Tag Archive for St. Louis Blues

NHL Season Starts with Shock and Awe

January 20, 2013 General, NHL, NHL opener One comment
Vladimir Tarasenko (Photo Credit: AP)

Vladimir Tarasenko (Photo Credit: AP)

The day arrived more than fashionably late, but the start of the 2013 NHL season thrilled and disappointed fans equally. Despite many players playing in the AHL or KHL during the lockout, plenty of rusty blades were painfully evident. However, it was a handful of veterans and rookies that made the day memorable.

The shock…

  • St Louis clipped Detroit’s wings with the solo shutout of the day. It was a shutout and a slap in the face as the Blues won 6-0. Jaroslav Halak earned his first shutout of the season by stopping a mere 14 shots. Chris Stewart and Tarasenko each claimed an impressive two goals.
  • Cory Schneider allowed five goals on 14 shots in 26 minutes and was relieved by the controversial Roberto Luongo. Luongo allowed two goals on 12 shots in Anaheim’s 7-3 win.
  • Puck Daddy predicted the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Southeast division, but the team had a lackluster performance despite the addition of Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin. Old Faithful Cam Ward allowed four goals in 20 minutes. Dan Ellis replaced Ward in the net going into the second period, but the Canes went on to lose 5-1 to the Florida Panthers. Read more

Part 2: 2011-12 NHL Goalie Mask Rankings

July 1, 2012 General No comments

Pekka Rinne's mask. Copyright Dave Art via I love Goalies

While the hockey world goes into a free agency frenzy, I’m floating in the pool researching the remaining NHL goalie masks for my 2011-12 rankings. If you missed the first 15 teams, click here. It’s not that I’m not interested in the Parise or Suter rumors, I’m just a roll with the punches (or trades) kinda girl. Plus, art and poolside go together better than salary caps and poolside.

Why the obsession with tendy art? I love tattoos and creating art for your mask is a similar venture. It represents you. It’s an artistic reflection of your personality, and in this case, your game. And I’m a previous art major nerd.

Thanks again to I Love Goalies and InGoal Magazine for their great articles and pictures. Let’s pick up where we left off.. (click on the header for photos and details)

Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne by David Gunnarsson, Score: 5

The art, colors, and Predator theme are awesomely rolled into one killer (no pun intended) mask. It does help it is on Vezina Trophy nominee, Mr. Rinne.

New Jersey Devils: Martin Brodeur by Sylvie Poitras, Score 3

Usually less is more in my book, but Marty’s art leaves me longing for a bit more. I can appreciate it more when I see detailed photos, but a great mask should look great from the crowd and on TV.   Read more

Speaking of Leprechauns…Slainte to NHL Shorties

March 17, 2012 Puck by Numbers No comments

A man amongst boys, Nathan Gerbe. Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

Who is the shortest goalie in the league? Captain? Team? Don’t know?! Well, I’m gonna tell you…

On this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise our green beer and toast the NHL’s most vertically challenged.  These players prove size truly doesn’t matter, so don’t go thinking I’m disrespecting the boys. Just drink your Guinness and check out the below fun facts. To be considered a shorty, the guys have to be under 5’11”.

Overall Shortest Team:

  • Nashville claims the most guys at 5’10” or under for the Western Conference with five. Francis Bouillon takes the title at 5’8”.
  • The Buffalo Sabres take the littlest cake in the East with four players meeting the above criteria. Philadelphia also has four, but Nathan Gerbe’s 5’5” stature seals Buffalo’s fate in the Eastern Conference. Read more

Puck by Numbers

March 15, 2012 Puck by Numbers No comments

Red hot Ilya Bryzgalov (Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatieri - Getty Images)

The NHL will host eight games Thursday evening and here’s a quick and interesting look at each matchup based on some fun numbers.

Avalanche vs Devils (7pm EST)

  • These 2 teams will be meeting for the 2nd and final time this season.
  • New Jersey has played in 2 less games than Colorado (70-72), but have 2 more victories this season than the Avalanche (40-38).
  • Colorado’s Steve Downie, Milan Hejduk, and Kyle Quincey (2 helpers) each have 2 points in the previous contest. Ryan O’Reilly is the only Avs’ player to boast more with three points. Read more