St. Louis Blues News

Blues should be glad team didn't get Kovalchuk
Comment
February 8
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Blues fans should breathe a collective sigh of relief that the team did not trade for Ilya Kovalchuk. Sure, the big Russian would look good wearing the blue note because he's a pure goal-scorer and that's a rare commodity in the National Hockey League. I'm glad that John Davidson didn't get sucked in by Atlanta General Manager Don Waddell, who justifiably wanted to get as much as possible in return for the winger, who was traded Thursday to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Johnny Oduya, forward Niclas Bergfors and head-hunting prospect Patrice Cormier, plus a No. 1 draft pick and a swap of second-rounders. I understand the temptation. The Blues have been a disappointment this season, ..."
Blues are 'desperate' to win games
Comment
February 8
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"You can spend hours dissecting the St. Louis Blues and why their expectations for the 2009-2010 season have thus far gone unrealized. Or, you could get to the crux of the situation in three words and roughly two seconds: They can't finish. Three games into what could be a coffin-closing stretch in their schedule, the Blues have competed well. They swiped a win in Chicago behind the steadfast goaltending of Chris Mason. They had the better play in a 4-2 loss to San Jose on Thursday and they out-chanced the Blackhawks in a 2-1 loss at Scottrade Center on Saturday. But this season, chances for the Blues are like bullets for Barney Fife. They largely go unspent. The 2-1 loss to Chicago was a ..."
Payne likes established line combinations
Comment
February 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Now that Coach Davis Payne has had a little over a month to evaluate his Blues players, he seems to be settling into consistent line combinations. That wasn't the case under former Coach Andy Murray, who was fired Jan. 2. Murray was famous for juggling his line combinations frequently, including during games. Injuries can obviously impact the lineups to an extent, but many players feel comfortable with familiar line mates. "I think so…it takes some time," said Payne. "There's two different ways of looking at it: One, we don't have the picture put together correctly, or two, it is put together correctly and you've got to put the onus on a group of three or you've got to put the onus on a ..."
Another case of too little, too late as Blues fall 2-1 to Chicago
Comment
February 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"With all the problems the Blues have had winning at home this season, the Chicago Blackhawks tried to make Saturday night's game feel like a road game. Thousands of red-clad Blackhawks fans made up a large percentage of the sellout crowd of 19,150 at Scottrade Center, but even that scenario didn't help the Blues. Chicago got first period goals from Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews and solid goaltending from Antti Niemi to hold off the Blues 2-1. In doing so, Chicago avenged a 3-2 loss to the Blues Wednesday night at United Center and snapped a season-high three-game losing streak. They also kept the Blues reeling at Scottrade, where they dropped to 8-16-5 on the season - the worst record ..."
Johnson focuses on 'D'
Comment
February 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Back after a year-long layoff, Blues defenseman Erik Johnson posted 18 points in his first 25 games this season, showing the offensive potential that was advertised when the team drafted him No. 1 overall in 2006. But since his fast start, Johnson has gone cold - make that frozen - offensively. He entered Saturday's game against Chicago without a goal in his last 30 games and only seven assists in that stretch. Johnson said Saturday that he's not bothered by his lack of goal scoring, however, because he's focusing more attention on his defensive-zone play. Along with his four goals and 21 assists this season, he's a minus-1. "To be honest, when I was getting all those points, that doesn't ..."
Loss to Chicago has Blues seeing red
Comment
February 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A boisterous crowd dressed in red is commonplace in St. Louis, but it isn't necessarily a welcome sight at a Blues game. The Chicago Blackhawks' growing bandwagon took up residence Saturday at Scottrade Center and got behind its team early. Blues legend Bob Plager joked that the home team's No. 1 goal was taking the visiting fans out of the game in the first five minutes. Impressively, the Blues did that with 11 hits in the opening five minutes of the first period, igniting their blue-clad fan base. "What better crowd than tonight!" Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo said. "Right from the national anthem, I had chills." But the rest of the night, the only sound that came from Blues fans ..."
