11) Mysterious brown substance found all over ice at Scottrade Center

10) Local sports venue boasts record alcohol sales

9) Hockey coach reportedly to open forbidden door

8) Defensemen surprised to learn game started at 8:00

7) "Long time" King fans happy with team effort

6) Mike Crombeen apparently not ready to stop playing

5) Cowboy ominously claims "Effort better improve"

4) Satan happy with contract he signed with LA goalie

3) Darryl Sutter states "Japan should have done better job of avoiding tsunami"

2) Red Wings and Blackhawks still out of the playoffs

1) Bob Plager threatens regicide

I know we are very pissed right now about last night. We played poorly for two periods, had some bad luck with high sticking, and one of our best players got hurt in a play that should have resulted in a much stiffer penalty. But right now we all need to take a deep breath and calm the fuck down. We are whining and complaining enough that we are starting to sound like Red Wing and Blackhawk fans, and we are much better than that. If there is one thing this Blues teams has done all year, its deal with adversity. Perron started out not playing, we adjusted. McDonald got a concussion early this year, we picked up the slack. Steen missed time, we found ways to win. Halak went out in the first round, Elliot transformed from great goalie to brick wall. If Petro has to miss some time it will suck, he is a talented kid. But unlike fans of some other Central teams, we need to focus on making sure this team knows that we are behind them and we will put our focus and energy on supporting them in the next game instead of talking about a missed call and dirty hit. Hitch will not allow the players to focus on what happened to Petro last night, but instead what happened the rest of the game which was we played very poorly for long stretches. We got outworked last night, and I think that will end up hurting the Blues players more than losing Petro because this team's M.O. all year has been we never get outworked. If Petro is out we will survive, if he isn't he will lead us to victory. If you are going to the game Tuesday make sure you don't sit on your hands like last night's crowd. Players have said this crowd can give them wins because they are so energetic. Let's start with game 2 and give them some momentum for the trip west.

Take a deep breath, trust Hitch, and lets go BLUUUUUESSSS!!!!

A friend of mine gave me some Blues tickets for my birthday for the Columbus Day game, but he did not realize it was a day game.  This means unfortunately I can't use the tickets.  He sent me the PDF so I can list them on Stub Hub, but I have never sold tickets via them before and I am paranoid on how well this will work.  The thing I am most worried about is the person who buys them might not be able to use the tickets because even though he forwarded me the original PDF from ticketmaster, it has his name on the top not mine.  Has anyone here been in a similar situation with stub hub or used them before?  Let me know if I have anything to worry about.

A buddy of mine is stuck working on Saturday and is looking for a webcast of the Iowa vs. Eastern Illinois football game (yes I know its a cupcake game).  I also know that you guys seem able to find a webcast of every blues game no matter what.  Can someone point me in the right direction for finding a live video feed for this game?  I only seem to be able to find audio feeds.  Thanks for the help, and fuck Detroit.

11) We smell what Halak is cookin

10) The Berenson Cowboy?  Better than losers in green suits

9) Our young stars aren’t dumb enough to get stuck on ladders

8) Name dropping T.J. Oshie might totally get you laid

7) We can’t promise a cup, but Cam Janssen might kill a Blackhawk this year

6) Hey kids we got rid of that creepy guy that flew around on the glider

5) This will probably be your last chance to get in some one-liners on Eric Brewer

4) Brett Hull? We fucking love that guy

3) Cuz no one parties like JD

2) Louie has vowed to kneecap the Cotton Eyed Joe guy and push Towel Guy at some point this year

1) If you don’t come to games, Bob Plager will officially make Wednesdays “Hip check a punk ass day” at your work

Feel free to add to this

6. Dress up and talk like the Swedish Chef

5. Two words: Poison Darts

4. Dress like Lion fans (maybe there's a carry over effect for all Detroit teams)

3. Anytime Kariya is on the ice make a lot of noise in the hopes of waking him up

2. Encourage Louie to shove his junk in Zetterberg's face

1.  Remind the team that they are the Blues and have already beaten Team Fuckwad twice this year

I usually reside at the St. Louis Game Time page, but I figured I would bring this opportunity to you since we have a common enemy.  Over on the ESPN America page (that's ESPN for Brits) they currently have a vote up for which game to air live on Friday November 27th.  The two choices are Canes/Thrashers or Red WIngs/Flames.  We over at Game Time have been voting tirelessly to get the vote swung in favor of the non-Detroit game, but the deficit is quite large so we are looking for some help.  You see we feel no Detroit fan should be happy and enjoy themselves, even if they live in the UK.  Therefore here is the link, go to the page, vote early and vote often. 

