Ryan Reaves Needs Course On Ladder Safety

Ryan Reaves is a big boy and a big force on the Blues. Maybe his idea as to how to use a ladder isn't suited to his body type.

Vladimir Tarasenko Injured By Mark Olver Hit

Blues rookie and early Calder favorite Vladimir Tarasenko was injured last night during a game against the Colorado Avalanche and did not return.

Blues Lose Late In Overtime; Vladimir Tarasenko Injured, Didn't Return

In his return to the ice for the first time he was injured on Feb. 1, Jaroslav Halak played well despite giving up the game-winning goal with under 17 seconds to play in Overtime.

GameThread for St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche, Feb 20, 201

It's a late game tonight, with the NBCSN broadcast starting at 9:00 Central. Will you be able to stay awake for the game? More importantly, will the Blues?

Blues At Avalanche Preview: No Erik Johnson, But Hey, Aaron Palushaj!

Erik Johnson is currently out with a concussion, so there goes the storyline that NBCSN is pushing for tonight's late half of their Rivals doubleheader.

Three Questions With Mile High Hockey's Cheryl

For the first time this year, the Blues are jetting to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. And, for the first time this year, we get to ask the nice folks at Mile High Hockey a few questions about their team. This may or may not mention The Trade.

Ok, just kidding. It totally does.

1. NBCSN has us scheduled as the second part of a Rivals doubleheader -- I've found that they're pushing it with the rivalries a little bit (Minny and Chicago? Maybe 25 years ago). Do you consider the Blues and Avs rivals?

When I first heard NBCSN matched the Avs and Blues for a rivalry game, I laughed. It's definitely a stretch. There are only two things that, in my opinion, have created any tension between the teams, and the first has been made moot by the second: Chris Stewart's uncanny ability to score goals against the Blues and the trade. Neither of those things are big enough reasons to call this a rivalry. But, hey, if it gets the teams some national attention, we'll be your huckleberries.

2. So, about that trade...

Sigh. That trade. Honestly, I'm tired of people arguing about it. It remains a point of contention on MHH. Arguments ensue whenever it's brought up. Here's the bottom line, cutting through all the crap: both teams got what they needed. Crazy, huh? Yes, losing Shattenkirk hurt, especially with the anemic offense we're getting from the D right now, but he still needs protection (and probably always will to a degree) with his defensive assignments. The Avs needed a top-pairing defenseman who could handle both. Hello Erik Johnson. Stewart? Good riddance. I doubt his new-found commitment will last, and I like getting consistent performances. The draft picks (often forgot in this scenario) are probably the most intriguing part of the trade, and no one will know the fruits of that labor for many years. I like what I see in Duncan Siemens, and a Siemens/Johnson pairing is just too awesome to pass up. Dem jokes. I do wish the Avs had kept McClement, but I understood why they let him walk. I mean, the team already has a defensive forward to man the third line with O'Rei--- /bangs head on desk

3. Speaking of Erik Johnson, what's your opinion of his play as a whole? I know he's bunged up right now; what will be asked of him when he comes back?

You only need to look at how horrible the Avs defense has been the past few games to know what an important part of it Johnson was. Losing him hurt. Bad. He may not have been putting up the numbers, but he was consistently one of the top three Avs' players on the ice on any given night. The team's chances at a playoff spot are ridiculously low already, but without Johnson, it's just not going to happen. If and when he gets back (you never know with concussions, unfortunately), he will be expected to continue playing that smart defensive hockey he has been, but like the rest of the Avs' blueline, he'll need to get some pucks in the net. This can best be done by refraining from shooting the pucks directly into the shin pads of the opposing team, Erik.

Road Music: 02/20 @ Colorado Avalanche

Road Music: Another Day, Another Airport

Blues At Avalanche Morning Open Thread

If you looked up "jetlag" in the dictionary right now, there'd be a picture of the Blues in there next to it. After a game where they were obviously tired against the San Jose Sharks, the Blues get to fly all of the way out to Colorado for a late tilt against the Avalanche.