Blues Aren't Dead Yet
by Brad Lee on Apr 21, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
Email
PrintI hope you're not wearing black for tonight's Blues game because there isn't a corpse yet and no funeral is on the schedule. The Blues have a game, a winnable game. It's just one game, it's all they can do tonight. We'll worry about what comes next after tonight. And tonight, the Blues are going to play to extend the season at least one more game. That's all we can ask for, just one more game.
Tonight is about pride. It's about proving the last two months weren't a mirage. It's about showing the Vancouver Canucks and their douche bag fans that Canada doesn't own this game (but please don't boo O' Canada). It's about not being the first Blues team to be swept in the first round since the 1993-94 team lost four straight to the Dallas Stars. Before that, the last Blues team to be swept was back in 1984-85, surprisingly also to the Stars organization (North instead of Texas). That means something, right? This team doesn't want to be the first to get swept in 15 years. That's what's on the line tonight.
This one-game showdown is more about the crest on the front instead of the name on the back. You've probably heard this story before but it bears repeating for a game like tonight. In Bobby Plager's book "Tales From The Blues Bench," the lifelong Blue talked about how many of the veterans on the original Blues team in 1967 came from Montreal and brought a sense of tradition with them.
"One time in Oakland we came off the ice after a game and one of the players was mad. He threw his sweater on the dressing room floor. I don't remember if we won or lost, but this guy was mad. Dickie Moore grabbed him by the throat and put him up against the wall. The guy's feet were off the floor.
"And Dickie Moore said: ‘That sweater never hits the floor. That crest never touches the floor in Montreal. That Bluenote, that crest, is our life. It's your livelihood. You take pride in it.'
"Young guys like me and Barclay Plager and Timmy Ecclestone and Craig Cameron and Terry Crisp all saw that. We learned to take pride in that sweater. It never hit the floor again in that dressing room.
"When Barclay, Noel Picard and myself became veterans, we passed that on to the younger guys like Brian Sutter and Bernie Federko. Nobody wore the Bluenote with more pride than Brian and Bernie. And Barclay taught both of them in the minors when he coached in Kansas City. Brian Sutter became the captain of the Blues and passed it on to younger guys who came after him."
Not getting swept tonight is keeping the crest off the floor. No the Blues have never won a Stanley Cup. No the Blues aren't an Original Six team and can't boast some of the lineage that other franchises have. But this franchise and its fans have a special bond. From the days when fans would dress up to go to games at the Arena and sing "When the Blues Go Marching In," this team has played hard for the people who buy the tickets. And those patrons have repaid the players with devotion and unwavering support (except when the team was up for sale by this one guy from Central Missouri who abandoned the franchise because he couldn't buy an NBA team for St. Louis). And while a win tonight doesn't advance to the Blues to the next round or put them in position to challenge for a Stanley Cup, it's another brick in the foundation for this franchise moving forward. A win tonight goes in the experience column for every player on the team.
Violent is a strong word. It's a negative word, but not in this sense. Maybe it's because it's been five years since we've seen playoff hockey in person, but this series has been one of the most violent I remember. I'm not talking about cheap shots or pushing and punching after the whistle. We've seen all of that and more. Watch the hitting tonight. Both teams want to hurt each other on each collision. There's special purpose with these kinds of hits: teams wanting to put the other into submission. The Canucks have taken all time and space away from the Blues literally everywhere on the ice. Ask Patrik Berglund how long he has to make a decision with the puck. While he's answering, punch him in the mouth to illustrate the point for him.
It's hard to quantify playoff experience. The Blues are obviously lacking in it while the Canucks have many more playoff games under their belt, few of the players have experienced much success in their careers in the postseason. One Blues player who seems to be emerging from his learning how to play in the second season funk is David Perron. His pass from the corner through the edge of the crease to a streaking McDonald in Sunday night's game was poetry. McDonald must have been shocked he was open and had more than the post to shoot at, but the pass was the play.