I tend to reside on the St. Louis Game Time page, and over there we take our hate for the Red Wings seriously.  With that in mind I present an opportunity for you.  Over at the ESPN America site (basically ESPN for Brits) there is a vote up for which game to air live on Friday night November 27th.  The choices are Carolina vs. Atlanta or Detroit vs. Calgary.  Currently the Detroit vs. Calgary match-up is way ahead, however the folks at the Game Time page have been voting for the Carolina/Atlanta game because even though it doesn't effect us at all, we do not want any Detroit fans to get what they want (even ones that live in the UK).  I believe most Edmonton fans feel the same way about Calgary fans.  Therefore, I will provide for you the link to the website in hopes you will join us in ensuring neither Detroit or Calgary fans get what they want.  Vote early, vote often...here's the link

I will be the first person to say it though I can't possibly be the first person to think it....the power play dance is a fucking curse.  I have no idea what kinda of voodoo shit has been invoked when scores of people do this thing, but it is angering someone up above.  Think about it, when did the dance really start catching on?  The end of the regular season last year and it blew up in the playoffs.  It continues to grow in popularity this year.  Now lets look at how our power play performed during that time.  Our power play has been damn near non-existent.  We need to put an end to this right now, and that means when you are at your next game it is your responsibility to do whatever it takes to stop this dance from occurring.  Also, if you know anything about anti voodoo dances get to work on fixing the damage already done.

I got this in an email from the Blues:

Watch the Blue vs. Gold Scrimmage Live at stlouisblues.com

Can't attend the Blue vs. Gold Scrimmage at St. Louis Mills on Saturday?

Watch the game live on stlouisblues.com beginning at 11 a.m. on July 11.

Blues broadcasters John Kelly and Bernie Federko will provide play-by-play and analysis from the Ice Zone at St. Louis Mills.

T.J. Oshie joins first round selections Ian Cole (2007), Lars Eller (2007) and Alex Pietrangelo (2008) in the game. Other players participating include Jake Allen, Philip McRae, Aaron Palushaj, and Brett Sonne.

11. I am so sick of Little Caesar's

10. Hossa went where?!  Well he is known for making good career decisions

9. But if we re-sign Chelios, we would save money on hotel and food expenses because of his AARP discount

8. We lost Conklin?  Someone get me Hasek's number

7. I would run out and pick up snacks, but I forgot my flak jacket

6. Mr. Ilitch, satan is on line 1, something about a deal?

5. Someone tell Henrik to stop having his copy of Diving Scumbag Monthly delivered here

4. Before I call his agent I've gotta do my daily routine of kicking a baby and eating a live puppy

3. Before you offer him a contract think.....what would Hitler do?

2. Unplug the phones for the next half hour, Dora's on

1.  Sure he has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer, but what will his attitude be at the glory hole?

The Legend: Maxime Talbot

The Scenario: Game 7 of the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup Finals

The Accomplishment:  Outscoring Detroit to ensure they do not win the Stanley Cup

When the Wings won game 5 via shutout, most people thought the Pens were DOA.  Crosby and Malkin were not doing much, and the Wings were a damn talented team.  Pitt won game 6 not surprisingly since it was at home, but game 7 was in Detroit, and they were very good on home ice.  Cue Maxime Talbot.  His first goal, the direct result of a misplayed puck beat Osgood five hole to put Pitt up 1-0.  The second was a thing of beauty.  A laser beam that went top shelf over the "Hall of Fame*coughyeahrightcough*" bound Chris Osgood to put Pitt up 2-0.  They would win the game 2-1.

The best part of this whole scenario is the story of Marianne (oh yes I did go there) Hossa.  Last season he left the team that finished runner-up in the cup finals to play for the team that won the cup, his reasoning being he had a better chance to win a cup with Detroit than with Pittsburgh.  Does this remind you of anyone?  Like for example a front-running, band wagon jumping hockey fan (from let's say Detroit)?  You literally had a guy leave a good team for the team that just won.  If that isn't ironic for 3/4ths of all Detroit fans after 1996 I don't know what is. The best part is he was worthless in the finals, a fact that may have been overlooked if not for Maxime Talbot.

So I salute you Mr. Talbot, for not only ensuring the cup did not return to Detroit (other than for them to have it rubbed in their faces last night) but for also ensuring bandwagon fans and bandwagon players get their comeuppance.