Blues have to be ready when Blackhawks come to town
Comment
February 6
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"In the wake of Thursday night's 4-2 Blues loss to San Jose, there is good news on the horizon. The Chicago Blackhawks played Friday night at home against surprising Phoenix, while the Blues rested. The Blues (25-23-9) and Hawks meet for the second time in four days Saturday night at Scottrade Center, but you know Chicago will be loaded for bear. The Blues defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 Wednesday night at United Center in the first game of a crucial seven-game stretch before the two-week break for the Winter Olympics. In order for the Blues to stage a repeat performance, they will have to correct some flaws in their game. Specifically, they will need to eliminate the costly turnovers that ..."
Blues are pleased with progress Lars Eller is making in Peoria
Comment
February 6
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"A smile crossed the face of Lars Eller when the subject of his first National Hockey League goal came up. "I've seen it a few times," he said of the personal milestone, achieved Nov. 5, against the Calgary Flames at Scottrade Center. He remembers that the Blues were on a power play. T.J. Oshie won the draw, got the puck back to Eric Brewer, who slid a pass to Erik Johnson, who unleashed a wicked rising slapshot as Eller planted himself in the slot a few feet in front of Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. The Blues hope Eller is ready to move up to the NHL next season. "EJ's shot deflected off my elbow and into the top corner of the net," recounted Eller, still smiling. "So I really ..."
St. Louis Blues lament inconsistent play
Comment
February 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"For all of the speculation about what needs to happen for the Blues to chase down a playoff spot in the Western Conference, some folks are forgetting one important detail. The Blues haven't played like a playoff team. "That's exactly it," forward Alex Steen said. "I think we've been talking about it. But when it all comes down to it, you've got to show it. We should be relentless at proving the point that we should be in the playoffs. Last year, we showed that we were a playoff team, and then this year, for whatever reason, we just haven't gotten to that point." The Blues (25-23-9) followed up Wednesday's 3-2 win at Chicago with a 4-2 loss to San Jose on Thursday at Scottrade Center. ..."
Conklin can't get a win at home, Blues lose 4-2 to Sharks
Comment
February 5
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"For some reason, the home ice at Scottrade Center has not been kind to veteran goaltender Ty Conklin. On the road, Conklin is outstanding. At home, he can't buy a victory. Conklin dropped to 0-6 at Scottrade Thursday night as the San Jose Sharks took full advantage of Blues turnovers and the inability to make the clutch save in a 4-2 victory over St. Louis before another sellout crowd of 19,150. Devin Setoguchi's power play goal late in the second period turned out to be the game-winner as the Sharks built a 3-1 lead going into the final 20 minutes. Alex Steen cut it to 3-2 with his 13th goal at 8:39, but Scott Nichol's third goal of the year on a slapshot from the top of the right ..."
David Backes needs to get hot, stay hot for Blues
Comment
February 5
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"If the Blues are to stage a serious run at a playoff berth this season, forward David Backes figures to play an integral role. Facing without a doubt their most challenging stretch of hockey this season, the Blues opened a seven-games-in-11-nights stretch with an impressive 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks at United Center in Chicago Wednesday night. And Backes, with a little help from a few friends, was right in the thick of it, scoring a pair of goals and playing inspired hockey against one of the NHL's most formidable opponents. The tough power forward has admittedly fallen off in terms of offensive production, compared to the 31 goals he scored a year ago. But if a guy is to get hot, ..."
Sharks take bite out of the Blues
Comment
February 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"When NHL teams play on back-to-back nights, as the Blues did Wednesday and Thursday, they rarely practice the morning of the second game. Instead, the Blues used the time leading up to their game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday to talk about turnovers. As in, eliminate them. Seconds after the puck dropped Thursday, however, the Blues committed a costly turnover. San Jose turned it into a goal 21 seconds into the game, and despite a competitive game played by the Blues the rest of the night, the Sharks stayed a couple of steps ahead en route to a 4-2 victory. "Certainly not the start we wanted," Blues coach Davis Payne said. "We talked a lot this morning and a lot today about ..."
