisGameTime.com
“What’s your name and why were
you arrested?” the Judge asked.
“I was by the magazine rack holding a big fat cigar and
blowing smoke,” he answered.
Again, the judge saw nothing offensive, “This so-called
adult store is begining to sound more like a smoking club.” So
he dismissed the charge and called up the next guy.
“Let me guess; your name is John, too. Right?” he asked.
“No, sir,” said the guy, “My name is Smoke.”
G AME T IME
TM
Presented again due to popular demand: your ready-made sign to
flash when you get on the jumbotron. We’ll be watching, GT readers.
Page 9
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 10
The Ghost of the Blues
With Jeff Browning
Well it looks like it wasn’t a fluke after all. The Blackhawks
are still doing well and are safely placed in the top four of the
conference while the Blues lie on the floor. You wanna know
why? It’s because they have a good
coach who wants to kill his former team.
Joel Quenneville has coached more, won
more and lost more games than any other coach
in Blues’ history. He’s the only coach to lead them
to a President’s Trophy and one of a few to take
them to the conference finals. He was one of the best coaches
in the league during that time as he took the Blues to seven
straight playoff appearances. But all not-quite-good-enough
things must come to an end, and he was fired towards the end
of the 2003-04 season. The Blues still made the playoffs that
year, but haven’t made them since without him.
Coach Q is my candidate for another Jack Adams Award,
as has taken the pathetic, horrible, laughable, miserable
Hawks and turned them into the pathetic and laughable
Hawks. Quite an achievement. In fact, the last time the
Hawks were even close to being a good team was when they
had Brian Sutter as coach. Yes, the same Brian Sutter who
dominated as a Blues player and won a Jack Adams Award as
a coach. Maybe Red Berenson will leave his quarter-centurylong tenure with the University of Michigan to join the Blackhawks, giving them every former Blues coach who won the
Jack Adams Award. Then maybe the Cubs will win a World
Series, the Bulls will relocate to St. Louis (Jordan will come
out of retirement), and Illinois will get a good governor.
Or not. Either way, Sutter was the last coach to take the
Blackhawks to the playoffs in 2002 (their only playoff appearance in over a decade), and they were quickly knocked out by
your St. Louis Blues! So the Blackhawks are pretty good with
former Blues coaches, but come playoff time, God again shows
which city he doesn’t root for.
Old coaches aren’t the only position the Blackhawks
magically make better. Matt Walker is even doing well. Eight
assists is a career high, almost matching his career total. He
was a long time Blue until last year, but the Blues decided that
we need two-way goons with guys like Winchester, Crombeen,
and Janssen, so he got the boot.
Other notable connections aren’t really notable at all. Blues
AHLer Chris Porter was drafted by the
Hawks. David Koci went from Chicago, to
St. Louis, to Tampa in a span of six games.
Jonathan Toews and TJ Oshie were
amazing college teammates. Patrick Kane
and Erik Johnson were amazing World
Juniors teammates. Mike Weaver was a
force on the best team in Chicago, the
AHL Wolves, for several years. The current captain of the
Wolves is Jamie Rivers and Steve Martins is also there. Good to
hear they are still alive.
For the first year in forever, the Blackhawks are televising all
their games on TV, and they are actually getting a fan base
because of it. If the Blues want to keep their fan base, they
should consider televising only the first fifty minutes of games.
Blues Record When…
Playing at GrowingPainsHurtCentre
Playing on the road
Everyone starts planning early March vacation
They score first
The other team scores first
They score 4 or more goals
They score fewer than 4 goals
They score on the PP
The other team scores on the PP
A Blues players has multiple goals
They take 30 or more shots
They allow 30 or more shots
They played the day before
The other team played the day before
Playing on Sunday
Playing on Monday
Playing on Tuesday
Playing on Wednesday
Playing on Thursday
Playing on Friday
Playing on Saturday
Playing in November
Playing in December
Playing in January
Playing in February
Blackhawks Suck!
13-11-4
9-14-3
22-25-7
12-5-4
10-19-3
16-2-1
6-23-6
16-11-5
8-18-4
7-2-1
7-10-2
8-13-3
5-5-1
5-4-2
1-3-1
3-0-1
2-5-0
1-6-0
2-4-3
4-2-1
9-6-1
5-6-2
4-10-1
6-4-1
2-1-3
22-25-7
With LosBri
Sorry bout that spilled beer Hawks fan
Leading after the 1st
Tied after the 1st
Trailing after the 1st
PTMFUS!
Leading after the 2nd
Tied after the 2nd
Trailing after the 2nd
Crowd Fight! Crowd Fight! Crowd Fight!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Big Country is having a great year
They are called for 7 or more penalties
Other team called for 7 or more penalties
Emmanual Legace starts
Chris Mason starts
Ben Bishop Starts
Game is on FSN
Playing the Eastern Conference
Playing the Atlantic Division
Playing the Northeast Division
Playing the Southeast Division
Playing the Western Conference
Playing the Central Division
Playing the Northwest Division
Playing the Pacific Division
Tonight would have been more fun 20 years ago
0-0-0
9-4-4
7-8-2
5-13-1
22-25-7
14-2-1
4-7-3
3-16-3
1-0-0
11-12-3
22-25-7
9-10-2
6-10-3
12-11-3
8-13-3
1-1-1
9-18-5
5-9-1
1-3-0
2-3-1
2-3-0
17-16-6
8-2-3
5-7-2
4-7-1
22-25-7
Page 11
Franchise Foundations
St. Louis Blues
Year
Player
1999
2001
2002
2003
2004
Barret Jackman ~ Drafted 1st rd (17 overall) by STL
Jay McClement ~ Drafted 2nd round, 57 overall by STL
D.J. King ~ Drafted in 6th rd (190 overall) by STL
David Backes ~ Drafted in 2nd rd (62 overall) by STL
Roman Polak ~ Drafted in 6th rd (180 overall) by STL
T.J. Oshie ~ Drafted in 1st rd (24 overall) by STL
Eric Brewer ~ Acquired from EDM with Jeff Woywitka
and Doug Lynch for Chris Pronger
Jeff Woywitka ~ Acquired from EDM with Eric Brewer
and Doug Lynch for Chris Pronger
Erik Johnson ~ Drafted in 1st rd (1 overall) by STL
Patrik Berglund ~ Drafted in 1st rd (25 overall) by STL
Jay McKee ~ Signed as Free Agent (BUF)
Dan Hinote ~ Signed as Free Agent (COL)
Yan Stastny ~ Acquired from BOS for 5th rd pick in
2007
Brad Boyes ~ Acquired from BOS for Dennis
Wideman
David Perron ~ Drafted in 1st rd (26 overall) by STL
Keith Tkachuk ~ Signed as Free Agent. Originally
acquired from PHX in 2001 for a 1st rd pick in 2002,
Ladislav Nagy, Michal Handzus and Jeff Taffe
Paul Kariya ~ Signed as Free Agent (NAS)
Andy McDonald ~ Acquired from ANA for Doug
Weight, Michal Birner and a 7th rd pick in 2008
Tyson Strachan ~ Signed as Free Agent (CAR)
Cam Janssen ~ Acquired from NJ for Bryce Salvador
Mike Weaver ~ Signed as Free Agent (VAN)
Chris Mason ~ Acquired from NAS for a 4th rd pick in
2008
Brad Winchester ~ Signed as Free Agent (DAL)
Chris Holt ~ Signed as Free Agent (NYR)
B.J. Crombeen ~ Claimed off waivers (DAL)
Alexander Steen ~ Acquired with Carlo Colaiacovo
from TOR for Lee 'Dutchie' Stempniak
Carlo Colaiacovo ~ Acquired with Alexander Steen
from TOR for Lee 'Dutchie' Stempniak
2005
2006
2007
2008
Chicago Blackhawks
Year
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Player
Duncan Keith ~ Drafted in 2nd round, 54 overall by CHI
James Wisniewski ~ Drafted in 5th rd (156 overall) by
CHI
Adam Burish ~ Drafted in 9th rd (282 overall) by CHI
Brent Seabrook ~ Drafted in 1st round, 14 overall by
CHI
Dustin Byfuglien ~ Drafted in 8th rd (245 overall) by
CHI
Colin Fraser ~ Acquired with Jim Vandermeer and a
2nd rd pick in 2004 rom PHI for Alexei Zhamnov and a
4th rd pick in 2004
Cam Barker ~ Drafted in 1st rd (3 overall) by CHI
Dave Bolland ~ Drafted in 2nd rd (32 overall) by CHI
Troy Brouwer ~ Drafted in 7th rd (214 overall) by CHI
Niklas Hjalmarsson ~ Drafted in 4th rd (108 overall) by
CHI
Nikolai Khabibulin ~ Signed as Free Agent (TB)
Patrick Sharp ~ Acquired with Eric Meloche from PHI
for Matt Ellison and a 3rd rd pick in 2006
Martin Havlat ~ In a three-way deal: OTT traded Martin
Havlat and Bryan Smolinski to CHI, SJ traded Tom
Preissing and Josh Hennessy to OTT (via Chicago),
CHI traded Mark Bell to SJ and traded Michal Barinka
and a 2nd rd pick in 2008 to OTT
Jonathan Toews ~ Drafted in 1st rd (3 overall) by CHI
Jordan Hendry ~ Signed as Free Agent (undrafted)
Kris Versteeg ~ Acquired with a conditional draft pick
from BOS for Brandon Bochenski
Patrick Kane ~ Drafted in 1st rd (1 overall) by CHI
Brent Sopel ~ Signed as Free Agent (VAN)
Ben Eager ~ Acquired from PHI for Jim Vandermeer
Craig Adams ~ Acquired from CAR for a conditional
pick in 2009
Andrew Ladd ~ Acquired from CAR for Tuomo Ruttu
Brian Campbell ~ Signed as Free Agent (SJ)
Cristobal Huet ~ Signed as Free Agent (WAS)
Matt Walker ~ Signed as Free Agent (STL)
Aaron Johnson ~ Signed as Free Agent (NYI)
What’d McGrath Trade For These Guys?