If the Blues lose tonight, so be it. This season has been more exciting and interesting and thrilling than we could have ever imagined, especially in December. Odds are it will end soon and this may be the last time you read my words in this paper until next fall. If that's the case, thanks for reading. Over the course of the season, I've put several thousand words on this Web site. Here's to hoping I can write even more before a Game Five Friday night.
43 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Someone's been watching TRUE BLUES
Again. That quote that Plager recounts regarding the bluenote touching the ground in the video sends chills down my spine everytime I watch it.
The only quote in that movie that tops it, is Michael Shanahan:
“Can you imagine what it would be like, if we were to ever win the Stanley Cup here?”
“Can YOU IMAGINE.”
Whoah, gets me everytime.
We still have life boys. Lets go get em tonight.
Shut it!!!
Shut your cock holster redwings fan!
by IhAtErEdWiNgSfAnS on Apr 21, 2009 9:04 AM CDT reply actions
I'm pumped
I’ve got the rising sound of trumpets in my head blaring “The St. Louis Blues” by WC Handy. It’s got my adrenaline going. I’m ready for the game.
LET’S GO BLUES.
I feel unclean. It's a shame so deep it can only be erased by the ravages of time and the constant abuse of hard liquor. I rooted on the Red Wings and I am now less of a man for it.
Win or lose, this has been a great season with lots of promise for tomorrow.
That being said, I want a win. I cheered so loudly for the first goal Sunday night I’m shocked the neighbors didn’t call the cops. I really want a chance to piss them off tonight.
That, and the game’s not on VS, so I can actually watch FSMW and not want to throw stuff through my TV.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Oh, for shit's sake.
Oh, well. RDS isn’t half bad.
Actually, maybe we’ll be treated to another Center Ice Bootleg thread of KPLR, where they don’t know if something’s really a commercial break or not.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Return of the Prodigal Goalie...
I’m making the trip from Jonesboro, Arkansas to Scottrade Center to see my first live Blues game since the “Return of the Red Baron”… when Red Berenson played his first game at the Arena after being re-acquired by the Blues!
After graduating from Mizzou with a journalism degree in 1975, my career as a radio play-by-play guy took me south, where “hockey” was something one avoided in a pasture. (One highlight was broadcasting a basketball game between Saint Louis U. and Arkansas State University at The Arena… just another game for ASU fans, but I was stoked!) The Internet has allowed me to follow my favorite team again!
I’ll be wearing the Blue Note; I’ll damn sure sing after each Blues goal; and I WILL NOT STOP CHEERING!
Look for the graybeard wearing Glenn Hall’s #1 in Section 106… LET’S GO BLUES!!!!
"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra
Make sure you get a Game Time paper outside
And stop by 306 in the hallway during intermissions. Under the Toyota sign. Several “regulars” will be there in the Game Time Drum Circle.
www.stlouisgametime.com
Sweet!!
I’m sure the boys in the Note will put on a good show for ya!!!
by TheDarkMongoose on Apr 21, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
When the Canucks are through sweeping you tonight
I’ll invite you all to hop aboard the Nuck Wagon. There is plenty of room, folks.
Thank you for the invite...
… but if the Blues get knocked out, the only team remaining in the playoffs that I like and or care about are the Pens – I’ve been a fan ever since I was a little kid and had a crush on Mario. Jagr’s mullet creeped me out, though…
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Blues win in OT
Walt will throw down, Luongo will have to leave the ice to take a crap, and one of the Sedin Twinkies will be “hit by a sniper” as Bernie puts it and lose his balance sending someone who’s last name starts with an M on a breakaway for a blues OT winner!
Watch your arse Sedin!
Tonight!