Blues pursued Kovalchuk
Comment
February 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues President John Davidson acknowledged Thursday night that the club had "legitimate interest" in trading for Ilya Kovalchuk before the star forward was dealt to New Jersey earlier in the day. "We had been working at it for the better part of the week," Davidson said. "We had great conversations with Atlanta. We talked to them about various thoughts and ideas and put (a trade proposal) together. It never came to fruition." The Devils acquired Kovalchuk from Atlanta for defenseman Johnny Oduya, rookie forward Niclas Bergfors, junior prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-round draft pick this year. Davidson said the Thrashers were asking for "a piece or two that we weren't willing to give ..."
Perron provides an assist to Haiti
Comment
February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Since David Perron logged onto Twitter, a social networking site on the Internet, the Blues winger has made himself as accessible as any athlete in town. Perron goes beyond telling fans about his daily happenings, hosting informal chats and giving away tickets to games. This week, Perron unveiled an idea that he hopes will be further reaching. In the wake of last month's devastating earthquake in Haiti, Perron has committed to donate $1 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund for every new "follower" he receives on Twitter through the remainder of February. "It's just a way to contribute to the world and help some people that really need it right now," said Perron, who is @DP_57 on Twitter. "We ..."
St. Louis Blues do it with one big period
Comment
February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues woke up Wednesday morning knowing that the next 11 days would likely make or break their season. There are seven games squeezed into those 11 days, and depending on how the club fares during its pre-Olympic stretch, management will decide to buy, sell or stand pat at the March 3 trading deadline. While the Blues had reason to wake up with some anxiety, the club earned a good night's sleep after a 3-2 victory over Chicago at United Center, where the Blackhawks owned the best home record in the NHL. "It's a good start, but it's not done," said Blues center David Backes, who scored two goals in Wednesday's win. "The next two games are just as hard, and they don't get any easier ..."
Blues do it with one big period
Comment
February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues woke up Wednesday morning knowing that the next 11 days would likely make or break their season. There are seven games squeezed into those 11 days, and depending on how the club fares during its pre-Olympic stretch, management will decide to buy, sell or stand pat at the March 3 trading deadline. While the Blues had reason to wake up with some anxiety, the club earned a good night's sleep after a 3-2 victory over Chicago at United Center, where the Blackhawks owned the best home record in the NHL. "It's a good start, but it's not done," said Blues center David Backes, who scored two goals in Wednesday's win. "The next two games are just as hard, and they don't get any easier ..."
Perron provides an assist to Haiti
Comment
February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Since David Perron logged onto Twitter, a social networking site on the Internet, the Blues winger has made himself as accessible as any athlete in town. Perron goes beyond telling fans about his daily happenings, hosting informal chats and giving away tickets to games. This week, Perron unveiled an idea that he hopes will be further reaching. In the wake of last month's devastating earthquake in Haiti, Perron has committed to donate $1 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund for every new "follower" he receives on Twitter through the remainder of February. "It's just a way to contribute to the world and help some people that really need it right now," said Perron, who is @DP_57 on Twitter. "We ..."
Niemi illness puts Huet back in goal
Comment
February 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It was obvious that something was up when the Blackhawks had no goaltender in the net at one end of the ice during Wednesday's morning skate, just a canvas target with a goalie's likeness painted on it. Rookie Antti Niemi, who was to make his first start since getting bombed for three first-period goals in a 5-1 loss at Vancouver on Jan. 23, was not feeling well, coach Joel Quenneville said. That meant Cristobal Huet would start his fourth straight game and Joe Fallon was called up from Rockford to be his backup. It was Fallon's first NHL call-up. Corey Crawford, Rockford's top goalie who lost out to Niemi in a training camp battle for the Hawks' backup job, remained with the minor ..."
Hawks cool off at home
Comment
February 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Blackhawks followed the Bulls' bad example Wednesday. They also found the first game back after a successful road trip frustrating. Both teams left the United Center when an ice show took over the building for two weeks. The Bulls made their return on Tuesday with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Hawks were no better in their return on Wednesday, losing 3-2 to the St. Louis Blues before 21,836 -- their 78th straight sellout. ''Not the game we wanted, obviously,'' said Patrick Kane, who put the Hawks ahead early. ''We didn't generate much.'' All the Hawks had to show after Kane's goal 7:40 into the game was a short-handed goal by Marian Hossa 4:16 into the third. The Blues, ..."
