St. Louis Game Time - Predators At Blues GameDay Storystream: Wake UpWe're one ugly bastard.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/10753/gt-fave.png2014-02-01T23:04:06-06:00http://www.stlouisgametime.com/rss/stream/51309052014-02-01T23:04:06-06:002014-02-01T23:04:06-06:00Recap: Vladimir Tarasenko says No to Preds, 4-3 SO
<figure>
<img alt="Vlady Says: Daddy taught me well, we win games of hockey. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1KD_jNOfBPrDiVXcVAvRczA6MYU=/3x0:813x540/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27886517/466435883_slide.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Vlady Says: Daddy taught me well, we win games of hockey. | Photo by Mark Buckner/NHLI via Getty Image</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who cares what happens in Soviet Russia, cause HOLY SHIT VLADIMIR TARASENKO Carried our Team! Teach me how to Senko! Blues Win, Here is your Game Recap! </p> <h3>First Period</h3>
<p>Tonight the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Blues</a> came out strong and hard after playing pretty poorly last night in Carolina. The second line of <span>Derek Roy</span>, <span>Jaden Schwartz</span>, and <span>Vladimir Tarasenko</span> had spurts of brilliance during the first period. They seemed to have mind melded on the plane ride back from Raleigh last night, and it certainly showed tonight. At 9:11, Senko and Roy set the young Canadian Prince of Wales for his 17th goal of the season and first goal of the game. The would go on to continue to fight the Preds for the second half of the period. Both teams were tired but neither was going to budge an inch for one another. <iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020830-82-h"></iframe></p>
<h3>Second Period</h3>
<p>The second period would see a roaring and revving Blues hockey club come out of the locker room. They would continue their assault on the Nashville net with a barrage of shots hitting their mark. At 3:31 Roy would be the spark plug of the Blues second goal, passing the puck to <span>Jay Bouwmeester</span> who would blast it on net allowing <span>David Backes</span> to deflect it into the back of the net. <iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020830-286-h"></iframe></p>
<p>Unfortunately the blue and yellow's energy would not hold up for the entire second period as they slowly began to sit back and make mistakes. These mistakes allowed the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Predators</a> to get a leg up on the Blues in the game. The Preds slowly gained momentum and by the end of the period they had a grip on the game. At 16:48 Paul Gaustand would score putting the score at 2-1. With the lead still in tacked, but tables turning towards the side of the Predators the Blues would go into the second intermission tired and slightly defeated.</p>
<h3>Third Period</h3>
<p>The Third period was the worst period the Blues had this game. It was slow and frustrating, as the Blues fell back on bad habits. Nashville would score at 3:25, tying the game 2-2. The Team from St. Louis seemed flabbergasted and lost early on in this period, unfortunately leading to more mistakes. At 7:33 <span>Roman Josi</span> would take the lead from St. Louis, taking advantage of a bad puck bauble by <span>Magnus Paajarvi</span> at the offensive blue line. 16 seconds later Vladimir Tarasenko would take matters into his own hands, quite literally. He would lead a rush down to the Nashville zone, toe drag the defensemen and blasting a snap shot past Nashville's goaltender, tying the game up 3-3 again. Allowing the game to go to overtime after a hard and exhausting 60 minutes of game time. <iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020830-449-h" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<h3>Overtime/Shootout</h3>
<p>Overtime was a typical quick 5 minute round of 4 on 4 hockey eventually leading to a shootout. In the end TJ Oshie and Vladi with a T would be the Blues' saviors as they each scored to the preds only goal coming from <span>Ryan Ellis</span>. <iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020830-647-h"></iframe> <iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020830-803-h"></iframe></p>
<p>Blues Win! Game ends with the first ever TV Vladimir Tarasenko/Bernie Federko interview. All is well with the world!</p>
<h3>Games Three Stars</h3>
<p>Third: <br>Derek Roy</p>
<p>Second: <br>Jaden Schwartz</p>
<p>First: <br>Vladimir Tarasenko</p>
<h3>Bluenotes from Twitter</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>With <a href="https://twitter.com/DP_57">@DP_57</a> chirping Andy Strickland, I think we should all have to finish our drinks lol <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BluesDrinkingGame&src=hash">#BluesDrinkingGame</a></p>
— Eddie W (@niublues) <a href="https://twitter.com/niublues/statuses/429786185511079937">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>That was a fantastic high stick by Derek Roy - if it weren't illegal, it'd have been a highlight on <a href="http://t.co/CP8sBouyFx">http://t.co/CP8sBouyFx</a>.</p>
— Jason McAdams (@JMill1120) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMill1120/statuses/429787347631493120">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Tarasenko. Just..... yeah.</p>
— TruBlueGirls (@TruBlueGirls) <a href="https://twitter.com/TruBlueGirls/statuses/429817369825800192">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>This kid is something else <a href="http://t.co/OZ2u80V7dM">pic.twitter.com/OZ2u80V7dM</a></p>
