ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Blues might not be tearing up the NHL like they were at the end of last season, but they are still proving that last seasons run was no fluke. Paul Kariya has bounced back nicely from injuries and Keith Tkachuk is off to a strong start in the first 7 games of the season. Today we do our weekly review of the St. Louis Blues for the week of: October 18, 2009 Schedule Results of the Past Week: October 15, 2009 (in Phoenix, Arizona) Phoenix 3, Blues 2 OT (2-2-1) Scoring – 1st Period (None) 2nd Period STL – David Backes 1, assisted by: Carlo Colaiacovo and Tyson Strachan PHX – Shane Doan 1, assisted by: Adrian Aucoin and Ed Jovanovski STL – Paul Kariya 3, assisted by: none 3rd Period PHX – Scott Upshall 1, assisted by: Matthew Lombardi and Peter Mueller Overtime Scoring PHX – Ed Jovanovski, assisted by: Vernon Fiddler and Zbynek Michalek Goalies StL – Chris Mason (L, 31/34) PHX – Ilya Bryzgolav (W, 22/24) October 17, 2009 (in Anaheim, California) Blues 5, Anaheim 0 (3-2-1) Scoring – 1st Period STL – Patrik Berglund 2, assisted by: T.J. Oshie and Erik Johnson 2nd Period STL – Carlo Colaiacovo 1, assisted by: Brad Boyes and Andy McDonald STL – Andy McDonald 2, assisted by: Erik Johnson and David Backes 3rd Period STL – Andy McDonald 3, assisted by: Brad Boyes and Erik Johnson STL – T.J. Oshie 1, assisted by: Keith Tkachuk Goalies StL – Ty Conklin (W, 26/26) ANA – Jean-Sebastian Giguere (18/20), Jonas Hiller (L, 9/12) Upcoming Weeks Schedule: October 20, 2009 at Pittsburgh October 23, 2009 vs. Minnesota in St. Louis, Missouri October 24, 2009 vs. Dallas in St. Louis, Missouri Team News: After a successful trip to Sweden and a disappointing home stand, the Blues looked to regain their composure this week as they end their three game road trip in Pittsburgh to face the red hot Penguins. The Blues will then return home to host Minnesota and Dallas. The Wild are one of the worst teams in the league winning one of seven games to open the season. While Dallas had a poor showing last year, the Stars have returned to their place this season as one of the Western Conference’s top teams. With two heavy weights on this week’s schedule, the Blues will be required to face the team without Barret Jackman and Alexander Steen. Jackman will be sidelined for a short while with what appears to be a minor ankle sprain. In a recent edition of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Jackman noted that while he would not travel to Pittsburgh he would attempt to participate in the morning skate on Wednesday following the teams return. Jackman’s loss will be felt by a team who ranks towards the top with one of the stingiest goals allowed per game. Despite his absence the good news for the team may be that young players will be given an opportunity to prove their worth at the major level. Alexander Steen will be lost for up to two months as he suffers from a fractured wrist sustained on October 15th against Phoenix. The 25 year old center is expected to return in six to eight weeks. Quote of the Week: From Head Coach Andy Murray in the St. Louis Post Dispatch: “The two goalies we have, from what we’ve seen, are going to give us a chance to win. So long as we do our part, they’ll hold us there.” You may contact the author at: John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com
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