St. Louis Game Time
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 12
NHL Leaders
NHL Leaders
Points
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT
2. Sidney Crosby, PIT
3. Alex Ovechkin, WAS
4. Pavel Datsyuk, DET
5. Zach Parise, NJ
26. Brad Boy es, STL
80
72
70
68
67
49
Goals Against Average
1. Steve Mason, CLB
2. Tim Thomas, BOS
3. Manny Fernandez, BOS
4. Jonas Hiller, ANH
5. Niklas Backstrom, MIN
24. Chris Mason, STL
2.09
2.15
2.17
2.17
2.19
2.64
Goals
1. Alex Ovechkin, WAS
2. Zach Parise, NJ
3. Jeff Carter, PHI
4. Thomas Vanek, BUF
5. Marian Hossa, DET
10. Brad Boy es, STL
37
34
34
32
31
24
Save Percentage
1. Tim Thomas, BOS
2. Craig Anderson, FLA
3. Niklas Backstrom, MIN
4. Jonas Hiller, ANA
5. Manny Fernandez, BOS
18. Chris Mason, STL
93.0%
92.9%
92.7%
92.5%
92.5%
91.3%
Plus/Minus
1. Blake Wheeler, BOS
2. Pavel Datsyuk, DET
3. David Krejci, BOS
4. Dennis Wideman, BOS
5. Travis Zajac, NJ
41. Patrik Berglund, STL
32
30
29
29
28
14
Wins
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, CGY
2. Evgeni Nabokov, SJ
3. Niklas Backstrom, MIN
4. Ryan Miller, BUF
5. Marty Turco, DAL
40. Chris Mason, STL
32
28
27
26
25
8
Shootout Goals
1. Wojtek Wolski, COL
2. Ales Kotalik, BUF
3. Brad Boy es, STL
4. Mike Ribeiro, DAL
5. Nikolai Zherdev, NYR
6
6
5
5
5
Rookie Points
1. Kris Versteeg, CHI
2. Patrik Berglund, STL
3. Bobby Ryan, ANA
4. Blake Wheeler, BOS
5. James Neal, DAL
41
35
35
33
28
Defensemen Points
1. Mike Green, WAS
2. Brian Rafalski, DET
3. Andrei Markov, MTL
4. Dan Boyle, SJ
5. Mark Streit, NYI
53. Carlo Colaiacov o, STL
49
44
41
40
38
20
Around The
Dirty Euro Gets Suspended — Montreal Canadiens
forward Tomas Plekanec has been suspended for two games
without pay by the NHL.
Plekanec slew footed Oilers defenseman Denis Grebeshkov
in the second period of Wednesday night’s 7-2 Canadiens
loss.
Plekanec was assessed a minor penalty for tripping on the
play, and Grebeshkov has a high ankle sprain that will
sideline him for at least two weeks.
Under the terms of the current CBA, Plekanec will forfeit
over $17,000. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency
Assistance Fund.
Weight On The Shelf — The New York Islanders will be
without former Blue Doug Weight for six weeks due to a knee
injury.
The Islanders placed Weight on the injured reserve list
retroactive to Wednesday, when he suffered a sprained
MCL after colliding with New Jersey’s Brian Gionta in the
second period of the Devils’ 4-2 win.
Weight, in his 17th NHL season, has nine goals and 26
assists in 44 games this season with New York and is the
club’s second-leading scorer. He was also rumored to be
available for trade as the last-place Islanders look to add
assets and continue to re-build their club.
Burke and Yzerman Start Building Olympic Teams —
Brian Burke, who will be putting together the 2010 USA
Olympic Hockey team, will be looking at a much different
team than his Canadian counterpart, Steve Yzerman.
“Not one cent will be bet on Team USA in Vegas,” said
Burke, “but we are going there to win anyway.”
Team USA looks to be made up of a mix of youngsters like
Patrick Kane, Dustin Brown, Zach Parise and Paul Stastny as
well as NHL veterans like Bill Guerin, Keith Tkachuk and
Mike Modano.
The Canadian entry, on the other hand, looks to be
jammed full of NHL All-Stars. In net, for instance, either
Martin Brodeur or Roberto Luongo will be relegated to dooropening duty.
Final rosters won’t be completed until late Fall.
The 2009 Crop — Most scouting organizations are starting
to release their mid-year rankings for the players eligible to
be drafted this summer at the NHL Entry Draft. TSN, though
not a scouting agency, released their top-30 list and kept
center John Tavares listed in the top spot. Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman remains in the second spot, but the
third through tenth spots tend to have a lot of variance
depending on who is ranking them.
TSN, which interviewed multiple scouts, ranked center
Matt Duchesne third, with forwards Evander Kane fourth
and Brayden Schenn, Luke’s brother, fifth overall.
Currently the New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers and
Ottawa Senators are on pace for the first three selections.
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 13
Fried Chicken’s
www.hockey
www.hockey--fights.com
Tonight’s Matchup: It’s Friday the 13th, and it could be a bloody night in St. Louis. Chicago is back, and the rivalry between the
Blues and Hawks appears to be revived this season. They have met four times this year, and they’ve accumulated seven fights in
those games. Cam Janssen and Ben Eager have squared off twice in the last three games against each other, and there very well
could be a round three tonight. Other than Janssen and Eager, all of the recent fights have featured different opponents...so there
are a lot of possibilities for some fisticuffs. Enjoy the game, and beware the guys wearing the creepy goalie masks!
St. Louis Blues Probable Fighters
Chicago Blackhawks Probable Fighters
•Cam Janssen – Janssen has done a great job against this
•Matt Walker – Walker is a big, ill tempered defenseman
who spent his entire career with the Blues up until this season.
He has earned seven fighting majors on the season. He hasn’t
fought a Blues player yet since being traded.
season against opponents that are usually bigger than he is.
He is listed at 6’ and 210 pounds, and he currently has 15
fighting majors. Janssen got surprised by a left from
Nashville’s Wade Belak in last night’s game and was knocked
down to the ice.
•BJ Crombeen – Crombeen is a physical player who is
willing to drop the gloves when need be. He is 6’2, 212 pounds,
and has been in 13 fights this season. His last fight was with
Colorado’s Ian Laperierre on 2/7.
•Brad Winchester – Winchester has the size of a heavyweight at 6’5, 230 pounds. He’s proven to be an effective
fighter throughout his career in the NHL and in the minors.
He has had five fights on the year.
• Ben Eager – Eager is a 6’3, 225 pound winger who has
fought seven times this season. He seems to win about as
much as he loses. He is due for a fight, as he hasn’t dropped
the gloves in nearly a month. His last fight was on 1/17 against
Cam Janssen.
•Colin Fraser – Fraser is an aggressive forechecker who has
dropped the gloves fairly often this year. He’s 6’1 and 190
pounds, and he’s had six fights this season. Most of his fights
have been losses or draws.
Best bet of the night: Too many possibilities. I’m hoping for Janssen vs Eager III tonight.
~ Jason Travers, hockey-fights.com
Date
1/21/2009
1/17/2009
1/17/2009
Combatants
Description
Decision
Dan Hinote vs
Adam Burish
This light heavyweight “fight” wasn’t much. Burish hugged
Hinote in tight, and all they could manage to do to each
other is throw a bunch of harmless noogies to their noggins.
Burish hugged Hinote in so tightly that I thought he might
kiss him at some point. He appeared scared to let go
because he might <gasp> take a hit!
Yawn.