— Eddie W (@niublues) <a href="https://twitter.com/niublues/statuses/429817587015634944">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/tara9191">@tara9191</a> Player of the Game Hands Down. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LGB&src=hash">#LGB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamRussia&src=hash">#TeamRussia</a></p>
— Sydney White (@BluesHockey1023) <a href="https://twitter.com/BluesHockey1023/statuses/429817591767769088">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Oh Russian baby lemme pinch your face!</p>
— Kati (@KatiMey34) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatiMey34/statuses/429823630118510592">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Well this should be good... Bernie talks to Vladi Tarasenko.</p>
— TruBlueGirls (@TruBlueGirls) <a href="https://twitter.com/TruBlueGirls/statuses/429824430630379520">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>It's okay, love. We don't know what the fuck he's saying either.</p>
— TruBlueGirls (@TruBlueGirls) <a href="https://twitter.com/TruBlueGirls/statuses/429824593784602624">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>So, essentially, the star of tonight's game was the Blues' second line (Schwartz-Roy-Tarasenko). <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23StlBlues&src=hash">#StlBlues</a></p>
— Andrew Allsman (@allsmandrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/allsmandrew/statuses/429825110129004544">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ConferenceIII&src=hash">#ConferenceIII</a> BELT RETAINED!</p>
— Jason McAdams (@JMill1120) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMill1120/statuses/429823702642229251">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h3>Tweet of the Game</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>"Fuck it. I will do it myself."-Vlad Tarasenko</p>
— St Bluenatic Chris (@Bluenatics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bluenatics/statuses/429813522915405824">February 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/2/1/5369870/recap-vladimir-tarasenko-says-no-to-preds-win-4-3-in-soRealBadRobot2014-02-01T18:31:02-06:002014-02-01T18:31:02-06:00Preds At Blues GameDay Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pzOcIKUVrMBxAca90aViVA-g4u8=/0x189:483x511/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27871745/128794409.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Blues need a bounceback game tonight against the Nashville Predators, but will be missing their key face off guy.</p> <p>Well, this sucks. <span>Vladimir Sobotka</span> isn't day-to-day anymore. <a target="_blank" href="http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=703318&navid=DL%7CSTL%7Chome">Sobotka's now on the IR to be re-evaluated in four weeks</a>. There haven't been any call-ups as of yet by the team, but Sobotka's hurt badly enough to where he'll be missing the Sochi games. Shit happens, but this is really terrible timing for Sobe.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Reaves</span> will be back in the line-up tonight.</p>
<p><span>Chris Stewart</span> will also be starting on the top line with <span>David Backes</span> and Alexander Steen. Before you think this is a wake-up call for Stewart, <a target="_blank" href="http://lkorac10.blogspot.com/2014/02/2-1-14-predators-blues-gameday-lineup.html">Hitchcock said the opposite to Lou Korac</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Quite frankly good play. He played well," Hitchcock said of Stewart. "He deserved to go up there. He was strong on the puck. He was strong on the puck, he made plays, I think he created five scoring chances. He was on for five for and two against. He was plus-3 for the evening, which is a good sign.</p>
<p>"He had patience in the offensive zone and wasn't panicking with the puck. He made some plays. ... He's making good decisions down low. And it's like anything else, you reward good play, and he played well yesterday. You reward that type of play."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So for those of us who were excited when Stewart took a few shots on net and seemed to be a little bit more engaged, there you go.</p>
<p>This is your GameDay Thread. Comment like two points mean something. Because they do. They're also how much Colorado is behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> in the standings after their 7-1 dispatching of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> this afternoon.</p>
<p>Let's do this. Let's Go Blues.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/2/1/5369086/gamethread-for-nashville-predators-at-st-louis-blues-feb-1-2014hildymac2014-02-01T15:01:01-06:002014-02-01T15:01:01-06:00Preds At Blues Game Preview: Bounceback Time
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QE87nKkf7RVjwNHhnokI2ZcdhWE=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27859845/160785816.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dilip Vishwanat</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Blues begin a four game homestand tonight, their last before the Olympic Break. If they want to accomplish their goal of being in first place by Sochi, they need a win.</p> <p>Last night was the first game of a back-to-back for both the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blues</a> and the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Predators</a>. The Preds, led by captain <span>Shea Weber</span>, came from behind and took care of the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a>. The Blues puttered about and suffered a rare Eastern Conference loss 3-1 to the hands of the <a href="https://www.canescountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Hurricanes</a>. Jaroslav Halak played very well, but the Blues top lines just couldn't get much done other than <span>David Backes</span>' "was that even in?" style power play goal in the first.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Tonight's Competition: <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nashville Predators blog On the Forecheck</a></div>