I will be there, proudly wearing our crest. Win or lose, its about respect. Respect for hockey, respect for the Blues, and yes even respect for the Canucks. If the Blues win i will cheer until my lungs bleed, if we are swept i will politely clap for a team that played superb hockey this year regardless of my hopes that the whole team experiences uncontrollable and explosive diarrhea on their plane ride home. The last game of the season last year against Columbus when Walt netted his 500th at the end of the game they booed the shit out of us and i lost all respect for those CBJ bitches, we are NOT Blue Jackets fans, Predators fan, Etc. We are St. Louis Blues fans for fuck sake, our history is rich our future is bright, lets go down to OUR barn tonight and ROCK THE MOTHERFUCKING ROOF OFF THAT BITCH! Lets give the Blues the energy they DESERVE, and the fuck nucks the credit they’re due (respect the game). Viva la Crombeen! Big Walt! the Kid Line, and everyone proudly wearing the Note. By the power of Mason’s Zeus-like beard,… LETS GOOOOOOOOOO BLUES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember folks . . .
As The Hold Steady remind us . . . Stay Positive.
"The world is getting to be such a dangerous place, a man is lucky to get out of it alive." -- W.C. Fields
Plenty of rooms at the nuck site? Man its sad you guys are in third and can’t attract a decent following on your website. Tonight is our night boys. I really think they’re going to pull this one off. If not, I think this will at least be the most violent game of the series. If nothing else, I hope they send a clear message to the whales with a history of violence. Turn Cam, Walt, Jackman and Backes loose. Watch Oshie make the Sedins his bitch. Bitches? (They’re the same person, so I’m not sure on that one…) Regardless, show them WHY St. Louis is and always has been known for our physical play.
Barret Jackman is my hero.
Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun.
damn dude....
you beat me to it. ;)
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
by DenverCardsFan on Apr 21, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Ask Patrik Berglund how long he has to make a decision with the puck. While he’s answering, punch him in the mouth to illustrate the point for him.
I am sorry..but that is some funny shit…I had to explain to my co-worker why I laughed…
I REALLY shouldn’t read this while I am at work…. but…
It doesn't end tonight
We may lose this series, but not in St. Louis…not here, not tonight, not ever. Let’s win tonight and put some doubt in the ’Nucks fans minds!
LETS GO BLUES!
Baltimore Blast - 6-time MISL/NISL Champions
Let's go Blues!
It's not like they're trying to navigate an asteroid field
I was looking for data about how often a team down 0-3 won game 4 and found an Interesting page:
http://www.whowins.com/tables/up30.html
Historical probabilities favor the Blues tonight, but not by as much as I’d have thought.
The probability of the Blues winning the series is quite remote, but as Han Solo said:
NEVER TELL ME THE ODDS!
Well said, well said. Here's one more that's applicable tonight:
"Here’s where the fun begins."
Let’s Go Blues!!
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
by DenverCardsFan on Apr 21, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh and Fuck the Nucks. And the Wings while you've got your pants down......
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
by DenverCardsFan on Apr 21, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Pussies
Jesu christo, what a bunch of friggin whiners… The St. Louis Blues and a rich history of tradition? Hardy Har Har.
Between you and me? I just think you all are pissed because of the lopsided trades the Canucks have burned you chumps on. And don’t forget the Canucks were the morons that traded Cam Neely for Barry Pederson. Where does that leave you numbskulls?
Garth Butcher and Dan Quinn for Cliff Ronning, Geoff Courtnall, Sergio Momesso,
and Robert Dirk? Or how about Petr Nedved and Craig Janney for Jeff Brown, Nathan Lafayette, and Bret Hedican?
Hey look, I know the Canucks have had their issues in the past but knocking you putzes out in the first round will be sweet.
Now, where’s my broom…
Yeah, because Nedved and Courtnall have all made a HUGE difference in this series.
And because, you know, we all had a say in those trades.
Good one.
Barret Jackman is my hero.
Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun.
I always love it when the other team's fans come out to talk shit
when they think it’s over. Where were you Harry when it was 0-0 or even 1-0? Oh wait, you just joined up over here.
