St. Louis Game Time - Avalanche At Blues StoryStream: Snow Time Like The PresentWe're one ugly bastard.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/10753/gt-fave.png2014-12-30T00:26:23-06:00http://www.stlouisgametime.com/rss/stream/72236702014-12-30T00:26:23-06:002014-12-30T00:26:23-06:00Recap: St. Louis Defeats Colorado 3-0
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<figcaption>Marty is not amused. For what reason I do not know... | Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The #MartyTax gained another $20,000 in the bank tonight, as Marty Brodeur added number 125 to his shut out wins column, leading the Blues to a 3-0 Win over the Aves tonight. </p> <p>Tonight the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">St. Louis Blues</a> took on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> at the DrinkScotch Center in the Lou. Most of the Gametime team was there tonight and it appears they brought some luck to our boys in Blue as they were able to dominate the majority of the game and capture a 3-0 victory over they struggling Aves.</p>
<p>The Blue and Yellow had a strong showing from their new up and coming goaltender Martin Brodeur. He made key saves through out the first period that gave the Blues, more specifically, their defense a chance to get their sea legs and step up their game. The two teams traded ends of the ice several time as both teams saw good performances from their tenders, as <span><span>Semyon Varlamov</span></span> was on point at the other end of the ice. After 20 minutes both teams went to the locker room still tied at 0.</p>
<p>The Second period of this game busted the blue notes out of their current skid. Right out of the gate, <span class="undMe"><span>Dmitrij Jaskin</span></span> got a little help from the St. Louis boy, <span><span>Paul Stastny</span></span>. Stastny caught <span>Varlamov</span> behind his net and intercepted the pass, settling the puck down to set up Jaskin, who some how fluttered the puck past the bemused Colorado Goalkeeper. 1-0 Blues.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2014020535-142-h" frameborder="0" height="395" width="640"></iframe></p>
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<p>The Jaskin goal breathed life into the teams skates, and the Blues were able to hold a considerable amount of pressure, shift after shift, over the Patrick Roy helmed Avalanche. Some of the bigger names, like <span>David Backes</span>, were not mentioned very often in the play by play but was able to play the shut down role to keep the team's shut out alive. By the periods end the Aves would be held to only 3 shots in those twenty minutes. At 4:30 of the Second Christ Butler made sure to help his city out with a tip in goal from the crease. 2-0 Blues.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2014020535-303-ingame-h" frameborder="0" height="395" width="640"></iframe></p>
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<p>The rest of the second was rounded out by a minor penalty to St. Louis and Colorado. Both of which were killed off and played no major part in the momentum of the game.</p>
<p>The Third period quite literally was a blur. It whizzed passed as the Blues shut down just about everything that Colorado threw their way. At 15:25 <span>Vladimir Tarasenko</span> pulled another trick out of his, seemingly endless, bag of tricks. Senko stripped the puck from the bumbling Colorado defense and sent a rocket with eyes to the back of the net, cementing the Blues win. 3-0 Blues.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2014020535-576-h" frameborder="0" height="395" width="640"></iframe></p>
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<h4>Bluenotes of the Game:</h4>
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<li>Tonight marked Brodeur's 125th career shutout victory. He also got ANOTHER $20,000 for the win. <br>
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<li>Tarasenko now has 22 goals for the year and still remains 3rd in the league for Goals. Behind, <span>Rick Nash</span> (23) and <span>Tyler Seguin</span> (25). <br>
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<li>With the wavering of <span>Magnus Paajarvi</span> it appears the team will be sticking with 3 goalies as <span>Brian Elliott</span> may make his return as early as tomorrow. </li>
<li>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a> Shootout win over Nashville the Blues remain 2 points behind the Preds in 4th in the Conference. </li>