Cam Janssen vs
Ben Eager
Eager tried to tie up Janssen’s right and had a tough time.
He appeared to eat a right for his effort. Eager finally got in a
bit tighter and they threw one or two rights each. Janssen
then switched to the left and Eager got a bit tentative.
Janssen threw a left that missed, but he had Eager line up
for a wide open right...so Eager decided to go for the turtle
dive to the ice with his hands over his head.
Edge: Janssen
Jay McKee vs
Patrick Sharp
This was a spirited fight between a couple of veterans. They
both started throwing a lot of rights, with McKee landing
better. Sharp showed a solid chin, and he came back with
some rights of his own. McKee landed another big right but
Sharp ate it and kept going. They eventually tired out and fell
to the ice.
Edge: McKee
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 14
#
4
5
7
9
10
13
15
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
28
29
42
43
46
49
55
57
62
74
77
#
35
50
Player
Pos
Eric Brewer
D
Barret Jackman
D
Keith Tkachuk
C
Paul Kariya
L
Andy McDonald
C
Dan Hinote
R
Brad Winchester
L
Jay McClement
C
D.J. King
L
Alexander Steen
C
Patrik Berglund
C
Brad Boyes
R
Yan Stastny
C
B.J. Crombeen
R
Carlo Colaiacovo
D
Jeff Woywitka
D
David Backes
R
Mike Weaver
D
Roman Polak
D
Steve Wagner
D
Cam Janssen
R
David Perron
L
Tyson Strachan
D
T.J. Oshie
C
Jay McKee
D
TOTALS
Player
Chris Holt
Chris Mason
TOTALS
S/P Ctry Ht Wt C Rk GP
BC CAN 75 229 L Y
0
AB CAN 72 195 L
29
City
S/P Ctry Ht Wt S Rk GP
Vernon
BC CAN 75 222 L
28
Trail
BC CAN 72 203 L
54
Melrose
MA USA 74 232 L
52
Vancouver
BC CAN 70 180 L
11
Strathroy
ON CAN 71 183 L
18
Leesburg
FL USA 72 187 R
34
Madison
WI USA 77 228 L
36
Kingston
ON CAN 73 201 L
54
Meadow Lake SK CAN 74 228 L
1
Winnipeg
MB CAN 73 205 L
54
Vesteras
SWE 76 187 L Y 49
Mississauga
ON CAN 72 195 R
54
Quebec City
QC CAN 70 191 L
34
Denver
CO USA 74 212 R Y 53
Toronto
ON CAN 73 200 L
45
Vermilion
AB CAN 74 217 L
38
Minneapolis
MN USA 75 216 R
54
Bramalea
ON CAN 69 182 R
33
Ostrava
CZE 73 227 R
44
Grand Rapids MN USA 74 200 L Y 19
St. Louis
MO USA 72 210 R
43
Sherbrooke
QC CAN 72 180 R
53
Melfort
SK CAN 75 205 R Y 24
Mt. Vernon
WA USA 71 170 R Y 29
Kingston
ON CAN 76 203 L
43
General Manager:
Ray Bennett
Andy Murray
Larry Pleau
Rick Wamsley
Brad Shaw
Head Coach:
Asst / Goalie Coach:
Asst Coaches:
St. Louis Blues Rosters
and Statistics
DOB
Apr 17 '79
Mar 05 '81
Mar 28 '72
Oct 16 '74
Aug 25 '77
Jan 30 '77
Mar 01 '81
Mar 02 '83
Jun 27 '84
Mar 01 '84
Jun 02 '88
Apr 17 '82
Sep 30 '82
Jul 10 '85
Jan 27 '83
Sep 01 '83
May 01 '84
May 02 '78
Apr 28 '86
Mar 06 '84
Apr 15 '84
May 28 '88
Oct 30 '84
Dec 23 '86
Sep 08 '77
DOB
City
Jun 05 '85 Vancouver
Apr 20 '76 Red Deer
G
A Pts +/- PIM TOI/G
Salary
1
5
6
-14
24 25:07
$4,500,000
3
12
15
-12
60 23:21
$2,500,000
17
17
34
-11
41 17:37
$4,500,000
2
13
15
1
2 18:06
$6,000,000
7
13
20
-13
14 19:28
$3,333,333
1
2
3
-5
45 11:03
$1,000,000
9
4
13
-2
55 12:46
$600,000
8
10
18
-9
25 16:25
$950,000
0
1
1
0
0
8:20
$550,000
6
13
19
-7
22 16:56
$1,700,000
16
19
35
14
14 15:56
$850,000
24
25
49
-18
24 19:21
$2,500,000
3
4
7
-14
20 12:44
$500,000
9
7
16
-6 111 11:58
$550,000
2
18
20
-1
25 18:01
$1,400,000
1
12
13
-3
40 18:36
$725,000
18
14
32
-5 131 17:34
$2,500,000
0
5
5
-3
6 16:22
$700,000
1
10
11
-5
29 21:30
$475,000
2
2
4
-3
18 15:59
$635,000
1
3
4
-5 107
5:30
$550,000
7
28
35
5
40 15:30
$875,000
0
3
3
5
32 13:15
$575,000
7
11
18
6
6 16:06
$850,000
1
1
2
-3
25 17:11
$4,000,000
146 252 398 -108 916
$43,318,333
W
L OT
SO GAA Sv%
Salary
0
0
0
0
0 0.0%
$475,000
8
15
4
3 2.64 91.3%
$3,000,000
8 15
4
3
$3,475,000
$46,793,333
Page 15
Head Coach:
General Manager:
John Torchetti / Mike Haviland /
Joel Quenneville
Dale Tallon
Marc Bergevin
Assistant Coaches:
Stephane Waite
G
A Pts +/- PIM TOI/G
6
23
29
26
32 25:27
1
1
2
-4
8 13:48
5
10
15
13
45 23:18
0
8
8
13
51 15:53
23
15
38
2
39 18:34
9
23
32
20
18 14:31
17
23
40
7
33 18:26
7
10
17
10
36 14:04
3
5
8
18
24 14:11
17
25
42
11
18 17:03
4
21
25
-5
41 18:17
2
4
6
-1
18
8:30
15
26
41
17
47 17:29
9
10
19
1
59 14:36
12
21
33
17
20 16:06
5
2
7
5
62
9:14
1
7
8
5
10 20:30
4
9
13
5
44 11:02
7
30
37
7
12 23:23
8
4
12
6
95
8:04
17
29
46
-2
34 18:32
172 306 478 171 746
W
L OT SO GAA Sv%
13
9
3
2 2.41 91.4%
17
5
5
1 2.37 92.4%
30 14
8
3
Goaltending Coach:
S/P
MB
AB
BC
AB
ON
BC
MB
BC
NS
City
Winnipeg
Calgary
Richmond
Beaverlodge
Thunder Bay
Maple Ridge
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Port Hawkesbury
MB
Rk GP
48
23
52
40
52
52
52
Y 43
27
52
39
30
Y 49
48
52
36
22
Y 52
52
48
50
AB
MN
ON
WI
MI
BC
ON
ON
NY
S
L
R
R
R
R
L
L
R
L
L
L
R
R
R
R
R
R
L
L
L
L
Mlada Boleslav
Winnipeg
Seria
Lethbridge
Minneapolis
Mimico
Madison
Canton
Sicamous
Strathroy
Ottawa
Buffalo
Wt
194
211
220
214
197
198
209
213
211
217
213
197
180
247
181
200
207
188
188
220
175
DOB
Jul 16 '83
Jan 07 '77
Apr 20 '85
Apr 07 '80
Dec 27 '81
Dec 12 '85
Apr 29 '88
Aug 17 '85
Apr 30 '83
Apr 19 '81
Apr 04 '86
Apr 26 '77
May 13 '86
Mar 27 '85
Jun 05 '86
Jan 06 '83
Feb 21 '84
Jan 28 '85
May 23 '79
Jan 22 '84
Nov 19 '88
S/P Ctry Ht Wt C Rk GP
FRA 73 205 L
26
RUS 73 209
29
Ht
73
73
75
75
73
74
74
74
73
74
75
72
70
75
72
73
72
73
72
74
70
DOB
City
Sep 03 '75 St-Martin-d'Hères
Jan 13 '73 Sverdlovsk
Ctry
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
CZE
CAN
BRN
CAN
USA
CAN
USA
USA
CAN
CAN
CAN
USA
Chicago Blackhawks Rosters
and Statistics
# Player
Pos
2 Duncan Keith
D
5 Brent Sopel
D
7 Brent Seabrook
D
8 Matt Walker
D
10 Patrick Sharp
R
16 Andrew Ladd
L
19 Jonathan Toews
C
22 Troy Brouwer
R
23 Aaron Johnson
D
24 Martin Havlat
R
25 Cam Barker
D
28 Craig Adams
R
32 Kris Versteeg
R
33 Dustin Byfuglien
R
36 Dave Bolland
C
37 Adam Burish
R
43 James Wisniewski
D
46 Colin Fraser
C
51 Brian Campbell
D
55 Ben Eager
L
88 Patrick Kane
R
TOTALS
# Player
38 Cristobal Huet
39 Nikolai Khabibulin
TOTALS
Salary
$1,600,000
$2,500,000
$3,500,000
$600,000
$3,300,000
$1,450,000
$850,000
$700,000
$525,000
$6,000,000
$984,200
$600,000
$490,000
$3,000,000
$887,500
$700,000
$900,000
$500,000
$7,142,857
$650,000
$875,000
$37,754,557
Salary
$5,625,000
$6,750,000
$12,375,000
$50,129,557
Legend: S:Shoots; C: Catches; Rk: Rookie (any player who has played fewer than 25 games in the previous season or fewer than 26 in the previous two years
and has not reached age 26); GP: Games Played; G: Goals; A: Assists; Pts: Points; PIM: Penalties in Minutes; TOI/Game: average Time On Ice per Game.