Fraser sits with Bolland's return for Hawks
Comment
February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"Colin Fraser became the first casualty of Dave Bolland's return to the Blackhawks. Bolland played in his first game Wednesday night since undergoing back surgery Nov. 10 when the Hawks took on the Blues at the United Center. He began the game centering the fourth line alongside wingers Ben Eager and Tomas Kopecky. That's where Fraser had been before being a healthy scratch for the first time in 2009-10. "I don't think anybody's happy when they have to watch," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "I'm sure it's disappointing (but) at the same time it doesn't necessarily always have to be him. Depth gives us a little bit more ammunition as far as our options go and creates an appetite as ..."
Blackhawks return home disappointing
Comment
February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"Someone might want to check to see if the Blackhawks' intensity is spinning around a luggage carousel somewhere in North America. In their first game since their season-long, eight-game trip, the Hawks looked like they forgot something on their return home as they fell 3-2 to the Blues on Wednesday night at the United Center. After the Hawks took the lead in the first period, the Blues reeled off three consecutive goals in the second period to hand the Hawks their second consecutive defeat and drop their home record to 21-6-1. David Backes scored two goals and Jay McClement added another against Hawks goaltender Cristobal Huet, who was pressed into service after Antti Niemi suffered an ..."
Blues face important stretch, starting against Blackhawks
Comment
February 3
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"If the line of questioning by local media types was meant to instill fear and anxiety among Blues players and coaches Tuesday, it fizzled. Our Boys of Winter weren't shaking in their skates as reporters threw phrases like "make or break" and "do or die" when referencing the seven games that await them over the next 11 days before the start of the NHL's two-week break for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The segment includes three sets of back-to-back games. The grueling stretch opens Wednesday night at United Center in Chicago against the Central Division-leading Chicago Blackhawks (37-14-4). The next night the Blues (24-22-9) return home to face the San Jose Sharks, the NHL's best team, ..."
Blues can't shy away from Chicago Blackhawks
Comment
February 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"When Davis Payne was summoned from Peoria to become coach of the Blues, the first NHL representatives to greet him were the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. They welcomed the 39-year-old newbie to the NHL party on Jan. 2 with all the propriety and social grace of a Bill Swerski Superfans meeting. The Blues were emotional that night, they were physical and purposeful. But when the horn sounded to conclude the night's activities, they also were soundly beaten 6-3 by "Da Hawks." The memory might be Payne-ful— pardon the expression — but the lesson is not lost on the Blues month-old mentor. "That game had a lot of emotion in it, but not a lot of structure and discipline," Payne said, before his ..."
Blues get short break despite lack of practice
Comment
February 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Today marks one month since Davis Payne became head coach of the Blues, and it's been a busy month. The club played 15 games in a 28-day stretch, leaving time for only three full practices. Payne has stressed the need for more practices, but with three days between the Blues' last game and their matchup Wednesday against Chicago, the team decided that rest was more important. The players were given Sunday off, and when they returned Monday, they were notified that practice was optional. Nine players were on the ice for less than an hour. The point of the optional was "making sure they took today for what they needed, whether that was a mental break or a physical break," Payne said. "I ..."
Blues coach Davis Payne took a long road to St. Louis
Comment
February 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"It was 1992 in Roanoke, Va., and the Greensboro Monarchs of the East Coast Hockey League were gathering for the first day of training camp. A slender left winger named Davis Payne had recently turned pro and figured now to be one step closer to the National Hockey League. In the same breath, he was also one step closer to respiratory trouble. "It was a spare locker room … cinder blocks and cement dust," Payne said, nearly gagging as he retold the story. Then 22, Payne remembers taking a seat next to a teammate whom he had never met. That teammate, Dan Bylsma, chuckled when reminded of the moment. "Both of us probably have vivid memories of that day," Bylsma said. "It was more of a scene ..."