<li>Jori Lehtara and Vladi Tarasenko decided to have a war of the Marty Selfies on Instagram shortly after the game. They so Funny! </li>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/xN1t6EnVP7/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">#martin #brodeur #nollat #ikäonvaannumero #kanadanhyökkäysnorjanpuolustus</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Jori Lehterä (@jorsti) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2014-12-30T03:44:51+00:00">Dec 12, 2014 at 7:44pm PST</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/xN9mhcKebU/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">@jorsti you're not the only guy that can snipe this pic. aaaallllleeee</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">Фото опубликовано Vladimir Tarasenko (@vt9191) <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2014-12-30T04:53:45+00:00">Дек 12, 2014 at 8:53 PST</time></p>
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https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/30/7466593/recap-st-louis-defeats-colorado-3-0RealBadRobot2014-12-29T21:00:35-06:002014-12-29T21:00:35-06:00David Backes innovates on the PK<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EyuHwqQ5Iv4" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>David Backes of the St Louis Blues breaks his stick while killing a penalty. No stick, no problem.</p></p></div>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/29/7465721/david-backes-innovates-on-the-pkCrossCheckRaise2014-12-29T12:00:03-06:002014-12-29T12:00:03-06:00Memorabilia Memories: New Year's Eve Special
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<img alt="Auld Lang Signed Jersey" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/baF03GGnZq80_ZkBcLBpCB0c6Pk=/439x0:2643x1469/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44416446/MM_NYE.0.0.png" />
<figcaption>Auld Lang Signed Jersey | Rick Ackerman</figcaption>
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<p>You might recognize the "Memorabilia Memories" (formerly "Lighting the Lamp") feature from the Game Time paper. Rick Ackerman has been nice enough to send over his column for the website. "Memorabilia Memoirs" will be featured every home game day.</p> <p><span> </span>It has now been four decades that I have gone to Peoria to see the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blues</a> farm club play hockey. The teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s were a loads of fun to watch as the likes of Nels Emerson and Michel Mongeau lit the lamp with regularity while tough guys Kelly Chase and Tony Twist excited sell-out crowds with crunching body-checks and fists of fury. How great it was to track the development of net minders such as <span>Curtis Joseph</span>, Guy Hebert and Pat Jablonski and then see them later tending goal in the NHL. As great as some of those teams were, though, none were as much fun for me to watch as the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League during the 2009-10 season.</p>
<p><span> </span><span>Lars Eller</span>, now a regular for the <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Canadiens</a>, was the leading scorer (18 goals and 57 points in 70 games), a first-year player, only 20 years old at the time. He was usually flanked by wingers <span>Chris Porter</span>, now with the Blues, of course, and former Blue Adam Cracknell, currently with the <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>. Wingers Nick Drazenovic, signed by the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> and now with their farm team in Wilke-Barre/Scranton of the AHL and <span>Barry Tallackson</span>, currently with the Berlin Polar Bears in Germany, were the leading goal scorers with 19 tallies each. Veteran NHL center <span>Derek Armstrong</span> (<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a>, <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Senators</a>, <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a>, <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a>, Blues) provided stability and leadership for a relatively young club, as did another former Blue, <span>Yan Stastny</span>, now playing in Sweden with Mora IK. The "Twist & Chase" of this team turned out to be the Blues' Ryan Reaves (167 penalty minutes in 76 games) and yet another former Blue, D. J. King, currently with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. Another pugilistic expert on the roster was fan favorite <span>Anthony Peluso</span>, who racked up 57 minutes in penalties in 22 games. Peluso was claimed off waivers from the Blues in 2013 and is currently playing for the <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Winnipeg Jets</a>. Other notable forwards included <span>Aaron Palushaj</span> (traded to Montreal), <span>Pascal Pelletier</span>, both now playing in Russia for a KHL team, winger Julien Talbot with Tallackson in Berlin and center <span>Cam Paddock</span>, now playing pro hockey in Denmark.</p>