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 16
NHL Referee Statistics
2008-2009
Since 2007
1st
O
Blues Blues Blues
No. Official
Born
Blues Blues Blues
Game
W L T
Games PP
PK
Games PP
PK
L
Sarnia, ON
1980
2
5
12
1 1 0
7
26
31
2
Fraser, Kerry
North Bay, ON
1997
7
35
23
3 2 2
14
69
54
3
Leggo, Mike
Georgetown, ON
2003
2
4
7
0 2 0
5
14
18
4
McCauley, Wes
Boston,
MA
2000
5
17
22
1
3
1
12
52
63
5
Rooney, Chris
Edmonton, AB
1984
2
9
9
0 2 0
4
15
17
6
Marouelli, Dan
Guelph, ON
1984
3
16
11
1 2 0
5
26
20
7
McCreary, Bill
Montreal, PQ
1990
2
4
7
0 2 0
7
23
30
8
Jackson, Dave
Guelph, ON
1989
3
13
15
1 1 1
5
24
24
10 Devorski, Paul
Richmond, BC
2000
4
19
16
1 3 0
8
30
28
11 Sutherland, Kelly
Dartmouth, NS
1981
4
18
15
1 2 1
6
30
21
12 Koharski, Don
Essex, ON
1995
3
21
23
1 1 1
9
42
56
13 O'Halloran, Dan
Savannah, GA
1991
4
14
16
2 2 0
10
39
42
14 LaRue, Dennis
Montreal, PQ
2000
4
24
20
3 1 0
10
58
63
15 Auger, Stephane
Port Alberni, BC
1986
5
22
23
4 1 0
11
40
48
16 Shick, Rob
Toronto, ON
1996
3
11
15
0 2 1
10
35
42
18 Kimmerly, Greg
Halifax, NS
2003
2
11
6
1 1 0
7
33
26
19 Dwyer, Gord
Toronto, ON
1999
6
23
26
2 4 0
12
50
45
20 Peel, Tim
1993
3
17
15
1 2 0
10
44
47
21 VanMassenhoven, Don Parkhill, ON
Regina, Sas
1996
5
29
32
2 2 1
10
48
56
23 Watson, Brad
Verdun, PQ
1999
4
18
22
1 2 1
6
25
30
25 Joannette, Marc
Winnipeg, MB
1996
5
21
22
2 2 1
14
61
69
26 Martell, Rob
Trois-Rivieres, PQ
2001
5
22
23
1 3 1
8
36
38
27 Furlatt, Eric
St John, NB
2001
3
16
18
0 2 1
7
31
36
28 Lee, Chris
Philadelphia, PA
2000
4
16
18
0 4 0
7
25
31
29 Walsh, Ian
Regina, SK
2000
1
3
4
1 0 0
4
12
14
30 Hasenfratz, Mike
Vernon, BC
2000
2
5
8
1 1 0
8
35
37
32 Kowal, Tom
Kincardine, ON
2000
4
13
14
2 1 1
9
35
38
33 Pollock, Kevin
Dayton, OH
1999
1
4
2
1 0 0
8
34
30
34 Meier, Brad
Toronto, ON
1999
6
34
25
35 Warren, Dean
Peterborough,
ON
2000
3
13
10
2
0
1
4
20
16
36 Morton, Dean
Stettler, AB
2008
1
5
5
1 0 0
1
5
5
37 Rehman, Kyle
Greenfield Park, PQ 2006
2
9
10
2 0 0
5
19
22
38 St Laurent, Francois
Penticton, BC
2006
1
8
11
1 0 0
7
38
37
40 Kozari, Steve
Calgary, AB
1999
2
11
7
42 O'Rourke, Dan
Detroit, MI
2006
3
12
13
2 1 0
6
26
33
43 Pochmara, Brian
Dolbeau, PQ
2003
5
23
22
45 St. Pierre, Justin
TOTALS
54
239
247 21 26 7
584
611
W L
3
6
1
3
0
2
4
2
1
2
5
3
7
4
3
3
4
6
4
1
9
3
2
1
2
2
4
4
1
3
1
2
4
0
2
3
54
4
6
3
6
4
3
3
2
6
3
3
4
2
6
6
4
6
3
3
4
4
3
3
6
1
4
4
3
3
0
0
2
3
1
4
1
62
NHL Linesmen
#
17
47
54
56
57
59
60
Name
Heyer, Shane
Schachte, Dan
Devorski, Greg
Wheler, Mark
Sharrers, Jay
Barton, Steve
Dapuzzo, Pat
#
61
65
66
67
68
70
71
Name
Seitz, Lyle
Racicot, Pierre
Gibbs, Darren
Champoux, Pierre
Driscoll, Scott
Nansen, Derek
Kovachik, Brad
#
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
Name
Rody, Vaughan
Cameron, Lonnie
Amell, Derek
Cormier, Michel
Nowak, Tim
Mach, Brian
Pare, Mark
#
80
82
84
86
88
89
90
Name
Nelson, Thor
Galloway, Ryan
Sericolo, Tony
Lazarowich, Brad
Cvik, Mike
Miller, Steve
McElman, Andy
#
91
92
93
95
96
97
Name
Henderson, Don
Shewchyk, Mark
Murphy, Brian
Murray, Jonny
Brisebois, David
Morin, Jean
O
T
L
0
2
1
3
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
3
1
0
1
0
2
1
3
1
1
2
2
0
1
2
1
1
2
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
19
G AME T IME
Page 17
St. Louis Game Time Scorecard
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks; Friday, February 13, 2009
Referee: ________________________
Referee: ________________________
Linesman: ______________________
Linesman: ______________________
Shots
Team
1st
2d 3rd OT
Score
SO
F
Team
1st
Hawks
Hawks
Blues
Blues
Blues Starting Lineup
C:
2d 3rd OT
1st Assist
LW:
RW:
D:
D:
G:
Blackhawks Starting Lineup
C:
LW:
RW:
Penalties Called
Per.
D:
G:
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:
Other Stars of the Game
GWG:
GW Goalie:
Hard Hat:
Game Notes:
F
Goal Scoring
Per. Tim e Team Goalscorer
D:
SO
Time
Team
Penalized Player
Penalty
2nd Assist
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 18
Ask Game Time’s Answer Man
Dear Answer Man,
In the last issue of Game Time you talked about Manny and
how he took away from the team chemistry with his
pouting. You even ragged on the fans who were being
pessimistic about making the playoffs. I have also noticed
on the St. Louis Game Time website that there has been a
collective circle jerk about how David Backes has emerged
into a bona fide power forward. In fact, you all keep
referring to him as some sort of Chuck Norris. My question
is, how does someone like Backes all of a sudden win people
over and become noticed at a time when there is other
drama happening with the team?
-Cory (Sappington-MO)
Hey Cory, don’t lump me in with all
the meatheads that contribute to this
publication. None of them live in
North County, rock a fanny pack,
pimp sweet Zubas nor do they drive
one sweet assed solar yellow Rumble
Bee truck. If you look at these posts
all over the GT site, you will notice I
haven’t mentioned Chuck Norris (or his sweet beard) while
discussing David Backes. Yeah, I got the back of all the dudes
on the GT staff but don’t lump me in with any of them that
can’t bench at least 250 or who have never been in a hockey
fight. I’m not sayin’ I’m better. I’m just sayin’.
Whew, that felt good to get off my sweet chiseled chest (it
is shaved too). Yeah, it did chap my ass that Blues Nation
seemed to bail out on the team right around the All Star
break. Again, it was all about who the Blues should trade in
an effort to beef up the future. Well you know what those
loveable skamps (I am referring to the Blues players and
coaches by the way) decided to do? They really started
kickin’ ass and winning games (minus that crap-in-the-bed
of a game against Vancouver). Yep, they decided to sack up
and put on a pair to really make life difficult for the other
teams.