Blues go from near-win to overtime loss in 13 seconds
Comment
January 31
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"It took all of 13 seconds for the Blues to go from almost celebrating an overtime victory to skating off the ice with another home defeat. After nearly winning the game on an Andy McDonald point-blank shot that was stopped on a great save by Columbus goalie Mathieu Garon, the Blues suffered another heart-breaking home loss just seconds later when Kris Russell beat goalie Chris Mason at the other end to give the Blue Jackets a 3-2 win Saturday night. The Blues, who tied the game with 1:35 left in the third on McDonald's 17th goal of the season, dropped to 8-14-5 at Scottrade Center and 7-5-3 under interim coach Davis Payne. "That seems to be the way a lot of these overtimes end," said ..."
D.J. King rejoins the Blues
Comment
January 31
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The King is back, long live the King. OK, maybe that's a bit over the top, but D. J. King is back with the Blues and anxious to play his second shift of the season. You remember King, the rambunctious 6-foot-3, 230-pound winger whose season has, to this point, gone no further than his first shift on Oct. 24 against the Dallas Stars. King immediately got into a scrap and shattered his right hand. But the long road through rehab recently took him to Peoria for five games of conditioning with the American Hockey League Rivermen. On Saturday morning, before the Blues' game with Columbus, King was on the ice at Scottrade Center in officially active capacity for the first time in more than ..."
Blues hit yet another bump
Comment
January 31
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Playing host to Columbus on Saturday at Scottrade Center, the Blues began a sinister stretch of NHL road that promises to be an operative part of their playoff aspirations. And they began the trip with a flat tire. Despite third-period dramatics from Andy McDonald, the Blues lost to the Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime in front of a sellout crowd. McDonald tied the score 2-2 with just 1:35 to play in regulation, allowing the Blues to salvage a point. But Kris Russell spoiled the excitement by scoring 1 minute, 32 seconds into OT to win it for Columbus, as the Blues' home record sagged to 9-14-5. "We've tried to think of everything and it's just not coming," goaltender Chris Mason after the ..."
Blues need win against Columbus to continue push toward playoffs
Comment
January 30
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Blues (24-22-8) return home Saturday night to host Columbus. After winning two games out of three in western Canada, they find themselves only four points out of the eighth and final playoff spot. "We desperately need wins right now," Blues defenseman Eric Brewer told the Associated Press. "We are in a long drive here. We've made up a little ground, but it seems like everyone is winning games. You have to get points every night if you want to make up any ground." The Blues proved very resourceful in their 2-1 victory over Edmonton Thursday night. Alex Steen scored his 12th goal of the season on the Blues' only shot of the period and it proved to make the difference. The loss was the ..."
Blues battle fatigue as playoff race heats up
Comment
January 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Compared to the NHL standings, a can of sardines must feel like a plush resort. In the Western Conference, teams seventh through 13th in the standings were within six points of each other before Friday's games. In the Eastern Conference, only three points separated teams sixth through 13th in the standings. With 30 or fewer games remaining in the regular season for most clubs, the intensity of the races is already heating up. The Blues were in 12th place with 56 points - four out of a playoff spot - before Friday's games. The pressure is so great on the Blues, they were lamenting a 2-1 record on this week's trip to Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton. The Blues had never swept the western ..."
Matchup: St. Louis Blues vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Comment
January 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"BLUES PREVIEW - The Blues are 3-0-1 in their past four games at Scottrade. The one loss was 4-3 in a shootout with Anaheim, which had been down 3-0 in the third period. BLUE JACKETS PREVIEW - Columbus is coming off a 4-1 loss to LA, a game many considered the Blue Jackets' worst effort of the season. The club has lost by three or more goals 13 times in 56 games this season. WHAT TO WATCH - Blues forward Paul Kariya is looking for his first goal at Scottrade since Oct. 25, 2008, a stretch of 26 home games. Kariya has 10 goals this season on the road."
Blues coach a former Oilers draft pick
Comment
January 29
Edmonton Journal
 
"St. Louis Blues coach Davis Payne was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers at the end of their heyday. He was selected 140th overall in 1989 while a freshman winger at Michigan Tech University. By his own admission, the Oilers took a flier on Davis. "I think we can all agree that in every draft, there are a few mistakes," Payne said with a laugh. He wouldn't have been the Oilers' only mistake that year. Jason Soules and Richard Borgo were the team's first two picks and neither played an NHL minute. Payne never tugged on an Oilers jersey. He couldn't attend an Oilers training camp because he would have lost his college eligibility, and Edmonton didn't sign him after his four college seasons, ..."