<p><span> </span>The defense was led by AHL All-Star Jonas Junland, now playing in the SEL with the Linkopings White Lions. Junland scored 14 goals and 44 points in 74 games and was called up to the Blues at the end of the season, recording two assists in three games. Unfortunately, Junland was extremely unhappy in Peoria, terribly homesick and missing his fiancé (now wife) Karolina, and when it was clear he would not play in St. Louis in 2010 and be returned to Peoria, he bolted home to Sweden and signed with Farjestads of the SEL. He is still Blues' property, however. He was paired with the indomitable <span>Tyson Strachan</span>, now playing defense in the NHL for Buffalo. Strachan was a particularly nice guy and after several games would chat hockey with me and my Peoria hockey pals Billy Dann and Steve Schlosser in the club upstairs at Carver Arena. This was also the professional debut of the Blues' Ian Cole, right out of Notre Dame University. I was fortunate to be at his first AHL game, highlighted by a beautiful game winning goal, and met his proud parents after the game. Other defensemen included NHL veteran (Carolina, Chicago) <span>Danny Richmond</span>, currently playing in Germany, <span>Nate Guenin</span>, appearing tonight with the visiting <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Avalanche</a> and <span>Steve Wagner</span>, another very personable, nice guy who happened to be on my Blues Fantasy Camp team later that year in September. Wagner is also currently playing in Germany.</p>
<p><span> </span>The goaltending duties were shared that season by <span>Ben Bishop</span> and Hannu "Ears" Toivonen. Bishop, of course, is the number one guy for the <a href="https://www.rawcharge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> after he was traded by the Blues to Ottawa in 2012 for a second round draft choice. Ottawa traded him to Tampa Bay in 2013 for forward <span>Cory Conacher</span> and a draft choice. He turned out to be gold as he set franchise records in Tampa last season, winning 37 games with a 2.23 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Toivonen was acquired by the Blues in an ill-fated trade with Boston in 2007. The <a href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bruins</a> acquired forward <span>Carl Soderberg</span>, who is doing quite well this season in Beantown, scoring six goals and 23 points in 36 games. Toivonen was the Rivermen's best goalie, outplaying Bishop a bit (2.7 to 2.8 goals against average; .906 to .901 save percentage), although Bishop recorded 23 wins in 48 games while Toivonen had 11 in 26 games. "Ears" was traded (along with Richmond) to Chicago towards the end of the season for goaltender <span>Joe Fallon</span>, who did not impress in 10 games and was not re-signed.</p>
<p><span> </span>This edition of the Rivermen did not qualify for the playoffs, finishing fifth in the West. They didn't score quite enough goals and gave up a few too many. Nevertheless, I was able to meet most of the players after games and cherish the many good memories that season, commemorated by the pictured team-issued New Year's Eve jersey I obtained and had signed by every member of the team at a post-game skate. And, so, as we approach New Year's Eve, I wish all my readers good tidings for the coming year and may we all be blessed with good health and many more good hockey memories.</p>
<p>-- Rick Ackerman, for St Louis Game Time</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/29/7459633/memorabilia-memories-new-years-eve-specialCrossCheckRaise2014-12-29T09:03:30-06:002014-12-29T09:03:30-06:00Avs @ Blues Morning Open Thread: It's payback time
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<img alt="David MF Backes is going to put this team on his shoulders and bury the Avs tonight." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AOktAp1EIlWjJr-7vJbu7UQBgPQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44417456/usa-today-8294226.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David MF Backes is going to put this team on his shoulders and bury the Avs tonight. | Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After the 5-0 drubbing the St. Louis Blues received in Denver just last week, it is time for some payback with the Avalanche back in town tonight.</p> <p>Welcome! Good morning!</p>
<p>Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair.</p>
<p>CCR has already <a href="http://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/29/7459457/avalanche-at-blues-story-stream-changes-in-altitude" target="_blank">published your preview of tonight's contest.</a></p>
