St. Louis Game Time - Lightning At Blues GameDay Storystream: Seen Stamkos?We're one ugly bastard.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/10753/gt-fave.png2015-02-04T07:56:05-06:00http://www.stlouisgametime.com/rss/stream/77324122015-02-04T07:56:05-06:002015-02-04T07:56:05-06:00Vladimir Tarasenko On His Team Leading 26th Goal<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/562833116285657089">Vladimir Tarasenko On His Team Leading 26th&nbsp;Goal</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Who says that the star players have to be arrogant of "know their own talent?" </p>
<p>Attitudes like this are why the Blues have been a successful team this season, no question about it.</p></p></div>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/4/7976665/vladimir-tarasenko-on-his-team-leading-26th-goalhildymac2015-02-03T18:43:21-06:002015-02-03T18:43:21-06:00Buy Tonight's Game Time Paper Vs Lightning
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>You can now buy our fan-run paper online that we sell outside every St. Louis Blues game. </p> <p>So the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> have a really nice measuring stick game tonight with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>. Maybe we'll see multiple 91s filling the net.</p>
<p>So we have this paper that we sell outside Blues games. It's completely independent and fan-run and stuff. We're kind of like a garage punk band. Except less popular. You want to buy the paper? <a href="http://store.payloadz.com/details/2225105-other-files-everything-else-lightning-2315.html">Buy it then</a>. I dare you. And if you're interested in subscribing to the paper via email, you can send me a note at gtbradlee at gmail dot com and I can give you the details. Hint: It's half the price you pay at the stadium and playoff games are free.</p>
<p>Here's just a taste of the front page from some Poor College Student guy (he keeps getting older, college girls stay the same age, alright, alright).</p>
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<p>After going an entire calendar month with an overtime loss as the only blemish on their record, it'd be awesome to look at the standings and see the Blues looking down upon the rest of the division.</p>
<p>Instead, the Blues have two points to go on Nashville before they can claim even a tie for said division lead. Even with MVP candidate <span>Pekka Rinne</span> on the shelf, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> have managed to go 3-1-2 with <span>Carter Hutton</span> in net. Of course, there are reasons named <span>Shea Weber</span>, <span>Mike Ribeiro</span>, <span>Filip Forsberg</span> and Peter Laviolette that can pick up more than their share of slack when injuries happen, but seeing Nashville only come up short on four points over a six-game span is a testament to how they can progress through an injury to one of their top players.</p>
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<p>So we've got analysis and stats and opinions and jokes. Some pretty good jokes. It's a good product. People like it.</p>
<p>Try it, won't you?</p>
<p>And thank you for your support.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7974167/buy-tonights-game-time-paper-vs-lightningBrad Lee2015-02-03T18:30:02-06:002015-02-03T18:30:02-06:00GameThread for Lightning at Blues: Big Ben Is Back
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<p>The Blues will play a potentially explosive game against the NHL's top scoring team. Can they hold Tyler Johnson and Steven Stamkos off the scoresheet tonight?</p> <p><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/gordon-with-shattenkirk-down-cole-must-step-up-for-blues/article_05f8775b-770a-580c-96a6-3a76444ed240.html">Jeff Gordon is calling Ian Cole out to step up in Kevin Shattenkirk's absence</a>:</p>
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<p>Cole, though, could be the key to this team surviving the absence of Shattenkirk, an offensive catalyst who was earning some Norris Trophy chatter with his breakout season.</p>
<p>Cole has all the tools to be a strong two-way defenseman. "I can do a little bit of everything," he said Tuesday. "I need to do all those things at a high level."</p>
<p>He can't dangle with the puck like Shattenkirk, but he can move it up the ice and make deft passes. He skates well and has a nice shot from the point.</p>
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<p>Well, then, let's hope he's right, because we're living in the Ian Cole era for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>This is your GameDay Thread: Comment like you're getting your Shattenkirk separation anxiety off of your chest. Better now than later!</p>
<p>Let's do this. Let's go Blues.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7972535/gamethread-for-tampa-bay-lightning-at-st-louis-blues-feb-3-2015hildymac2015-02-03T15:00:03-06:002015-02-03T15:00:03-06:00Bolts At Blues Game Preview: Shock To The System
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<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues are out three of their top players; do they have the depth t o overcome one of the top offensive systems in the NHL?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a>' obviously have been in healthier shape this season than they are right now. They've also been pretty beaten up, too. Earlier this season they soldiered through injuries to <span>T.J. Oshie</span> and <span>Paul Stastny</span>, and did fine. The injury to <span>Jaden Schwartz</span>, however, led to a 1-5-1 slide that has helped contribute to the stagnation in second place despite a month in which they lost in regulation just once.</p>