David Backes has been a man among boys. We saw what
he did in Boston with 0.8 to go in the third. He knew the
idiots on the Blue Jackets were going to take a run at him. He
stood up, took a hit and basically told the entire BJ team that
he knows there are four more games on the schedule against
him. He’s not cheap but he’s easy to find. I loved that and I
was slightly aroused.
The fans in St. Louis, while being a completely fickle bunch,
know hard work. Just like Bill The Thrill and Catfish of the
infamous Answer Man Crew say, “Win or lose, it doesn’t
matter. If the Blues work hard every game, I will always
support them.” I think that speaks volumes about our city
and the fans here. They can smell a rat and a rat with a bad
snatch at that.
Hockey players have to earn their stripes with their team
and their fans. Not just one time either. I know the Phruit
Euros would love to try and “man up” for one time and ride it
out but this is hockey. You have to be tough at all times for
all times. In order to prove it you have to play the body, take
a hit and fight from time to time. Some teams even require a
Gut Check Checklist. I had to partake in one when I was an
Answer Boy in my teens.
The rules were simple. First, you had to eat a bug. Could
be dead or alive but it had to be a real bug and not a fly or
something small. Slugs would suffice. Second, good-faith
attempts at heterosexuality. Now, don’t paint me as
discriminatory. I have said and proven on many occasion
that I only discriminate against Euros and goalies. It was a
different time back then (late 80’s early to mid 90’s-ish) so
we had to prove to our team mates we could work chicks. It
added to our collective swagger and at times you had to take
on the fat friend so your buddy could hook up with the hot
one. Lastly was a loyalty test. This was the toughest. This
involved an eraser and that back of your hand. You had to
take the eraser on the back of your hand until it bled. If you
couldn’t make it, your time was done with the team.
These are just some simple measures to ensure everyone
is on board. You need this as proof positive your team is tight
and ready to go. Much like a good looking feathered hair do
on a guy from North County who lives with his mom and
sleeps in the top bunk (wink wink). If you can’t be up to any
of these things, then you are about as popular as crabs. Go
Blues; Chicago sucks!
Before I go, I wanted to circle back on David Backes. The
guy has a set of marbles on him and he’s proving it. Just like
Chuck Norris or a Ninja.
Send your questions on hockey (NHL or rec league),
Busch beer or any other thing that keeps you awake at night
to: [email protected] and have them
answered here.
The Blues have ramped things up and the fans know it.
Just Give Us A Reason. One Reason.
St. Louis Game Time
G AME T IME
Page 19
The Fantasy Files
By Duke
The baseball season is just around the corner and every major
fantasy provider in the free world has opened up their fantasy
game, but don’t let yourself get sidetracked. There are still
two months left on the fantasy hockey calendar for you to
pick up the wins, points, or whatever it is you need to
improve your standing. So forget about that other game
where immigrants lie to congressional investigators and
perennial MVP candidates are all probably juicing and pay
attention to the one
where the commissioner looks like he
pays midgets for
sex and a man who
loves purses can
always find a job.
Whenever I take
a look around the
NHL through fanJonathan Toews is one of the
tasy glasses, it’s
most overrated fantasy players
always nice to be
out there. Dump him now.
able to come back
Besides, what are you doing
around to St. Louis
with a Hawk on your team
and see that there’s
anyway?
something worthwhile going on here. Ever since Carlo Colaiacovo came over
from Toronto along with that one guy who has a knack for
creating scoring chances to go along with his penchant for
totally blowing them, he’s redefined what happens from the
blueline in St. Louis. He’s become every bit as important to
St. Louis’ man advantage as Patrik Berglund, and all goals
have been going through Carlo lately.
Colaiacovo’s time in Toronto was defined by injury, with
his previous season-high for games being just 48. Last night’s
game in Nashville marked a couple of remarkable feats for
Colaiacovo – he played in his 35th game of the season (with
28 to go on the Blues schedule), and he actually managed to
not score a point. The David Backes Show meant that Carlo
could safely take a night off, but 11 points in the last 12 games
(eight of those on the PP), means that he’s a safe bet to get
back on the board tonight against the league’s 17th rated penalty kill. If your team’s blueline needs a shot in the arm and
he’s available, don’t hesitate on the (new) hometown kid.
Scanning around the league from our little nest in the
Western Conference’s central division, the Florida Panthers are
actually starting to put together what seems to be a very
legitimate playoff run. One of the primary beneficiaries of their
2009 success has been Nathan Horton. Now in his fifth NHL
season, he’s getting things back on track following an injury
that caused him to miss 10 games in December, and has put
together a run of 17 points in as many games. Horton enjoys
center and right wing eligibility, making him a valuable asset as
you try to maximize your lineup night in and night out down
the stretch.
If you’re looking to land the services of someone like Horton,
you’re going to be hard-pressed finding it on the waiver wire.
There’s still time to make a deal, but you’ve got to act fast. So
who can you hope to move in order to pull off a deadline deal?
If you’re looking to move one big name in order to fill in a few
holes that might exist in your lineup, you’re in luck if you’ve
been sitting on an underperforming star all season long.
Ottawa’s “Pizza” line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and
Jason Spezza are three of the biggest names in hockey, and they
were all likely taken by the end of the second round in your
league’s draft this season. Even though they’ve played more like
seventh round picks this season, the name recognition on each
of these guys is likely to net you whatever you desire in return if
you dangle them out to the rest of your league on the trade
market.
Another player whose name mysteriously precedes his actual
output is in the building tonight. Jonathan Toews hasn’t done
any more to impress me at the NHL level than his former
college linemate T.J. Oshie has, but somehow being on one of
the hottest bandwagon teams of recent memory has turned him
into one of the most overrated players of the season. He was a
top-30 draft pick and he’s playing more like a tenth rounder
with 40 points on the season and negligible contributions in
each other category. Nice overall totals, but the center position
is knuckle deep, and teams can’t afford to overpay for a name
and miss out on top production. He’s another great candidate
to move at the deadline to the fruit in your league who wears
his Winter Classic jersey to bed every night. You know - the
same guy who wears jean shorts in the shower.
Go Blues!
You Wanna Know How I Know…
...That Bluie Character Is Trouble?
•
Smells like meth.
•
People who don’t wear pants in public go to jail.
•
Dogs and children immediately wary when he’s
around.
•
No good reason for a big blue rat to be carrying
handcuffs and duct tape around.
•
Glassy eyes are a bad sign.
•
Drives a van.
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 20
Tomorrow’s Blues
By Brian Weidler
A Few Minutes with Alex Pietrangelo
In the last two editions of Tomorrows Blues, your Game
Time Prospect Department has been talking with Niagara Ice
Dogs coach Mario Cicchillo about Alex Pietrangelo. Tonight,
we present a conversation with Pietrangelo himself.
GT: Talk us through the experience of winning the gold
medal at the World Juniors. What was that like for you?
AP: There’s no better feeling than
winning something for your country;
it really is an unbelievable feeling. I
was lucky enough to spend three
weeks with 23 guys that were unbelievable, and we all got along so well.
It’s something that you’ll never forget
for the rest of your life, and I’m so
happy that I was able to be a part of
it.
guy like Coach Cicchillo?
AP: Oh, he’s a great coach. He’s done so well for us this year.
We’ve got such a young team, and we’re doing so well, so that
goes to show how much he helps us. It’s good to have a guy
like that at the top that we can listen to, and who knows his
stuff. He’s a good GM as well as a good coach, too, he’s done
a great job so far, and I’m really happy to work with him.
GT: You had a spleen injury that
kept you out of the Blues Development Camp, correct?
AP: Yeah, last year I ruptured my
spleen and I had mono. That kept me
out for three months, so that was a
lot to overcome.
GT: But you’re completely recovered
from all that now, and good to go,
right?
GT: You had a chance to play
Alex Pietrangelo hopes to re-join the
against one of your fellow Blues blueline corps in St. Louis sooner rather AP: Oh, yeah. That was last year.
prospects from Sweden, Simon Hjalthan later.
marsson. Do you have any specific
GT: You started the year here in
recollections of going up against him in that championship
St. Louis, playing with the Blues in the NHL. Then after you
game?
got your feet wet in the NHL a little bit, they sent you back
AP: No, but I’m sure I’ll rub it in some the next time I see
him. He’s a good player, and he had a great tournament, but
we were lucky enough to come out on top.
GT: What role were you being used in by Pat Quinn in that
tournament? It didn't seem like you were getting a lot of ice
at times, and then other times it seemed as though you were
on the ice quite a bit...