Fine I'll do it.  If you have any casual fans you know, if you have any non-hockey fans you know...call them up, do everything you can to get them to watch this game.  If these two teams play anything like they did in the first 6 games it will be something special to see.  If that doesn't get fans into hockey I don't know what will (especially compared with a cards/pirates game).  Predictions are welcome and will be mocked later

Remember around January, when St. Louis Game Time had an article up abut fan tanking?  The article basically asked whether or not it is appropriate when your team is terrible to hope for your team to lose games so they get a great draft pick.  This question was of course brought on because the Blues were last in the West and John Tavares was turning heads.  Game Time basically came down on the side that it is never right to hope for your team to lose and we would cheer for victories every night until the bitter end.

Then last night happened.  This proves that there is always hope no matter how bleak the season may seem.  You never hope for losses because you just never know when the magic is in the air and the team discovers that they are pretty damn good after all.  Enjoy the win everyone, I cannot wait to watch game 1 of the first round and even though I go to work at 6 AM, I will be up as late as it takes even if it means minimal sleep due to west coast games.  There will be haters and smart asses out there that will try to bring you down because they have no idea how awesome we are all feeling.  So when you say "We won" and they sarcastically say "I didn't know you played for them, what did you do?" Simply replied "I believed"

-You pass up the nachos with jalapenos for toast points with caviar

-The biggest check you see at a home game is handed to a local charity

-Instead of a horn guy you have a string quartet

-You wonder why you haven't seen that Gretzky fellow all game

-You're not quite sure what a "playoffs" is

-Goal horn?  Scares the hell out of your chihuahua

-Think fighting is barbaric and think the matter would best be decided via a discussion over a nice spot of tea

-You think the logo the 2nd grader drew for your third jersey is cutting edge art

-Wish the team would reconsider changing their name to the Foppish Dandys

-You actually think you have a chance beating the Blues tomorrow night

In this little corner of the internet where the easily offended dare not tread, we have been swept up in a playoff race in which the Blues find themselves involved.  While the possibility of the playoffs looms large, it will be a difficult and taxing endeavor to make them considering the NHL feels it necessary to send the Blues on the road for the majority of the final 20 every year.  While I know the team is going to be working, fighting, and scratching to get into the playoffs I put this question to the fans, “What do you want to see happen?”  As I see it, there are pretty much four scenarios that will play out at the end of the year, but only one of which I want to see. 

Scenario #1 is the Blues fall off the edge and they lose a lot in the final couple weeks.  While we have seen this happen before, something about this bunch of kids leads me to believe that this is the most unlikely of the four  scenarios.  They seem to work too hard and they are always in the game near the end (except for a recent game against (fuck) Detroit).    

Scenario #2 ties into scenario #1, this being the Blues play tough and just fall short of the playoffs.  There are some out there that would prefer to see this happen as many think we will not fare well in the playoffs against one of the two juggernauts in the West, and barely missing the playoffs may make a young team even hungrier next year.  This may inspire them to come out charging like the four horseman leaving destruction in their wake as they take on the Western conference next year.  While that sort of imagery seems appealing for next year, I dare say that most on the boards would prefer the Blues to have a shot at the ultimate prize this year.  After all not many teams are playing better since mid January as the stats would indicate.

This brings us to scenario #3, the Blues play the Sharks in the first round of the playoffs.  I will preface this by saying that the guys from “Fear the Fin” are quality people that seem to understand what being a hockey fan is all about.  They love their team, do not act like asshats, and are generally likeable.  The San Jose Sharks however are the team that knocked the Blues out of the playoffs after they had just won the President’s cup and giving them a receipt for that does have a certain appeal.  There is also the fact that, being 2-1-1 against the Sharks, the Blues have had some success so there may be more confidence against them since they know they can beat them (although the Sharks also have a 2-1-1 record against the Blues.)  However, my vote is going to scenario #4.

Scenario #4 is the Blues face off against the Red Wings in the first round.  You may ask, “Why the hell would you want to play a team that has dominated the Blues this year?”  My reasoning is simple.  I want the Blues to prove to themselves and the rest of the NHL that they are no longer afraid of the Red Wings.  As a Blues fan I am begging for this scenario.  Do I think we can beat them?  The task is daunting but not impossible.  The mountain is treacherous, but climbable.  The Red Wings are a very good team.  As much as it pains me to type that sentence, it is the truth.  They have talent, they can score, and they are just flat out good.  However, the Blues can be a very tough opponent when they are on their game.  They may lose the series, but if they play hard and win a few games, even if they lose the series, this would inspire a lot of confidence for the next season knowing that they can go up to the bully, take their best shot, and punch them right back in the face.  If the Blues manage to play as good as they are capable and beat the Wings, how good will it feel to know that we just KO’d the champ and made them have to spend more time in Detroit than they had planned to this summer.

