Predators At Blues Morning Open Thread: Welcome Back, Jax

There are two sides to every fan, the rational and the emotional. The rational side of me realizes that it was time for Barret Jackman to move on, as there was no room for him on the Blues' blue line any longer. He's aging, he's getting slower, and his spot has been taken by Colton Parayko, who is a significant upgrade.

The emotional side of me, though, does miss him. As the longest tenured Blue (and longest tenured St. Louis athlete) upon his departure, it was hard to envision a team without him and his intolerance for stupidity.

Tonight, the Nashville Predators are in town. After a strong start to the season, they've struggled in December, going 3-3-2. They've lost five straight overtime games, so there's your key, folks. Get them to OT.

Actually, better yet, finish them in regulation. The Blues popped them 4-0 in November; how about a performance like that at home?

This is your morning open thread. Check back later for Rick's Lighting the Lamp, your game preview, and your GDT. While we're waiting, head to On the Forecheck and say hi to the nice Nashvillians over there.