<p>Results like this makes me wonder: is it depth, or are certain players key cogs? The Blues have won their two games without <span>Patrik Berglund</span> and <span>Jori Lehtera</span> (and <span>David Backes</span>, to a degree, on Sunday), but it's been some work. Sunday they lost <span>Kevin Shattenkirk</span>, which is both a blow to depth and to the key cogs. The All-Star has had a dominant season, and I question if the Blues can fill in for him.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/st-louis-star-kevin-shattenkirk-to-have-abdominal-surgery-but-blues-have-enough-depth-to-soften-the-blow/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thn_daily_20150203" target="_blank">Adam Proteau believes that the Blues have the depth to make up for the loss of Shatty</a>. I respectfully disagree. <span>Chris Butler</span> is perfectly fine. <span>Ian Cole</span> has some kinks but is perfectly fine(ish). <span>Barret Jackman</span> is old but good at what he does, which is being the kind of defenseman that Kevin Shattenkirk isn't. A Jackman/<span>Carl Gunnarsson</span> pairing isn't comparable. It's going to be different, it's going to be slower, and play is not going to get out of the zone in the same manner than it does with Shatty in the lineup.</p>
<p>And tonight is the kind of game where you want the puck out of your own zone. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a> have 164 goals scored this season, and <span>Steven Stamkos</span> has 27 goals. <span>Tyler Johnson</span> has 49 points. They're the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Blues have won three of their last four against the Bolts, and have only lost three games this season against the Eastern Conference. The Lightning aren't the typical Eastern Conference team that the Blues will be able to plow through. It'll be a tough go, and even tougher without Shattenkirk.</p>
<p>Tonight is the last home game until Sunday, which is an early game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a>. Between the two I'm not sure which is going to be the more exciting game. Neither will be easy.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7971899/lightning-at-blues-game-preview-shock-to-the-systemhildymac2015-02-03T11:00:03-06:002015-02-03T11:00:03-06:00Memorabilia Memories: Silver Screen Hockey
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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 Memories" will be featured every home game day.</p> <p><span><i>Memorabilia Memories <span>with Rick Ackerman </span></i></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Growing up in University City within walking distance of the Varsity and Tivoli theatres on Delmar, I had the opportunity to watch a lot of movies and developed a life long affinity for the silver screen. Coupled with the many walks down into the Loop for Saturday matinees was my love for television Channel 11, which featured many, many movies, some hosted by Harry Fender, a performer for Flo Ziegfield on Broadway in New York, a former St. Louis police detective, as well as a radio personality on KMOX. The multi-talented Fender was better known as Captain 11, the host of Captain 11's Showboat, which introduced many a youngster growing up in St. Louis to the Three Stooges.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Even before I began collecting hockey memorabilia, I started collecting movies. At one point, I had over 10,000 films in my library, now pared down to a couple of thousand after my move from Ohio back to St. Louis. So, it was only natural that I would seek out those movies that dealt with hockey, thereby combining two deep-rooted and long-lasting affections. Here are five lesser known films in my collection that I consider my favorite movies about hockey.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Although it is rather dull and plods along, the 1937 production of Idol of the Crowds features a young John Wayne as Johnny Hanson, a chicken farmer who plays pro hockey to earn some money to enlarge his farm. Bribed by gangsters to throw the championship game, Wayne refuses and leads the New York Panthers to victory over the Wizards, even after the club's mascot, little Bobby, had been previously injured in a car wreck caused by the bad guys. A lot of stock footage from what appears to be Madison Square Garden is used, yet close-ups of Wayne skating and stick-handling are hilarious. This clunker is worth it just to see John Wayne score some goals, most on the back-hand, yet!</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Another really bad film that nevertheless has some good hockey action is a Canadian film produced in 1971 by John F. Bassett and the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Harold Ballard. Winter Comes Early (aka Face-Off) features the story of a young rookie, Billy Duke, played by actor Art Hindle, who has an ill-fated romance with a hippie folk singer. Actual footage from Maple Leaf Gardens with real players is utilized throughout the film, featuring cameo speaking roles by Derek Sanderson, George Armstrong and Ballard as a team physician. Also easily recognizable in the movie are Darryl Sittler, Bob Baun, Ron Ellis, Paul Henderson, Pete Mahovlich and Jim McKenney (Hindle's stand-in for long shots of game action). This film is currently available on Netflix.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">One of the wackiest and most bizarre hockey movies ever is Sudden Death, a 1995 American action flick starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Powers Boothe. Produced by Penguins owner Howard Baldwin, this thriller features an ex-Pittsburgh fireman now the fire marshal at the Civic Arena (the Igloo) portrayed by Van Damme, battling an assortment of villains, including one bad guy in the Penguins' mascot's costume. During game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Penguins and Blackhawks, Boothe and his cohorts kidnap a group of dignitaries, including the Vice President of the U.S., and it is up to Jean-Claude to save the day. Easily recognizable hockey personalities include Luc Robitaille, Markus Naslund and Pittsburgh announcer Mike Lange. (Spoiler alert) In an incredible, unbelievably dramatic climax, a helicopter falls through the retractable roof and explodes, crashing into the ice during overtime, scattering players and fans alike. Although Jean-Claude does indeed rescue the hostages and save the day, we never find out who won the Cup that season.