Oliler's O'Sullivan benched
Comment
January 29
Edmonton Journal
 
"Lap after leg-burning lap, from one end of the long rink to the other, Patrick O'Sullivan took his turn with Edmonton Oilers teammate Zack Stortini and assistant head coach Kelly Buchberger. The skate of shame preceded O'Sullivan's role as spectator for Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues. "It's embarrassing for me but that's the point of it," said O'Sullivan. "I need to be better, more consistent." O'Sullivan and Stortini were scratched while Mike Comrie and Gilbert Brule slid into the lineup. Comrie had missed the last 30 games with mononucleosis, while Brule was sick for the last seven. "I need to take the message and be better the next game I get to play," continued O'Sullivan. ..."
Blues take Oilers 2-1
Comment
January 29
Edmonton Journal
 
"Turns out it's going to take more than a jolt of energy to get the Edmonton Oilers back into the win column. Because even with the opportunistic Mike Comrie back in the lineup, right alongside the pesky Gilbert Brule, the Oilers found themselves on the losing side of the ledger. The visiting St. Louis Blues, one night after registering a 3-2 loss in Vancouver, posted a 2-1 victory on Thursday at Rexall Place, improving to 24-22-8 while leaving the Oilers with just one win to show for their last 20 games. With the loss, Edmonton equals its club-record losing streak of 12 games set in 2006-07. Edmonton, 16-30-6, is 1-16-2 since Dec. 11. They are winless in 2010, and have the snarly Flames to ..."
Blues slip past Oilers in Edmonton
Comment
January 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"These are lean days in Oil Country. The Edmonton Oilers had lost 11 games in a row and 18 of their last 19 games before Thursday's matchup with the Blues. They recently sank to 30th in the NHL standings for the first time in the organization's history. But as the Blues wrapped up a road trip that packed three games into four days, there wasn't a peep in the team's locker room about the Oilers' struggles of late. The Blues are a team in need of victories, and with 29 games left nothing could be taken for granted Thursday. In a game that could have gone either way, Alex Steen made sure his team came away with a win, scoring his 12th goal of the season early in the third period to lead the ..."
Blues aim for high road
Comment
January 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues President John Davidson said that he initially feared for the worst when he saw the way Henrik Sedin dramatically shook his wrist after being slashed by Paul Kariya in the third period Wednesday night. "I was actually worried about him," Davidson said. "I thought something bad had really happened and I didn't know what it was. I'm thinking, 'Gosh, did somebody break a wrist or break a finger? Is there going to be surgery ... what is this?'" Vancouver's Christian Ehrhoff scored on the ensuing power play, and the Canucks held on for a 3-2 victory over the Blues. After the game, Davidson was upset by the penalty against Kariya, which was made by official Chris Lee, who was furthest from ..."
Oilers lose to Blues, despite the return of Mike Comrie
Comment
January 29
Edmonton Journal
 
"Turns out it's going to take more than a jolt of energy to get the Edmonton Oilers back into the win column. Because even with the opportunistic Mike Comrie back in the lineup, right alongside the pesky Gilbert Brule, the Oilers found themselves on the losing side of the ledger. The visiting St. Louis Blues, one night after registering a 3-2 loss in Vancouver, posted a 2-1 victory on Thursday at Rexall Place, improving to 24-22-8 while leaving the Oilers with just one win to show for their last 20 games. With the loss, Edmonton equals its club-record losing streak of 12 games set in 2006-07. Edmonton, 16-30-6, is 1-16-2 since Dec. 11. More discomforting is the fact that they are still ..."
Blues' half-hearted efforts have replaced half-price tickets
Comment
January 28
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 columnist Alvin Reid
"The dismal St. Louis Blues hockey that spanned 2005-08 did result in a few bright spots. First, it led to the draft and development of several young players that might not be on the Scottrade Center ice if the team had not plummeted to the bottom of the NHL hierarchy. Second, new owner Dave Checketts and team president John Davidson knew that the team had to re-connect with its fan base. Thousands of empty seats had to be filled and the team was forced to spark interest in whatever ways possible. After first making the unwise decision of raising ticket prices, the Blues organization made a brilliant move. It not only cut the price on some seats, it also promoted half-price ticket nights ..."