AP: The power play really was a lot of my ice time but he
worked me in some other times, too. I knew that my role was
to fill in a few minutes here and there. I was just happy to be
a part of the team, and like I said, it’s always great to
represent your country.
GT: Would you say that playing on the power play is a
specialty of yours, something you really excel at?
AP: Yeah, I usually play a lot on the power play here with my
junior team, and I guess my offensive abilities come out on
the power play when I’m able to skate with the puck and
whatnot. So yeah, I’d say it’s one of the stronger points of my
game; I also like to kill penalties as well, but a lot of my
coaches have trusted me to run the power play.
GT: I talked to your coach the other day, and he had
nothing but high praise for you. What’s it like to play for a
to juniors. What did they ask you specifically to work on,
and how did you take being sent back after having a taste of
the big time?
AP: Oh, it was disappointing at first, but I had to look at (just
being there) as a positive. They had a lot of things for me to
work on, like consistency and playing hard every shift. When
I’m playing a lot more, it’s hard for me to pace myself. So for
me, it’s just looking at (being sent back) as a positive, that
they’re looking out for me and my career, and not rushing
me, and knowing that they’re happy to have me in the
organization for a lot of years to come.
GT: When you were up with the Blues, were there any of the
defensemen in particular that you stuck close to and tried to
pick their brain a little bit.
AP: Well, I played with Jackman pretty much the entire time
I was there, so to have a guy of that caliber at my side was an
unbelievable experience. I sat beside him in the room, and he
taught me a lot while I was there. Hopefully, I can play with
him again in the future, and keep learning from him. He’s an
outstanding player, and he’s the kind of guy that a young guy
wants to learn from.
GT: You’re more of an offensive guy, and Jackman is more
(Continued on page 21)
G AME T IME
Page 21
Warriors. He followed up a strong regular season with 10
goals and 14 points in the WHL playoffs, and also tallied
426 PIM in 287 regular-season games
Turning pro in the 2006-07 season, Brouwer continued
to score at the AHL level. As a rookie, Brouwer struck for 41
goals and 79 points in 66 games for the Norfolk (VA)
Admirals, and also earned a ten-game callup with the
Hawks, where he went without a point but
managed seven minutes in penalty time.
By Brian Weidler
Troy Brouwer
Shoots:
In 2007-08, with the Hawks’ farm club
having moved just down the road to Rockford,
Brouwer continued to establish himself as an
offensive threat and a physical presence. He led
the IceHogs in goals with 35, and added 19
assists and 154 minutes in penalties.
Right
Height:
6’3
Weight:
220
Birthdate:
August 15, 1985
Birthplace:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Drafted by Chicago late in the 2004 NHL Entry
Draft (214th overall), the big kid from western
Canada has found a home on the third line for
Joel Quenneville and the Blackhawks.
A second- and third-line role player for most of his
junior career with Moose Jaw of the WHL, Brouwer broke
out in 2005-06 with 49 goals and 102 points for the
This season, Brouwer spent five games with
the Hogs early in the year, racking up 2-6-8
totals in five games before coming up to the
Hawks for good in late October. In 43 games for
Chicago, Brouwer is 7-10-17 with a plus-10 mark and 36
PIM. Three of his goals have come on the power play, and
he notched a shorthanded tally against Calgary on Feb. 5 in
a 5-2 Blackhawk victory.
We Dare You To Find Better Prospect Info.
St. Louis Game Time
Tomorrow’s Blues
(continued)
(Continued from page 20)
of a defense-first player. Were there maybe one or two things
that you could tell him out the offensive side of the game?
AP: Well, I don’t know if I should be telling him what to do...
he’s pretty good offensively, too, and just an outstanding allaround player. I’m sure he knows how to take care of the
offensive side. It was more me learning so much how to take
care of my end; he taught me so much, and I’ve come a long
way just from playing with him.
GT: You’ve been back in Niagara for a while, playing at a
high level there, getting a lot of points and being a leader on
your team. How did your teammates, and the community,
respond when you came back from the NHL?
AP: They were very happy; all of the fans there were happy to
have me back, and my teammates were happy too, and I get
along well with all of them. But in the same sense, a lot of the
young guys here look up to me because of my experiences and
what I’ve been through. We have a pretty young team, so I’m
happy that I could come back and show that leadership to
these guys. Like I said, a lot of them do look up to me, so it’s
great for me that I can kind of show the ins and outs of what it
takes to get to the next level.
GT: Coach Cicchillo mentioned that you’re very much a
leader on this team; do you see yourself in that role as well?
AP: Yeah, I love being a leader, and that’s one of the reasons
why Mario gave me the ‘C’ this year. He trusts me in that role,
and I kind of like having that pressure, and that respect from
the guys.
GT: Would you say you’re more of a vocal leader, a ‘holler
guy,’ or the kind of guy that just goes out and leads by
example, and tells his guys, ‘follow me?’
AP: I’m pretty vocal with the guys; I always have been. But in
the same sense, I like to lead by example. A lot of it is vocal; I
like to make sure everyone’s listening. But I think my
experiences, what I’ve learned over the past year, have helped
me to be able to tell them things that I think need to be done.
(Continued on page 23)
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 22
Game Time
Top 11 Comments From
Pop Quiz
Fans Last Night
This space was intentionally left
blank because:
A)
We’ve always wanted to intentionally
leave a space blank.
B)
A misguided sense of “We do
11.
10.
9.
8.
7.
whatever we want here.”
6.
C)
Tired. So very tired.
D)
We have $50 riding on the fact that
5.
4.
3.
2.
no one notices.
Look for the correct answer in the
first playoff edition!
1.
The Blues are up by two goals. You can go ahead
and change the channel.
I skipped “Top Chef” to watch this?
Looks like I picked the wrong hockey season to
give up sniffing model airplane glue.
It’s cool. We’re fine. Oshie has this one shootout
move that’s unstoppa…crap.
Hey, the Blues aren’t in 15th place anymore.
They’re tied for 14th!
Honey, do you remember where we put the shot
glasses?
I skipped C-SPAN to watch this?
I am not crying. There’s dust in the air.
My vasectomy wasn’t quite this painful.
It’s like Jessica Simpson on stage wearing mom
jeans. I can’t look away. It’s horrific, but I have
to watch.
I swear, I didn’t see you when I threw my shoe
down the hallway in blind anger. Honest.
From the Empty Beer Cup of Brad Lee
This space intentionally left blank.
Remember Me?
Tyson Nash
Born March 11, 1975
Played for Blues 1998-2003
Tyson Nash, the man who helped launch a nation of
agitators who would rarely fight back but
drew more than their fair share of
penalties, is no longer in the NHL.
After seven years in the league, the first
five in St. Louis, Nash announced his
retirement earlier this season. His career
totals (he never played more than 69
games in any one season) were 374 games
played, 27 goals, 37 assists and 673 PIM.
After two years in Phoenix he was traded
to Toronto for a goaltender and a draft
pick. But he would never play for the
Leafs. He spent parts of two seasons
playing for the San Antonio Rampage and
Toronto Marlies before signing with a
team in Japan. No word on if he grew a
mustache to pull off the Tom Selleck playing in Japan look.
By Brad Lee & Chris Gift
And despite ESPN’s claim that he was drafted in the 1st
round, 247th overall, for his lack of true NHL talents, he had
quite the extended career. Known in St. Louis for his pinball
style of play and hair and fuzz on his chin that made the
ladies swoon, his No. 9 jersey is still seen at home games at
the DrinkScotch Center. He’s one of three players to win
three Memorial Cups in Juniors with the same team.
But where is he now? And what of his
hair, you ask.
The unofficially official website of the
man, the myth, the sweet coif announced
that Tyson Nash has hit the formerNHLer jackpot: he's a new announcer for
the Phoenix Coyotes. More specifically,
he's the radio color commentator for the
team.
Sweet bliss. You get to stay around the
game, be with the team, you don't get hit
anymore and as the color guy, really don't
have to kill yourself with research. Good
for him.
G AME T IME
Page 23
009
2
8
0
The 20 e Shuffle
kat
S
y
k
c
Lu
er
Track
Finishing Point
Times Occurred
This Year /
Percentage
Puck finishes in same
skate as starting point.
19 / 70.4%
Puck finishes in skate one
place lower than start
point.
8 / 29.6%
Puck finishes in skate one
place higher than start
point.
0 / 0.0%
“How much can
you know about
yourself if you’ve
never
been in
a
fight?”
St. Louis Game Time
www.stlouisgametime.com
Tomorrow’s Blues
(continued)
(Continued from page 21)
GT: What would you say is the strongest aspect of your
game?
AP: Probably my poise, being able to control myself and the
puck in our end. That’s one of the things that I look at as an
attribute of my game, and one of the things that has helped me
get where I am.
GT: And if you had to pick one aspect of your game that you’d
like to work on and improve, what would that be?