And a Cunucks fan giving US shit for our history and tradition? That’s even better!
Where’s my pict of those horrible V-neck sweaters….?? I always liked Harold and he served the organIzation well. That said, if you hated playing here so much why did you remain with the organIzation after you retired?
You do his name a disservice, sir.
Year League GP G A Pts PIM pGPG A Pts PIM
1989–90 St. Louis Blues NHL 7 0 1 1 10 11 0 3 3 38
1990–91 St. Louis Blues NHL 54 1 4 5 50 8 0 0 0 12
NHL totals 1033 38 195 233 2009 93 1 14 15 231
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
Douche Bag Fans???
Yes, fans in Canada take the game seriously, as it is our game, but to call us"douche bag fans" is a bit harsh. We actually care about the game and feel it is a travesty to have teams in Tampa, Nashville, Atlanta, Miami and Carolina. St. Louis has an awesome hockey history and that is respected here. However, you are lucky we let you into OUR league. The “national” in NHL means the nation of Canada. You read your history books like Dubya ran your country for eight years: pathetically.
Who has thinner skin
Canucks fans or Wings fans. Right now, I think it’s neck and neck.
www.stlouisgametime.com
Huh?? So the Original 6 teams were all in Canada? Wait, let me get my atlas.....
I hate this kind of crap. I’ve been a supporter of all things Canadian for years. I fail to see what any of this has to do with tonight’s game.
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
by DenverCardsFan on Apr 21, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Who's the DB fan?
As a Vancouver Canucks fan born & raised, please don’t lump all us Canucks (or Canadians) in the same pool as this clown. This has got to be the best series I’ve seen this year.
by smelltheglove on Apr 21, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe that STLGT has a disclaimer
Something to the effect of “for entertainment purposes only”.
Besides, aren’t those who join on game day of Game #4 and post inflammatory statements on opposing team’s fansites featuring name-calling [btw, there are many that revere Garth Butcher – who helped the Blues win just as many Cup championships as those for whom he was traded helped your precious Canucks win] are referred to “trolls” and not “douchbags”, so I’m not convinced that the author was referring to you and “Harry” — as if that were his real name. The Sneptstasche would have been punchier.
Also, it seems you’ve become what you despise Tto seize upon a single word and use it as the centerpiece of an article’s [or an intelligence estimate’s] point is VERY Bush Administration-like.
Yaaa, my bad.
I usually just say hi to the trolls and ignore them.
Heat of the playoff moment got to me, I guess…..
"I'd I hope St. Louis feels good that they matched the offer sheet."--David Backes
Well, all namecalling aside, i’m stoked for a wild hockey game tonight. Vancouver has obviously been lucky to win all 3, but thats the way it goes sometimes. I’m not sure over who’s gonna win tonight. I’m hopin Van, but all I want is a battle.
Enjoy the game, i’m sure there will be some beautys down the road, be it this year or next.
Ahhh Found It!!!
I am referring of course to my broom.
I will predict Kesler to score in OT.
By the way, the only reason I put down my beer and joined this site before game four was because I just happened to stumble by and noticed a fetid stench and thought hmmmm…. maybe something interesting here.
Boy was I wrong…
Call me a troll all you want but the fact remains, the Blues stink, plain and simple. If stating that is troll-like, then what are you gonna do?
Uniforms
Ooops, almost forgot. To take heat about our old uniforms from St. Blues’ fans (remember the diagonal RED stripes on your sweaters girls?) is such sweet irony I almost spit out my Kokanee laughing.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Montreal’s Catholic Church urges Canadiens fans to pray for a miracle
- Brian Burke believes Maple Leaf Nation will conquer The Big House for NHL Winter Classic
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Winter Classic alumni game; Perry’s nice trip
- The 7 defensemen that could make an NHL trade deadline impact
- Bettman: Over 115,000 tickets available for 2013 Red Wings, Maple Leafs Winter Classic
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