</div>
<p><span>Jay Bouwmeester</span> pinged a post in the third, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The Blues didn't really start playing with any sense of urgency (or recognition that they were participating in an NHL game) until the last half of the third period. This trend is frustrating. The last time I checked, a full sixty minutes was the best way to win a game against anyone in the league. It's a necessity in the playoffs. These guys know that, right?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/morning-skate/hitchcock-looking-for-more-from-his-top-players/article_d4fb396d-9b00-57db-8480-f92ec66bbe2a.html" target="_blank">As Ken Hitchcock told the Post-Dispatch's Dan O'Neill before last night's loss</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Quite frankly, we need our top-end guys to play a little bit better," Hitchcock said. "I think the Backes line has been OK, but they could be a little bit better."</p>
<p>"The combination of what Oshie does and what that top line does is going to have a big impact on whether we win the hockey game or not."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p>I'll go out on a limb and guess that Hitch wasn't happy with last night's performance. I do find it interesting that now the Blues' top guys are the top line and <span>T.J. Oshie</span> (or <span>Jaden Schwartz</span> - or whatever). I can think of a couple of other forwards who should be in that list as well.</p>
<p>And one of the forwards who does play his ass off and wins faceoffs like they're going out of style? Hurt, of course. <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/morning-skate/article_4af2abf5-8310-5ebf-be08-822097cb6780.html#.Uu1Le5eop1Q.twitter" target="_blank">Vladimir Sobotka is out tonight thanks to a very nasty injury last night.</a> He had issues skating off of the ice at the end of the game, not putting pressure on his left leg. Sobe's listed as day-to-day.</p>
<p>The Predators are always dangerous and always a tough opponent to play against. If the Blues turn in a performance like last night's, they're going to be on a two-game losing streak to start the stretch before the Olympic break.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/2/1/5368434/predators-at-blues-game-preview-start-the-homestand-righthildymac2014-02-01T11:01:02-06:002014-02-01T11:01:02-06:00Lighting The Lamp: Honky Tonkin'
<figure>
<img alt="Game worn 1991 pre-tournament Canada Cup jersey signed by Vincent Riendeau, along with a signed Blues puck and signed card" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EORs7rW1rWQRXMvEHKSp3hhIBLs=/0x26:1100x759/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27848437/riendeau_memorabilia_006.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Game worn 1991 pre-tournament Canada Cup jersey signed by Vincent Riendeau, along with a signed Blues puck and signed card | Rick Ackerman</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>You might recognize the "Lighting the Lamp" feature from the Game Time paper. Rick Ackerman has been nice enough to send over his column for the website. "Lighting the Lamp" will be featured every home game day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Lighting the Lamp, with Rick Ackerman</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As little as two seasons ago, goaltender Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators appeared to own the St. Louis Blues. During the 2011-12 season, the Blues only won two of six contests against the Predators, outscored 13 to 11, with Rinne stealing games from the Blues with apparent ease. Last year's lockout-shortened season resulted in St. Louis righting the ship by winning three of four matches, the only loss a sloppy, embarrassing 6-1 debacle on home ice. Nevertheless, the Blues could only score nine goals in those four games, again stymied by Rinne, who made a combined total of 112 saves, a save percentage of .926. In comparison, Blues goaltenders Jaro Halak, Brian Elliott and Jake Allen had a combined total of 62 saves, a save percentage of .873. So, it is unfortunate, yet welcome news for Blues Nation that Rinne will not be playing tonight due to a long-term bacterial hip infection that has kept him out of play since last October 24. </p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Of course, it could easily be argued that Rinne's presence tonight would not make much difference in the outcome of the game since the Blues are clearly a much better hockey team than the Predators, proving it in two previous meetings between the two Central Division rivals this season. The Blues easily won both contests. Rinne was chased from the net after less than ten minutes in the first period of the home-opener, giving up a power play goal to David Backes a little more than two minutes into the game, followed by first period tallies from Vlad Sobotka and T.J. Oshie. Rinne only made three saves. Later that October in Nashville, St. Louis took a 3-0 lead into the third period and easily outlasted Preds' starter Carter Hutton, culminating in a 6-1 victory. Alexander Steen scored two goals, his third against Nashville, with Oshie scoring his second goal and Alex Pietrangelo on the power play with his first. Special teams helped the Blues considerably as the power play units went a combined four for nine, while the penalty killers were a perfect seven for seven. Nashville's Nick Spaling did tally a short-handed goal, though, the only blemish in a strong game for Jaro Halak, who also won the home opener with 28 saves, a total of 50 for the two games. For the math-impaired, that's a goals against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .943 in the two games against the Predators. Naturally, Brian Elliott is the scheduled starter for tonight's match.