AP: Probably my physical play. I’ve never really been a superphysical guy, but I’m getting better, and a lot of it is just body
position and stuff. I think I’ve come a long way since last year,
so hopefully I can continue to work on that and move forward
from there.
GT: Because of your size and your build, people have had an
expectation that you might be another Chris Pronger for the
Blues. Do you see yourself as a Pronger type of player, or is
there another defenseman in the NHL that you would say
you’re more patterned after?
AP: Well, I’m probably not as tough as Pronger, but I
probably watch Nicklas Lidstrom a lot more than I do Pronger.
The way he plays, I’d really like to emulate that. Those are
tough shoes to fill, but that’s the style of game that I like to
play, and hopefully I can play that style in my career.
GT: OK, one last question... any message you’d like to give to
the fans in St. Louis who are anxiously awaiting your return?
AP: Yes; thank you for the time I was there. I really love the
city of St. Louis, and I’m looking forward to coming back and
hopefully helping the team next year.
Join us next time for more of the latest on the Blues’ prospect
stable, and until then, remember... “if we do not prepare for
ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but
that of the anvil.”
Auf wiedersehen.
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 24
NHL Standings—Play 60 Minutes
Eastern Conference
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Boston
New Jersey
Washington
Philadelphia
NY Rangers
Montreal
Florida
Buffalo
GP
55
55
55
53
55
55
54
55
W
39
35
34
28
30
29
27
28
L OTL PTS GF GA PP% PK% HOME
AWAY
9
7
85 190 126 22.8 82.0 19-4-4 20-5-3
17
3
73 172 136 19.2 82.2 17-10-1 18-7-2
16
5
73 182 160 23.4 79.6 22-4-1 12-12-4
16
9
65 169 158 23.9 83.0 15-7-3 13-9-6
20
5
65 140 153 14.2 86.5 17-8-3 13-12-2
20
6
64 166 166 15.8 82.0 17-6-4 12-14-2
19
8
62 156 150 15.8 81.8 14-6-5 13-13-3
21
6
62 162 151 19.8 84.5 15-10-2 13-11-4
L10
6-1-3
8-2-0
6-2-2
5-5-0
4-5-1
2-8-0
6-3-1
5-4-1
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Toronto
Tampa Bay
Ottawa
Atlanta
NY Islanders
55
56
55
55
53
56
54
27
27
20
19
20
19
16
23
24
25
25
25
32
32
13-12-4
12-12-3
11-15-4
9-15-4
8-16-3
10-15-3
6-20-2
6-4-0
5-4-1
3-4-3
5-4-1
5-4-1
3-7-0
4-4-2
Western Conference
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
5
5
10
11
8
5
6
59
59
50
49
48
43
38
142
169
165
141
130
157
133
161
169
204
171
152
194
182
16.6
16.3
20.0
16.7
18.8
18.9
17.8
79.6
80.2
73.5
80.8
83.1
75.7
81.7
14-11-1
15-12-2
9-10-6
10-10-7
12-9-5
9-17-2
10-12-4
San Jose
Detroit
Calgary
Chicago
Anaheim
Vancouver
Dallas
Minnesota
GP
52
55
55
52
57
54
53
54
W
37
37
32
30
28
26
26
28
L OTL PTS GF GA PP% PK% HOME
AWAY
7
8
82 178 123 23.4 85.9 23-2-3 14-5-5
11
7
81 208 159 27.1 77.5 20-4-2 17-7-5
18
5
69 171 160 18.5 85.7 20-7-3 12-11-2
14
8
68 175 134 22.1 81.1 14-4-5 16-10-3
24
5
61 159 158 22.0 81.5 15-11-3 13-13-2
20
8
60 164 159 19.3 78.4 13-11-4 13-9-4
20
7
59 162 165 17.2 78.0 15-7-4 11-13-3
23
3
59 139 124 20.9 87.0 17-10-3 11-13-0
L10
5-2-3
6-3-1
5-4-1
6-4-0
5-5-0
4-3-3
7-3-0
6-4-0
Edmonton
Columbus
Los Angeles
Nashville
Phoenix
St.Louis
Colorado
54
54
53
55
56
54
55
27
26
24
26
25
22
25
23
23
22
26
26
25
29
5-4-1
5-4-1
7-2-1
6-4-0
2-8-0
5-2-3
3-7-0
4
5
7
3
5
7
1
58
57
55
55
55
51
51
153
145
138
135
140
157
148
168
152
147
156
168
171
169
17.6
11.8
18.7
13.9
14.0
21.8
17.0
76.9
80.9
82.7
84.5
79.2
81.7
78.6
13-11-3 14-12-1
17-9-1 9-14-4
13-12-6 11-10-1
15-10-1 11-16-2
16-10-2 9-16-3
13-11-4 9-14-3
16-13-0 9-16-1
Wish You Had Game Time When
You Watch The Blues At Home?
Subscribe!
[email protected]
G AME T IME
Page 25
St. Louis Blues Schedule and Results
October
January (continued)
DATE
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
10
11
13
16
18
22
24
25
30
Fri
Sat
Mon
Thu
Sat
Wed
Fri
Sat
Thu
WINNING/LOSING
OPPONENT
SCORE RECORD
GOALIE
Predators
5-2
1-0-0
Legace/Ellis
@Islanders
2-5
1-1-0 MacDonald/Mason
@Maple Leafs 5-4 SO 2-1-0
Legace/Toskala
Stars
6-1
3-1-0
Legace/Turco
Blackhaw ks
4-3 SO 4-1-0 Legace/Khabibulin
Red Wings
3-4
4-2-0
Conklin/Legace
Kings
0-4
4-3-0 LaBarbera/Legace
Panthers
4-0
5-3-0
Bishop/Anderson
Hurricanes
0-1
5-4-0
Ward/Mason
Novem ber
Decem ber
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
3
5
6
8
10
11
13
16
18
20
21
23
27
28
30
Wed
Fri
Sat
Mon
Wed
Thu
Sat
Tue
Thu
Sat
Sun
Tue
Sat
Sun
Tue
Sat
Mon
Wed
Sat
Sun
Thu
Sat
SCORE RECORD
OPPONENT
SCORE RECORD
@Wild
Flames
Coyotes
Predators
@Ducks
@Kings
@Sharks
Flames
@Capitals
Wild
Bruins
@Red Wings
Sharks
Ducks
Devils
0-4
3-4 OT
4-3
6-3
2-4
2-6
4-5
3-6
2-4
4-2
3-6
1-4
3-2 SO
3-4
3-4
10-11-2
10-11-3
11-11-3
12-11-3
12-12-3
12-13-3
12-14-3
12-15-3
12-16-3
13-16-3
13-17-3
13-18-3
14-18-3
14-19-3
14-20-3
DATE
OPPONENT
SCORE RECORD
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
2
3
5
7
10
12
13
16
18
19
21
24
26
28
Mon
Tue
Thu
Sat
Tue
Thu
Fri
Mon
Wed
Thu
Sat
Tue
Thu
Sat
@Red Wings
3-4 SO 20-24-5
@Blue Jackets
4-2
21-24-5
Oilers
1-2 SO 21-24-6
Avalanche
4-1
22-24-6
Canucks
4-6
22-25-6
@Predators
3-4 SO 22-25-7
Blackhaw ks
Rangers
@Blue Jackets
@Predators
Predators
Coyotes
@Stars
@Coyotes
OPPONENT
Tue
Fri
Sat
Tue
Thu
Sat
Sun
Tue
Thu
Fri
Tue
Thu
Sat
Sun
WINNING/LOSING
GOALIE
Osgood/Mason
C.Mason/S.Mason
Roloson/Mason
Mason/Budaj
Luongo/Mason
Rinne/Mason
SCORE RECORD
WINNING/LOSING
GOALIE
SCORE RECORD
WINNING/LOSING
GOALIE
Red Wings
@Lightning
@Panthers
Stars
Sharks
Red Wings
Wild
@Oilers
@Canucks
@Flames
Kings
Canucks
Blue Jackets
@Blue Jackets
April
DATE
2
3
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
24
25
29
31
March
WINNING/LOSING
DATE
GOALIE
Backstrom/Legace Mar
3
Kipprusoff/Mason Mar
6
Legace/Bryzgalov Mar
7
Legace/Rinne
Mar
10
Giguere/Mason Mar
12
Ersberg/Mason Mar
14
Nabokov/Mason Mar
15
Kipprusoff/Mason Mar
17
Varlamov/Bishop Mar
19
Legace/Backstrom Mar
20
Fernandez/Legace Mar
24
Conklin/Legace Mar
26
Legace/Nabokov Mar
28
Hiller/Mason
Mar
29
Clemmensen/Legace
January
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
WINNING/LOSING
GOALIE
Blackhaw ks
1-2 OT 17-23-4
Huet/Legace
@Bruins
5-4 SO 18-23-4
Mason/Thomas
@Blackhaw ks
2-0
19-23-4
Mason/Huet
All-Star Skills/Young Stars Game
All-Star Game
Senators
1-3
19-24-4
Elliott/Mason
Flyers
4-0
20-24-4 Mason/Niittymaki
OPPONENT
February
WINNING/LOSING
DATE
OPPONENT
SCORE RECORD
GOALIE
Nov 1 Sat Penguins
3-6
5-5-0
Fleury/Mason
Nov 5 Wed @Ducks
2-5
5-6-0
Giguere/Mason
Nov 6 Thu @Sharks
4-5 SO 5-6-1
Nabokov/Bishop
Nov 8 Sat @Kings
3-5
5-7-1
Ersberg/Legace
Nov 12 Wed @Sabres
3-4
5-8-1
Miller/Mason
Nov 14 Fri @Blackhaw ks 4-3 OT 6-8-1 Legace/Khabibulin
Nov 16 Sun Canadiens
2-3 SO 6-8-2
Price/Legace
Nov 21 Fri Ducks
3-2 OT 7-8-2
Legace/Giguere
Nov 22 Sat @Wild
2-1
8-8-2
Mason/Backstrom
Nov 25 Tue @Predators
1-0 SO 9-8-2
Mason/Ellis
Nov 26 Wed @Avalanche
1-3
9-9-2
Budaj/Legace
Nov 29 Sat Oilers
2-4
9-10-2
Roloson/Legace
Nov 30 Sun @Thrashers
4-2
10-10-2
Mason/Pavelec
DATE
DATE
OPPONENT
Fri
Sat
Fri
Sun
Tue
Thu
@Hurricanes
Blue Jackets
@Canucks
@Oilers
@Flames
Avalanche
SCORE RECORD
2-3
5-2
6-4
1-2
1-3
5-2
14-21-3
15-21-3
16-21-3
16-22-3
16-23-3
17-23-3
WINNING/LOSING
GOALIE
Ward/Mason
Legace/Mason
Legace/Labarbara
Roloson/Legace
