Blues Have Barn Burner For Home Opener

by Brad Lee on Oct 11, 2007 6:26 PM CDT

Kariya gets pushy

By Brad Lee

It's one day later and apparently last night was not a dream. The Blues kicked off the home schedule with a beat down of the Nashville Predators Wednesday night 4-1. For the AP recap, go here.

It was a pretty sweet night despite the fact that the parking attendants seemed shocked they were out of spaces. The lines to get the free T-shirts that were surprisingly logo freeÂ and the still high-quality calendars sucked.Â Don't even talk to us about the line for the bathroom.Â We got a mascot. Woot. But otherwise, what a perfect fucking night.

The player intros were sweet while the indoor explosions/fireworks in the rafters were urination-inducing on the surprise meter. Dave Checketts didn't promise a victory, but he did promise a cup paradeÂ in the "near-distant future." If anyone can tell me when that is, I'd like to schedule a vacation day or two.

The Blues Brain Trust (minus Larry Pleau)

Brad Boyes scored two goals. Manny Legace played well allowing only one goal that deflected in off a defenseman's skate. Dwayne King kicked Darcy Hordichuk's ass in a long fight early in the first.

King looks pissed Â

The best part was the crowd. The attendance was announced at 19,150. The roar was genuine before the game and not just a, "Thank you Brett Hull/Al MacInnis for playing when the Blues were good; we have fond memories." Even during stoppages in the first and second periods, the crowd was buzzing. There was actual life in the ScotTowel Center. It was as shocking as it was foreign-feeling.

We know you've been leaving your thoughts in the game day thread, but post any new ones or specific observations here. And welcome to all the new commenters. We've been trying to keep up and confirm the real ones as soon as possible, which gives you unlimited commenting. You would be shocked to see the amount of spam posts we delete every day.

We have a few things up our sleeves the next few days including Euro Live Blogging, Where's Waldo andÂ Odd Hockey Sweaters We'veÂ Seen. And as always, keep finding our sketchy looking vendors outside the DrinkScotch Center.

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Comments

It was an awesome night. The game had the vibe of the old Checkerdome/Arena days. I was teary eyed, I was elated, I was excited and I saw a mascot and didn’t get scared. My camaro sounded sweeter after the game. A blues win is that strong.

by Answer Man on Oct 12, 2007 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

-did they knock Dobbs and Autotire off their sponsorship? I don’t think I saw one tire ad on the ribbon bosrd.
-anyone else notice the freakishly huge wooden barrier surrounding the club seats?
-I agree with the others. the bombs/fireworks/explosions need to go. this isn’t a wrestling show
-I thought Ketchup, I mean Perron, was going to play. he was out there during the pregame skate, but then he was in a suit during the player introductions.
-speaking of the pregame skate. Stempniak made a habit of being the last one off the ice, but not this time. he was followed by Backes and then Perron for the opener.
-also, was it me or was Ferderko not the announcer for once?

by Dooks on Oct 12, 2007 12:17 PM CDT reply actions

I was going to mention that about the new concrete wall blocking off the club seats. Starting this year, the ticket includes free food and drinks for the game. So to make sure that people like us don’t climb over the seat and get in on the deal, they put the wall up.

We’d chip in for bail if anyone successfully climbs the wall and lives to write about it.

by Brad Lee on Oct 12, 2007 12:24 PM CDT reply actions

I liked the bombs/fireworks/explosions, but since I was sitting there reading my copy of Game Time when the first set went off, I definitely jumped a little. They certainly grab your attention.

by BlueNoteExpress on Oct 12, 2007 5:03 PM CDT reply actions