St. Louis Game Time - Blues At Stars Game Day: Yippie-Kai-Yay, Mother TruckerWe're one ugly bastard.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/10753/gt-fave.png2013-01-26T22:13:25-06:00http://www.stlouisgametime.com/rss/stream/36814672013-01-26T22:13:25-06:002013-01-26T22:13:25-06:00Blues At Stars Game Recap: Blues Squeak Out Win
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues kicked it into overdrive with a three goal second period, but very nearly let the game slip away in the dying minutes.</p> <p>There's something to be said for just finishing a game. Just icing it, just getting that one last insurance goal, can make the world of difference for fans and the players. No one wants to finish a game with the specter of another goal hanging over them; no one wants extra time, which is just another chance to lose on a sloppy play. The way that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> played the last few minutes of the game, sloppy play was a possible precursor to letting a point slip away.</p>
<p>The first period started off with a bang, with <span>Wade Redden</span> scoring his first goal since 2010: a rocket of a slapshot past Cristopher Nilstorp and a bunch of traffic a little over five minutes into the game.</p>
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<p>Of course, this being a road game, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9sQByO0gdk" target="_blank">it was answered just 26 seconds later by Tomas Vincour</a>. To add insult to the injury of letting a lead disappear, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_AmxDX56Rg" target="_blank">Michael Ryder scored a little over six minutes later</a> while <span>Vladimir Tarasenko</span> was sitting in the box on a tripping penalty.</p>
<p>The Blues made up for their first period lapses in judgement in the second period with three goals and a complete schooling of the Dallas defense. <span>David Perron's</span> first of the evening was a wrist shot that snuck past Nilstorp a little under 11 minutes in:</p>
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<p>The next goal for the Blues came on the powerful power play thanks to <span>Chris Stewart</span>, who was in the right place at the right time for a supreme pass by Patrik Berglund across the front of the net:</p>
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<p>Perron added what would eventually wind up being the game winner in an obvious attempt to make us forget about the fact that he's been a penalty taking machine to start the season.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately for the Blues, that little spirt of an offense that was the second period was about all they could muster. They played well-ish through the third, despite <span>Ryan Garbutt's</span> goal about two and a half minutes in throwing everything for a loop. The Blues held on through the end of the game, but it was almost as though they really really wanted Dallas to get that extra point. The last three minutes were a flurry of shots at Halak, several heart attack inducing near misses (and a few posts), and the Blues amazing inability to clear the zone or win a face-off. Add in a <span>Barret Jackman</span> penalty for tripping, and you could be excused for calling 911 due to heart-attack like symptoms.</p>
<p>The Blues square off against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Minnesota Wild</a> tomorrow night at home at 7:00. I know the TV commercials said 5:00, but the website says 7:00, so go with that. See everyone tomorrow night!</p>
<p>All videos are from our very own <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/hockeyhitsngoals">Fred Murtz's YouTube channel</a>. If you don't subscribe, well, why not?</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3920256/blues-at-stars-game-recap-blues-win-despite-frenzied-last-minuteshildymac2013-01-26T18:00:07-06:002013-01-26T18:00:07-06:00Blues at Stars GameDay thread - comment away!