St. Louis Blues formula fails to stop Canucks
Comment
January 28
Vancouver Sun
 columnist Cam Cole
"The game turned on a curious piece of business, more or less erasing the last whisper of suspicion that there might be leftover hard feelings in the refereeing community over the Alex Burrows-Stephane Auger two-step. Midway through the third period of a 2-2 game, slashed on the hands by St. Louis's Paul Kariya in the circle to Roberto Luongo's left, Henrik Sedin shook his injured paw and simply skated away from the puck, leaving it in the lap of the gods, or to whomever might recover it – and more curiously, trusting that the officials would see the slash, and call it, before the Blues could make a scoring chance out of the abandoned biscuit. A crazy gamble, no? In these uncertain times? ..."
Backes returns to lineup
Comment
January 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The "Porsche" is back on the road. After missing three games with an upper-body injury, Blues forward David Backes returned to the lineup Wednesday night against Vancouver. Two summers ago, when Vancouver tried to trade for Backes, Blues President John Davidson claimed the Canucks' offer "was like a Volkswagon for a Porsche." Days later the Canucks signed Backes, then a restricted free agent, to a three-year, $7.5 million offer sheet, but the Blues quickly matched it. Apparently, Vancouver's infatuation with Backes hasn't died down. Once again this week, he was the most sought-after player in the Blues' locker room by the local media. The conversation centered on recent rumors that the ..."
Canucks fend off Blues at GM Place
Comment
January 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Vancouver Canucks welcomed the Blues on Wednesday night for their going-away party. The Canucks, who own the best home record in the NHL, were playing their final game at GM Place before Olympic officials took control of the arena for the upcoming Winter Games. Their next 14 games — before and after the break — will be on the road. The Blues were bidding to become the first team this season to win twice on Vancouver's home ice, but two goals from Mason Raymond and a power-play goal by Christian Ehrhoff lifted the Canucks to a 3-2 victory. Ehrhoff scored his 11th goal of the season with 7 minutes, 48 seconds left, helping extend Vancouver's winning streak to six games and improving its ..."
St. Louis still adjusting after switch to left side
Comment
January 28
Tampa Tribune
 
"Imagine suddenly having to drive a car with the steering wheel on the opposite side. That's about what Marty St. Louis has been doing for the past three weeks playing left wing. St. Louis said the adjustment from right wing is a "work in progress," but the five-time All-Star and former Hart Memorial Trophy winner has fared well. "Since he's been on the left side, he's (been) blazing through the neutral zone," Coach Rick Tocchet said Wednesday. "He must have drawn five penalties going through the neutral zone because he's got the speed." Tocchet made the move because he likes St. Louis' lefty forehand on the left side and because Steve Downie, who was moved up to play with St. Louis and ..."
Blues advise Canucks to back off on Backes
Comment
January 27
Vancouver Sun
 
"While the talk sounded good to Vancouver Canucks fans — David Backes maybe coming to the Left Coast in a trade — it didn't impress St. Louis Blues president John Davidson. "We have no interest in that," Davidson stated Tuesday while his Blues went through an optional workout at GM Place. "David Backes is a Blue, simply put. He's a very important player for us. He's a legitimate, genuine power forward who can play the wing, or centre ice. He can score and he's powerful enough to play in the face of people, which you need. "We plan on making the playoffs," Davidson added. "So we're not going to take our team and speculate that we're going to move people or anything like that because we have ..."
Blues' T.J. Oshie thrives as middle man
Comment
January 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"In nearly 24 minutes of ice time Monday in Calgary, the Blues' T.J. Oshie had no goals, no assists, and didn't even register a shot on goal. He also lost seven of his 13 face-off attempts. And yet ... "He was the best player on the ice — for both teams," Blues President John Davidson said. "It's very interesting how a player that doesn't get a goal or an assist can have as much of an impact on the game. That was really good to watch." Davidson took in the Blues' 2-0 victory over the Flames from the press box. The view from the team's bench, though, wasn't any different. "Oshie's game last night, without getting on the score sheet, is probably as effective a game as you can draw up," Blues ..."