So I ask the Blues fans, what do you want to see happen.  I know I am hoping and praying for Detroit.  I ask the hockey gods to please give the Blues Detroit and let them show the rest of the NHL how scary the boys at 14th and Brett Hull Way can be.

11. If you like rape and murder, welcome home!

10. Major corporations available for $20 OBO

9.  I'd turn the fuck around if I were you

8.  If you can read this your wallet was just stolen

7.  Home to the country's only minor league football team

6.  More suck per capita than any other city in the U.S.

5.  Our pitcher's still can't throw anyone out

4.  Still your best chance to get hepatitis

3.  Hey remember Motown?  That was great right?  RIGHT?!

2.  We love our sports teams no matter what (as long as they are winning)

1. Because God needed to take a shit

-Apparently Chicago has a very accepting front office as they seem to have an awfully high number of homosexuals playing for their team

-In the time since Joel Quennville left St. Louis, he has done unspeakable acts to children

-All it takes to score on a power play is to constantly shoot the puck even if someone is in front of you (apparantly time/space rips and the puck will phase through defenders)

-The economic crisis must be hitting Chicago hard as I was told many of their fans are unemployed and have had to resort to giving fellatio and performing acts of sodomy for money

-All of the Blues current troubles can be solved by Cam Janssen playing more

-Patrick Kane's parents attempted to abort him as a child but he survived

-Jonathon Toews was apparantly born a mutated flipper baby

-The Blues have lost the last couple games before last night because they didn't finish their checks

-All children who are Blackhawks fans apparantly live with abusive parents in trailer homes

-The NHL does not discriminate against the blind as they employ several blind persons to officiate their games

-Bill Wirtz is a meth addict who acquired the team through a deal with satan which causes him to now have no soul

I just picked up a Blues home (at the time this means white) 1995-1998 era jersey (the clown jersey era, but luckily the home version I kinda liked) off of ebay.  I am wanting to get a name and number on it, but Johnny Mac's and Total Hockey were a little ridiculous for pricing (50 for JMacs, which isn't bad, and 80 for total hockey which is almost twice what I paid for the jersey).  My first question is does anyone know of any place that does good work that is a little cheaper than the two options I mentioned (I do want a good job done on this so if that means paying 50 then so be it).  I actually have two jerseys to get numbered/lettered as I also recently picked up a road noridiques jersey off ebay which I am wanting to get poppa stastny's name and number put on.

My second question is, I am going back and forth with who to get on my Blues jersey.  I wanted to stay away from the common ones like Hull, Shanahan, MacInnis, and Twist.  I was thinking of Tikkanen or Geoff Courtnall, but am not sure so I wanted to get other people's opinions.

I think everyone here can agree nothing there isn't many things more fun then going to a hockey game.  Since I have become a season ticket holder (307 represent), I have become even more of a Blues fan then I was before (didn't realize its possible).  That being said, I have never made the trek out to Peoria to watch the future Blues play (although this year what's the point since they are all playing here anyways).  I propose a road trip for all game time readers and web site visitors so we can bring our brand of hockey fandom to Peoria and show the youngens what they have in store for them (for example we can let young players know that if someone is trying to steal their spotlight by counting and throwing shit in the audience then we will advocate his suicide). 

Looking at the Blues schedule and the Peoria schedule, there are not too many weekends  where the Blues are either away or not playing when Peoria is home.  The next opportunity is Feb 14th, but since everyone will be trying to get laid (Cam Janssen is already got his chloroform and GHB order in I'm sure) I figure many people will pass.  The next day is March 7th, but the Blues are playing that night (in Florida).  That leaves Saturday April 11th against Grand Rapids. 

This game is intriguing since its near the end of the season anyways.  And of course Grand Rapids is the AHL affiliate of the (fuck) Detroit Red Wings.  I already know a few people that would be interested in going, but if there is a bunch of people wanting to go perhaps we can get a nice group rate or something.  Post your interest here.

Ticket prices are $20 for lower bowl, $15 for upper bowl, but if we can get 20 people they drop to $18 and $13 respectively.