<p>Or maybe you want to talk about the <a href="http://alongtheboards.com/2014/12/making-sense-st-louis-blues-boston-bruins-trade-rumors/" target="_blank">latest trade rumors</a>?</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/28/7456299/game-time-prospect-sunday-trending-up-dec-28-2014" target="_blank">youngsters </a>are <a href="http://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/26/7452283/see-robby-fabbris-first-goal-for-team-canada" target="_blank">tearing it up at the WJC</a>.</p>
<p>Or feel free to share the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TwitterHerpes&src=typd" target="_blank">#TwitterHerpes</a>.</p>
<p>Whatever your pleasure is...put your feet up and make yourself at home. This is your St. Louis Blues morning open thread.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/29/7460397/avs-blues-morning-open-thread-its-payback-timeRobbTufts2014-12-29T08:00:03-06:002014-12-29T08:00:03-06:00Avalanche At Blues Preview: Snow Time Like Now
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<img alt="OK, old man ... you're up" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/msyrDVGS9bayVS2KDnaBtdxnRK0=/0x0:2663x1775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44416248/usa-today-8259475.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>OK, old man ... you're up | Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues hope to hit the reset button on their season, AGAIN, starting tonight. </p> <p><span>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> are on their worst losing streak of the season, and badly need to bounce back. The hallmarks of their winning ways, limiting opponents to a few shots while getting several of their own, still need to manifest themselves. There were signs of life against Dallas, but failure to stay out of the box, coupled with a lackluster PK, spelled the downfall.</span></p>
<p>And now some flakes roll in to town. There's snow better opportunity than the one that awaits the team tonight.</p>
<p>Patrick Roy's squad is in the basement of the Central Division for a reason; they struggle on defense, give up plenty of shots against, and rely on their goaltending. While <span>Semyon Varlamov</span> certainly looked unbeatable in our last meeting (12/23, a 5-0 loss, you remember I'm sure), he's been pretty pedestrian this year. His 5v5 save percentage is only 90.61 per www.war-on-ice.com. The Blues only got 26 shots on goal that game, despite being behind almost the entire time. If the Blues can get more on net, they will go in. On Saturday, our boys put 33 shots on the Dallas net. Hopefully, that's a sign that they are on the right path.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, we'll have to keep the pucks out of our own net.</p>
<p>I don't think it's a shock to anyone that Coach Hitch is turning to <span>Martin Brodeur</span> for this game. Jake's had a couple of rough outings lately, and could benefit from sitting one out. If you're a listener to the podcast, you may recall that I said the Brodeur hiring <i>could</i> work, as long as 3 things happen: We keep the shots against low (at the time, we were averaging about 25 shots against a game, if I recall), Marty gives us 90% save percentage (his recent years have been about that), and we can pot 3 goals of our own. I still think that's doable, and our offense has been up to the task. Somehow, though, the defense hasn't been there. We're allowing way too many shots against, and that spells trouble.</p>
<p>In the same effort, we need to play a more disciplined game. In the last Colorado game, the Avs scored 2 power play goals on 6 opportunities. Against Dallas, it was 2 again, on 5 opportunities. The Blues are a better team, but they're not <i>that much</i> better. Certainly not to the point that we can give the opponent the man-advantage so many times.</p>
<p>On top of all of that, here's the ace in the hole: The Hockey Gods have a warped sense of humor. I think they'd love the irony of Marty Brodeur playing - and winning- against Patrick Roy's team. If there is a break needed to fall our way, they'll be there.</p>
<p>So, there you have it. If the Blues don't shoot themselves in the foot, they can roll into Smashville on a new streak.</p>
<p>LGB!!</p>
<p>To see how the other half sees it: <a href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/">Mile High Hockey</a></p>
<p>Puck drops at 7, the GameDay Thread drops shortly beforehand. Join us, won't you?</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2014/12/29/7459457/avalanche-at-blues-story-stream-changes-in-altitudeCrossCheckRaise