Blues win bruising battle in Calgary
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January 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"With Calgary on a six-game losing streak and returning from three days off, the Blues wanted to jump on the Flames early Monday night. The Blues did score the first goal of the game, but it didn't come until the teams had combined for 37 shots. In fact, Cam Janssen had dirtied his knuckles twice Monday before Patrik Berglund gave the visitors the lead with 1 minute, 18 seconds left in the second period. Two nights after blowing another three-goal lead at Scottrade Center, the Blues protected their smaller third-period advantage and galloped out of the Saddledome with a much-needed 2-0 victory over the Flames. David Perron added his 15th goal of the season with 8:39 left in regulation, and ..."
Keith Tkachuk remains effective for St. Louis Blues
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January 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues played their 11th game in the last 20 days against Calgary on Monday night. After having today off, the club will play three games in the next four days. "It's a grind," said veteran Keith Tkachuk, who will turn 38 in March. "It's just one of those schedules. All of these games are congested. You've just got to take care of yourself." A reduced role this season has allowed Tkachuk to preserve his aging bones. He is averaging 14 minutes, 6 seconds of ice time, a dropoff from 16:58 last season. Most of those minutes have come on the fourth line, where his offensive responsibilities aren't as demanding. Still, Tkachuk has managed 11 goals, which tied him for third on the club going ..."
Blues recall defenseman Tyson Strachan from Peoria before trip
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January 25
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Blues Sunday recalled defenseman Tyson Strachan from their American Hockey League affiliate in Peoria. Strachan, 25, has played in 31 games this season with Peoria, collecting 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) along with 48 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound defenseman has also played in six games for the Blues this season, recording two assists and four penalty minutes. Strachan made his National Hockey League debut with the Blues last season and has played in a total of 36 NHL games, notching five assists and 43 penalty minutes."
Blues baffled by their failure to hold a lead
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January 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"When the Blues coughed up another third-period lead Saturday night against Anaheim, some jokers suggested that the club should fire Andy Murray. Murray was dismissed Jan. 2 in part because of the Blues' third-period collapses, including two blown 3-0 leads at Scottrade Center. Under new coach Davis Payne, the Blues have shown steady improvement in several areas, including their play in the third period, but Saturday the club suffered a relapse. Three's were wild against the Ducks, who climbed back from a 3-0 deficit and tied the score 3-3 against the Blues with 30 seconds remaining, then prevailed 4-3 in the shootout. "We had taken some steps the last half dozen games," Blues center Andy ..."
Ducks storm back to beat Blues
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January 24
Orange County Register
 
"Shocking wouldn't begin to describe how the Ducks stole a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues, or the manner that ultimately capped a remarkable comeback Saturday night. Even the reason James Wisniewski gave for his decisive shootout goal was as far-fetched as the defenseman being called upon by Coach Randy Carlyle for his first-ever attempt when it reached the seventh round. How did he deke Blues goalie Chris Mason with a nifty fake to his backhand before pulling the puck back to his forehand? Baby powder. "My gloves get real sticky when they start getting wet so they don't slide on my stick," Wisniewski said. "Right before the shootout, I told Sluggo (equipment manager Doug Shearer) ..."
Oshie moves to center on line with Kariya, Boyes
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January 24
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"In the heat of Thursday night's 3-2 Blues loss in Ottawa, Coach Davis Payne jumbled his lines in the third period in an effort to get his team going. One of those line combinations resulted in the shift of talented forward T.J. Oshie from right wing to center on a line between veterans Paul Kariya on the left side and Brad Boyes on the right. The combo played together for about four shifts in that third period, which, coincidentally was the Blues' best of the game. To that end, Oshie was back in the pivot for Saturday's morning skate between Kariya and Boyes, a combination Payne was hopeful could pick up right where it left off. "Certainly a lot of skill out there," said Payne. "Osh's ..."