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On a more serious note concerning violence and hockey is a 1977 made-for-television movie called The Deadliest Season. An average pro hockey defenseman, played by actor Michael Moriarty, is demoted to the minor leagues and quickly learns the only way back to the majors is by being more aggressive and violent. Back in the bigs, he plays dirty and fights, only to cause the death of an opposing player during a game. Arrested for manslaughter, Moriarty is confused and frustrated as he only gave everybody what they wanted. All the lead players, including Meryl Streep in her screen debut as Moriarty's wife, deliver standout performances, which, along with good hockey footage, provide a documentary-like feel to a thought-provoking film exploring violence in sports and the dehumanizing effect it has on both players and fans.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">My favorite lesser-known hockey film is the 2005 Canadian production of Maurice Richard (aka The Rocket), a French language biopic dealing with the life and times of the legendary Montreal Canadien right winger. <span>The dialogue and hockey scenes were produced to be as true to reality as possible as they were reviewed by Richard himself (before he passed away) and also by his wife, children and famed broadcaster Dick Irvin, Jr.'s written and recorded testimonies and memories about his father (legendary player and coach Dick Irvin, HHoF 1958) and reporters from the era. Starring Canadian actor Roy Dupuis, the film also features Mike Ricci as Elmer Lach, Vincent Lecavalier as Jean Beliveau, Ian Laperriere as Bernie Goeffrion and Sean Avery as tough guy Bob Dill. Not only an excellent history lesson, this is also an excellent portrayal of Richard's life in hockey.</span></p>
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<p><span> There are better-known, more popular hockey movies including Slap Shot, Miracle, The Mighty Ducks and even Goon, yet serious hockey fans, for the most part, have already seen them. So, consider this an invitation to check out these acroamatic films.</span></p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7969675/memorabilia-memories-silver-screen-hockeyhildymacAckermania2015-02-03T10:16:37-06:002015-02-03T10:16:37-06:00Tim Peel Is Scheduled To Work Tonight's Lightning/Blues Game<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/562620381270245377">Tim Peel Is Scheduled To Work Tonight's Lightning/Blues&nbsp;Game</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>You know how everyone thought that the NHL had suspended Tim Peel for<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/my-night-at-the-bar-with-tim-peel--nhl-ref-and-object-of-scorn-171058557.html" target="new"> an interview with Wysh?</a> <a href="http://deadspin.com/report-nhl-suspended-referee-for-meeting-in-a-bar-with-1683424835" target="new">And how it was "indefinite?" It's not. He called Saturday's game between the Hurricanes and the Rangers</a>, and guess which two teams get the benefits of his services tonight?
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<br />Yep.
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<br />Man, what a shame that he couldn't've said something REALLY good to Wysh, like admitting that he needs bifocals or something.</p>
<br /><p>Fun fact from Wysh's article - Peel calls STL home and enjoys t-rav.</p></p></div>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7970359/tim-peel-is-scheduled-to-work-tonights-lightning-blues-gamehildymac2015-02-03T08:00:05-06:002015-02-03T08:00:05-06:00Bolts At Blues Morning Open Thread: Men Down
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues are beat up and banged around for tonight's matchup against the Bolts.</p> <p>It wouldn't be the second half of the season without injuries to key players (and <span>Patrik Berglund</span>), would it? Berglund and <span>Jori Lehtera</span> both went down in the same game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a>, which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> won in a shootout. <span>Kevin Shattenkirk</span> was dropped Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a>, and the team won that game 4-3. Even more impressive was the fact that the Blues won that game being down <span>David Backes</span> as well, who was ejected for boarding <span>Karl Alzner</span>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-shattenkirk-will-undergo-surgery/article_9fc14058-b2d7-561b-9fe6-4a46222490be.html#utm_source=stltoday&utm_campaign=/newsletters/bluesletter/&utm_medium=email&utm_content=featured_headline">Shattenkirk will be having abdominal surgery within a week or week and a half,</a> and then will be week-to-week after that. The Blues' all-star has been a key part of the team's solid defense, and is second to <span>Mark Giordano</span> in points for a defenseman.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are the kind of team that you really, really need to play defense against. They currently sit atop the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division with 68 points. They have a +33 goal differential. They have <span>Steven Stamkos</span>.</p>
<p>The East's finesse teams seem to get the Blues confused for a bit, but our boys have only lost in regulation against Eastern teams three times this season. Let's not make it four.</p>
<p>This is your morning open thread. Check back for some Lighting the Lamp, your preview, and any Shattenkirk updates that the team lets out. While you're waiting for puck drop, visit my good friends at <a href="http://www.rawcharge.com/">Raw Charge</a> to see their take on this rare inter-conference matchup.</p>
https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/2/3/7968311/lightning-at-blues-morning-open-thread-winning-woundedhildymac