Road Music: 02/14 @ Columbus Blue Jackets

by CrossCheckRaise on Feb 14, 2012 3:00 PM CST

Please, Osh, Don't Hurt 'Em

(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The Blues keep racking up wins at home, then hit the road again tonight in Columbus, OH. They were already there last night, and apparently up to shenanigans. Good to see that the mood's light. In recent years, games in C-Bus have had a grudge-match type quality to them, seeds perhaps of a burgeoning rivalry. This year... not so much. A big part of that is, for a change, the Blues are not competing with the BJs for a playoff spot. St Louis is well on their way, and the BJs don't have a snowball's chance in hell of making the postseason. Right now, the BJs have 38 points on a record of 16-34-6. For comparison, the Blues got their 39th point in the 12/15 win over the Rangers. Suffice it to say, it is a tough year to be a Blue Jackets fan. Our Blues just need to keep their focus and not overlook these guys. The BJs can beat you if you take them too lightly. Stick to the gameplan, and don't let the BJs slow you down.

Break My Stride / Matthew Wilder

The Enemy: The Blue Jackets, as bad a season as they are having, are not without some firepower. As usual, they are led in goals and overall points by Rick Nash (18G/ 21A), with Vinny Prospal not far behind (10G/ 25A). As a team, they have scored 8 fewer goals than the Blues - but have allowed 74 more goals. Their top 5 in points are a collective -76 in +/-. The goaltending burdens have been shared by Steve Mason (3.49 GAA / .880 SV%) and Curtis Sanford (2.52 / .910). Sanford has been gimpy lately (officially DTD), so there is also a callup from the ECHL Allen York. Interesting that they skipped over Manny Legace, who is playing for their AHL affiliate. The Blue Jackets are dead last in PK, killing only 25.1% of their penalties.

Further Reading:

The Cannon

Blues vs Blue Jackets coverage

Final Verse: Another Eastern Time start, so the puck drops 6:00 PM St Louis time. The broadcasts are on the usual outlets - FoxSportsMW for TV, and KMOX 1120 AM for radio. Until then, this is your pregame warmup. Gather here, share stories about driving in the snow, exchange valentines, and enjoy a bonus tune for today:

J. Geils Band - Love Stinks (via emimusic)

LGB!

-CrossCheckRaise

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Comments

Wait, they've only killed

25% of their PKs? So teams all year have scored 3/4 PPs against? I know the BJs are bad, but I’m gonna have to call shenanigans on that one.

http://playliketheplagers.blogspot.com/ Play Like The Plagers: Because we could all use a little Old Time Hockey!
I know it's time for hockey because I've started singing "Don't Stop Believing" with the words "...born and raised in FUCK DETRIOT!!!"

by J-Mill on Feb 14, 2012 3:20 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions

BlowJackets PK is 75.1%

according to NHL.com.. but allowing teams to score 24.9% on the PP is atrocious.

Its always windy in Springfield and Champaign because Decatur sucks.
Fuck you Shitcago & Detroit
If it has tits or tires..it's gonna give you trouble!

by DecaturBluesFan on Feb 14, 2012 3:26 PM CST reply actions

J. Geils Band reference.

This is full of win.

Fight Club writer for the print edition of St. Louis Game Time . . . I need another beer.
The Throwdown Lowdown Report, The Fight Card and The Donut Corner, only on The Bluenote Zone.
And I can also write things in 140 characters or fewer.

by Donut King on Feb 14, 2012 3:32 PM CST reply actions

Who gets the start in net tonite

by Mattx on Feb 14, 2012 4:41 PM CST reply actions

jaro

St. Louis Game Time

by averagejoe on Feb 14, 2012 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks. I have Elliott on my fantasy team and I have really found a renewal of my respect for the Blues. I was a fan in the ’90’s with some of those solid teams with Pronger Hull Oates and Twist. Now with you guys bringing one of my favorite coaches ie Hitchcock and the great talent you have amassed thru the draft my Blues fondness is back.

by Mattx on Feb 14, 2012 4:56 PM CST up reply actions

welcome back

Hockey players wear numbers because you can't always identify the body with dental records.

When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old. ~Lady Bird Johnson

by luvhockey on Feb 14, 2012 5:22 PM CST up reply actions

I am a Flyers fan at heart and I bleed orange and black but I have a soft spot for the Blues. Living 20 min outside of Philly your whole life you cant help but fall in love with Philly sports.

by Mattx on Feb 14, 2012 6:08 PM CST up reply actions