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Yes, the Blues are really good this season, one of the best three teams in the league. They are ranked third with 36 wins (not counting last night's game in Carolina) to Anaheim (40) and Pittsburgh (38), with two games in hand on the Penguins and four on the Ducks. The Blues rank second (to Chicago) in goals for per game, and third in goals against per game. The power play is second in the league; the penalty killing fifth. The Blues are also ranked second in shots against per game (26.1). And the team has the best goals differential in the league with a plus-61, nine ahead of second place Anaheim. </p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>All of which begs the question as to why Blues Nation has been so concerned with GM Doug Armstrong possibly "improving" the club via trade this past week. The hockey blogs, talk shows and message boards have been buzzing with the possibility that Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller is the target of Blues' management as an upgrade in net. The consensus trade is that the Blues would get Miller, a free agent at season's end, and his rather large salary of $6.3M for Halak ($3.8M), a first round amateur draft choice this year and high-scoring rookie winger Ty Rattie, currently with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. However, this deal would add $1.7M to the Blues salary cap, putting them well over the limit. So, some would have Armstrong deal veteran Derek Roy ($4M) and/or streaky Chris Stewart ($4.2M) to the Sabres for either rookie center Mikhail Grigorenko ($900k) and/or winger Matt Moulson ($3.1M) in order to balance out the difference concerning the salary cap. Another problem with this potential trade is that the Blues are said to be decidedly against letting Rattie go, believing that is a deal-breaker for an expensive goaltender due to be a free agent at season's end.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Nor does it make much sense to disrupt team chemistry or fundamentally change what has been an extremely successful hockey club this season. Remember what impact the Garth Butcher trade with Vancouver had upon an extremely successful Blues team in 1991? St. Louis (105 points in the regular season) lost to Minnesota in six games (68 points) in the Norris Division finals, outscored 17-22. Apparently Butcher left his best defense behind in Vancouver, and Curtis Joseph (injured) wasn't around to help Vincent Riendeau and Pat Jablonski figure it out.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span> Statistically, both Halak and Elliott have out-performed Miller (except for save percentage) and it is clear Blues' management has confidence in the Blues' current goaltenders, including Jake Allen. Ironically, like Miller, both Halak and Elliott are scheduled free agents at season's end. So, in this case, all that smoke does not mean there is a fire to put out at all and it is unlikely the Blues will make any major changes any time soon, especially in goal. Halak has played extremely well amidst the rumors and Elliott should continue that trend tonight against Nashville.</span></p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/2/1/5367800/lighting-the-lamp-honky-tonkinhildymac2014-02-01T08:01:03-06:002014-02-01T08:01:03-06:00Predators At Blues Morning Open Thread: Wake Up
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fsbNGtYSuE2XP2tS1sC9znKxetk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27831701/159999232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dilip Vishwanat</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Both teams played last night, so will tonight be a snooze-fest?</p> <p>Both teams played last night, though you could be forgiven if you forgot that the Blues did. Heck, they put me to sleep so badly with their floating play that I went to bed right after the game was over.</p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css">
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Tonight's Competition: <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container">
<a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nashville Predators blog On the Forecheck</a>
</div>
</div>
<p>This is a friendly reminder: two points are two points, regardless of if they come against the Eastern Conference or the Western. Try to get them against both.</p>
<p>This is a short and to the point morning open thread - hang out here, toss around Chris Stewart trade rumors (and BTW, did you see that one time in the second period where he looked like he gave a shit? Well done!), and check back for a Lighting the Lamp, a game preview, and your GDT followed by a recap. Head over to the nice folks at On the Forecheck and warn them about our impending arrival on March 15th.</p>
<p>You know what the soothsayer said, right? "Beware the Ides of March, for that is when Game Time is invading Nashville. BEWARE. BEEEEEWWWAAARE."</p>
<p> </p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css">
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/2/1/5366828/predators-at-blues-morning-open-thread-wake-uphildymac