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight's the first meeting between the Blues and the Dallas Stars. Who will wind up walking away with the victory? Probably the team with the stronger goaltending.</p> <p>We run the risk tonight of seeing the first epic goalie battle of the year. Kari Lehtonen's been strong -- he hasn't lost in regulation yet. <span>Jaroslav Halak</span> obviously hasn't been playing badly either. Two wins, both of them shutouts, and a teeny GAA are accompanying him to Dallas tonight. The <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link vt-p">Stars</a> have their work cut out for them.</p>
<p>The Stars have played five one-goal games in a row, getting five out of eight possible points. Tonight isn't going to be easy for the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link vt-p">Blues</a>, but they've scored nine more goals than they've allowed so far, so offense isn't a problem. The power play certainly isn't a problem this year, as opposed to last season. So far this year the Blues' power play is clicking at an absurd 53.8% rate, while the Stars' is just kind of there at 16.7%. The Blues obviously can't keep this torrid pace up forever, but why not try?<br><br>No Jaromir Jagr, and no <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link vt-p">Jamie Benn</a> for the Stars tonight, while the Blues aren't messing with perfection. They'll be icing the same line-up as they did Thursday night at home. Can the Blues limit shots and scoring chances again? If they do, they're almost guaranteed a win. If <span>Vladimir Tarasenko</span> and his linemates <span>Andy McDonald</span> and Alex Steen keep up whatever absurd chemistry that they have, having the Blues reach that magic three-goal threshold should be no problem at all.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3919660/gamethread-for-st-louis-blues-at-dallas-stars-jan-26-2013hildymac2013-01-26T16:30:08-06:002013-01-26T16:30:08-06:00Blues At Stars GameDay Preview
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Dallas Stars have been playing good hockey as of late, but were no match for the Central-leading Blackhawks. How will they fare against the Central's number two team?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> did not have the best season last year. They played well-enough, but finished just outside the playoffs again with 89 points. Attendance slipped, and they lost <span>Mike Ribeiro</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> in free agency. There was some hoe for this season, though, especially with their goaltender <span>Kari Lehtonen</span>. Lehtonen, acquired from Don Waddell and the Atlanta Thrashers for <span>Ivan Vishnevskiy</span>. True to Waddell's tremendous trade abilities, Vishnevskiy is in the KHL while Lehtonen had 32 wins with a .922 SV% and a 2.33 GAA for last season.</p>
<p>Karppa, as he's known (it's Finnish for ermine or weasel) is off to a solid start for the Stars this season. He's 2-0-1 with a .942 SV% and a 2.31 GAA. He's been outstanding, but you know who's probably been a bit better? The <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a>' goaltender for tonight. <span>Jaroslav Halak</span>. He has two wins too -- both of which are shutouts. His numbers are a bit off thanks to being pulled against the <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> last Monday, but regardless a .921 is nothing to sniff at. His GAA is teeny as you would expect -- 1.88. So, if that's "a bit off," then God help the opposition when it's not.</p>
<p>Dallas signed ageless all-star <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> this off-season, to the surprise of just about everyone. They've recently re-signed forward <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="#">Jamie Benn</a> to a five year deal. How will they make an impact tonight?</p>
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<p>No Jagr (back) or Benn (immigration paperwork) ton. for Dallas as Blues face Stars @ 7pm. Blues going w/ same lineup as Thurs. Halak in net</p>
— Chris Kerber (@chriskerber) <a href="https://twitter.com/chriskerber/status/295260619488243712" class="vt-p">January 26, 2013</a>
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<p>Oh. Never mind, then. The Blues will be going with the same line-up from their 3-0 win over the Preds Thursday night. Why mess with perfection? Puck drop is at 7:00, and the GDT should be up sometime around 6 or 6:30, so make sure you come back for some fun.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3919108/blues-at-stars-gameday-preview-for-january-26thhildymac2013-01-26T13:00:08-06:002013-01-26T13:00:08-06:00The Blues D takes on Big D
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<figcaption>Halak may be a little *too relaxed* in net after facing few shots against | Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues will need to light 'em up in Big D</p> <p>It's waaaaay too early to be making any projections about the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blues</a>, but you have to like what we've seen so far. In terms of defense, the Blues seem to have picked up right where they left off last year, and now there's more pop in the offense. The Blues are getting shots on goal, and that's the beginning of any offensive threat. As the Great One said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take". Tonight, in particular, the Blues will need to get plenty of puck on net.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2070847/02_Shoot_to_Thrill.mp3">Shoot To Thrill / AC/DC</a> <br id="1359224352529"></p>