Kipprusoff/Mason
Legace/Budaj
DATE
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
OPPONENT
1
2
4
7
10
12
Wed
Thu
Sat
Tue
Fri
Sun
@Blackhaw ks
@Red Wings
@Stars
@Coyotes
Blue Jackets
@Avalanche
Volume 4, Issue 29
February 13, 2009
Page 26
Blacksuck Hawks
(continued)
(Continued from page 1)
win. The Blues have had enough
adversity for three seasons. We’ve
crossed the line from adversity and
gone straight to being fucking hopeless.
The season’s still a ways from being
over with the final game not coming
until Easter in mid-April. It’s not even
Fat Tuesday yet. The trading deadline is
still a few weeks away. There’s the NHL
Draft Lottery. They’re still on pace for a
top 10 pick no matter what. The free
food day is in March. And there’s still a
few games left against some teams we
fucking hate like tonight’s opponent,
the Chicago Blackhawks.
It will be interesting to see the fan
support between now and the end of
the season. The Blues have cut prices
for several weeknight games through
the end of the season and yet the
attendance wasn’t that great Tuesday
night for Vancouver. The 16,000 official
attendance was definitely inflated.
Tonight’s one of the fucked up
“premium” games where some seats are
$20 more than normal while others are
$40 above the price charged most every
other game. Will we see this practice
carry over to next season with the
economy the shape it’s in? Doubtful,
considering what’s happening around
the league.
Commissioner Gary Bettman has
said the league is still seeing growth in
revenue and attendance throughout
this season, but many of the commitments for tickets and sponsorships
were decided upon before the economy
really started to go south. Bettman
correctly believes that the NHL owners
will begin seeing the shape of next year
when season ticket renewals go out
along with bills for playoff tickets – the
most anticipated and sought after
tickets (if memory serves me correctly)
and the most expensive.
To remain competitive, the Blues
have had to keep ticket prices competi-
tive with other teams in the league. Will
that continue knowing that layoffs are
piling up, paychecks are smaller while
bills continue getting bigger and bigger.
The bond between fans and this
franchise is stronger than it was when
ownership took over a few seasons ago.
But that relationship can become
tenuous. Another season like this and
the mob will turn angry. Check your
torches and pitchforks at the door,
please.
The bottom line is that the team is
building the right way with homegrown players, a few trades and
probably fewer free agents. There’s no
quick fix for the most part. The
majority of players who win games now
will probably be the same winning
games two seasons from now. Or the
same ones blowing them if the case may
be. We don’t want to get restless.
Honestly. When the team emerges from
this time and returns to the playoffs, it
will be different. As Gallagher has said,
those who have ridden through the
dark times will enjoy the success that
much more. God, I fucking hope so.
Enough of the depressing shit, let’s
talk about something else. For instance,
if the Blues pull a win out of their ass
tonight it will be against a fairly hot
Hawks team. They’ve won five of their
last seven games and are one of the few
teams in the Western Conference fairly
comfortable in the playoff race with a
nine-point lead on eighth place. Of
course one of their two losses in the last
seven games was a 7-3 thrashing at the
hands of the Nashville Predators, the
second worst scoring team in the NHL.
Somehow Patrick Sharp still leads
the Hawks in goals with 23. Six players
for Chicago have scored double digits in
goals. They could see as many as four or
five players come close to scoring 30
goals on the season. That sucks. The
Hawks like to pass the puck with four
players with more than 20 assists on
the season.
Patrick Kane still leads the Hawks in
scoring with 46 points in 50 games
played, a little slower pace than he had
just a few weeks ago. It’s telling that the
undersized and underage American has
a minus-2 rating while the team’s eight
next highest scoring players all have
positive ratings. But of course, if you
ask anyone named Brad and Boyes,
plus/minus is totally overrated.
Rookie Kris Versteeg has a similar
spelling for his first name as a certain
douchebag in Detroit, but at least this
girlishly-named forward knows how to
play. He has two goals and three assists
in his last five games. He has 15 goals
and 26 assists on the year. He’s tied a
team record for most shorthanded
goals by a rookie with four.
Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin
suffered some sort of injury Wednesday
in a win over Atlanta and is listed as
day-to-day. So the Hawks have called
up Antti Niemi from the minors. We
have no idea if Niemi will get the start
Friday or if the Hawks with go with
Cristobal Huet. It would be fitting for
Niemi to get the start. His last game in
the AHL was the first for Legace. The
deposed starter for St. Louis allowed
one goal, Niemi didn’t allow any. So
just think, he could get a win over the
former starter and then the current
starter in the same week. It’s too fitting
to not happen.
At the end of the day, I’m still going
to attend and watch as many games as I
possibly can. That won’t change. And
I’ll be in the DrinkScotch Center against
the Blackhawks, cheering my ass off,
booing the assholes in the red sweaters
along with the assholes from Section
307. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit
I’m pissed off at this hockey team.
They’re going to have to play their way
back to my good side. Who knows,
maybe they could do it tonight.
Let’s Go Blues!
G AME T IME
Page 27
Game Time Bingo!
Bobby Plager is on
the jumbotron.
Charles Glenn
rules all.
Pretty sure you
could be a
cartoonist for GT.
Fight!
Fight!
Fight!
Barret Jackman
gives someone the
‘you’re an idiot’
look.
“Thank you!”
Andy Murray calls
a time out in the
first period.
Hear people in the
wrong jersey
getting booed on
the concourses.
Another $200 stick
breaks at the worst
possible time.
Perron gets off
the fourth line
Angelllla pretty
excited that GT hasn’t
called her ‘skanky’ for
at least a month.
Only thing worse
than Towel Boy?
Light-up Towel
Boy.
Bluie gyrating way
too close to some
poor kid’s face.
Still don’t get why
GT keeps referring
to Chris Holt as
‘Steve Holt!’
Cam Janssen
shows us his tits.
Spot someone else
filling out the GT
Bingo card.
A goal is scored in
the first two
minutes of any
period.
75% of the Horn
Guys suck tonight.
Cotton-Eyed Joe
guy makes an
appearance.
You love Boyes so
much that
NAMBLA is
recruiting you.
Red Berenson
Cowboy stackin’ cups
like it’s his job. We
hope it actually is his
job.
Spot the first fan
Steen jersey.
No. 18 earns some
more of your
respect.
Someone passes
you a bag of candy
after a Blues goal.
“How much time is
left!?”
Blackhawks fan
gets ejected.
Get five in a row in any direction and you win!
Tales
From
The
Least
By Sean Gallagher
Bro! What the
fuck is wrong with
the Blues lately?
No shit! It’s like they can’t
fucking finish what they started.
They keep leaving us hanging.
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