<p><b>The Enemy:</b> The <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Stars</a> have emerged from bankruptcy court with new ownership, and they've started to bounce back as an organization. They've just re-signed star-forward (but, technically, they all are, eh?) <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamie Benn</a> to a 5-year deal. He's still working out his work visa, so we won't be seeing him tonight. The consolation prize is that his younger brother, <span>Jordie Benn</span>, will likely be playing D for Dallas tonight. Also missing from the lineup (probably) is <span>Jaromir Jagr</span>. He has been listed as day-to-day with some back issues, and was described as "40/60" for playing in today's game.</p>
<p>Looking at the various game previews, a couple of things jumped out at me. One, the Dallas coach is named Glen Gulutzan, and that sounds like a Marvel comic book character. Probably a villan. Two, he's decided to start rookie Christopher Nilstorp tonight over the number-one goalie <span>Kari Lehtonen</span>. Nilstorp's only previous NHL action was in a 1-0 loss to the <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wild</a>, where he made 31 saves on 32 shots against. Which leads to the third thing I picked up - while the Blues lead the league in "Shots Allowed per Game" at 19.5, dead last in that same category is Dallas, with 38.2.</p>
<p>So, the Blues are facing a team that: allows the most shots on goal in the league, is starting a rookie in net, and will be without 2 of the top forwards on their roster. Opportunity is knocking, if the Blues will only answer.</p>
<p><b>Further Reading:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/" target="_blank">Defending Big D</a></p>
<p><a href="http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Morning News Stars Blog</a> (they link to Game Time. Weird)</p>
<p><b>Final Verse:</b> The puck drops at 7:00 PM St Louis time, and our GDT will be along a little before then. The TV broadcast will be on FoxSports MidWest, and the radio call will be on KMOX 1120 AM. Until then, this is your pregame warmup. Stretch out, get your fingers ready for the commentin', and definitely don't be afraid to mess with Texas.</p>
<p>Today's video is an excellent use of today's song. Notice the colors of the villain's outfit: Green, Black, and goldish yellow... hmm, who else wears those colors?</p>
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<p>Iron Man's Entrance - The Avengers [HD] (via <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=d4wN1KfMgBY">Raymanemo</a>)</p>
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<p><b>LGB!</b></p>
<p><i>- CrossCheckRaise</i></p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3918546/road-music-01-26-dallas-starsCrossCheckRaise2013-01-26T10:39:01-06:002013-01-26T10:39:01-06:00Defending Big D's GameDay Preview
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<p>The opposition teams always seem to be quicker at getting these up, but you know what? I like making you guys wait. </p>
<p>Just kidding -- I just have a different schedule. Anhywho, if you'd like to see what our SB Nation <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> blog Defending Big D has to say about tonight's game, or stop by and say hello, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2013/1/26/3916340/gameday-preview-blues-draft" class="vt-p">here's their preview for tonight's game</a>. </p>
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<p>"I see eight forwards there that could probably play on anyone's top line," Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan said when asked what he sees in the <a class="sbn-auto-link vt-p" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a>. "I see two goalies that are solid and a real heavy defense. They all the makings of a real good team and obviously you saw that last year with how many points they put on the board."</p>
<p>"They play a very good defensive game," continued Gulutzan. "I think they only gave Nashville 13 shots and only 4 scoring chances. That just tells you how solid their lineup is from top to bottom."</p>
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<p>Oh, stop. We're blushing.</p>
<p>Check back later for today's edition of Road Music, followed by our preview and, of course, the GDT.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3918426/defending-big-ds-gameday-previewhildymac2013-01-26T08:00:07-06:002013-01-26T08:00:07-06:00Blues At Stars Gameday
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues are off to visit the Dallas Stars for the first time this season. The Stars have started strong, but are down Jaromir Jagr. Will the Blues be able to solve Kari Lehtonen? Chat about that here.</p> <p>So, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> seem to be off to a pretty good start this season. Sure, they blew a lead Thursday night and lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a> in overtime (thanks, guys), but they have some jump in their step that's about to get jumpier. The Stars <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnhl%2Fstars%2F2013%2F01%2F24%2Fjamie-benn-five-year-contract%2F1863449%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stlouisgametime.com%2F2013%2F1%2F26%2F3917368%2Fblues-at-stars-game-day-yippie-kai-yay-mother-trucker" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">just re-signed star forward Jamie Benn to a five-year contract</a> after some haggling. </p>
<p>Can they haggle their way past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a>? Last year St. Louis took three of four games, and that was without scoring sensation <span>Vladimir Tarasenko</span>, a healthy <span>Andy McDonald</span>, and a healthy Alex Steen. Can Käarpa, AKA <span>Kari Lehtonen</span>, AKA SplodeyGroin, keep up with the Blues newfound scoring oomph? He's been doing pretty well recently, not losing a game in regulation yet and keeping a very impressive and very un-Thrasher like .942 save percentage.</p>
<p>The Blues line-up should be the same for today's game. Check back later for Defending Big D's preview, Road Music, our preview, and of course the game day thread and recap.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2013/1/26/3917368/blues-at-stars-game-day-yippie-kai-yay-mother-truckerhildymac