GDT #1: 1/19/13 > Blues vs Wings > 7:00 PM > FSMW/KMOX

[dmiles2186]

Just so happens I'm up late enough to do the first GDT thread of the year and keep my streak from last year alive. Let's get some chatter, peeps. It's motherfrankin' GAME DAY BISHES!

RED WINGS (0-0-0) at BLUES (0-0-0)
TV: FS-D, FS-MW

Season series: This is the first meeting of the season between Detroit and St. Louis.

Big story: After months of waiting, the Blues will finally begin the defense of their first Central Division title in 12 years. Detroit's night might be even more dramatic, however, as the Wings play their first game of the post-Lidstrom era.

Team Scope:

Red Wings: Many teams made dramatic personnel moves this offseason that significantly altered their rosters. But few teams in the League have to deal with as difficult a transition as the Wings, who for the first time in 22 years will be playing without future-Hall-of-Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom announced his retirement this offseason and while Detroit, owner of the NHL's longest string of postseason appearances, still returns with a talented, deep and experienced lineup, it's hard to imagine there won't be a void in the locker room -- to say nothing of on the blue line -- that must be filled.

Henrik Zetterberg will be tasked with replacing Lidstrom's leadership, having been named the Wings' captain earlier this week, but Detroit is lucky that Cup-winning veterans like Pavel Datsyuk, Daniel Cleary and Johan Franzen will also be there to grease the Winged Wheels. As for the defense corps, replacing Lidstrom is likely an impossibly tall order, but Detroit did sign Carlo Colaiacovo away from St. Louis in September to bolster its back end, a move that could pay immediate dividends Saturday night.

Blues: St. Louis has waited a long time to raise another banner at Scottrade Center, but 12 years after the Blues won the franchise's only Presidents' Trophy, they will have a 2011-12 Central Division champions banner to keep it company. The task of getting another banner for 2012-13 -- or even a banner of greater significance -- will be a considerable challenge in the loaded Central Division, but St. Louis believes it has the pieces in place.

The Blues' top six scorers from last season are all returning, including potent defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk, and St. Louis still has 2012 Jennings Trophy winners Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott in net, which means the ingredients are there for another division-title run. That potential run, however, despite the void Detroit has to fill on defense, will face a stiff test on opening night.

Injury report: Detroit is already facing setbacks on the injury front. Darren Helm (back) is not expected to play Saturday while Mikael Samuelsson (groin) is doubtful and Colaiacovo (shoulder) is questionable for his first potential reunion with his former team.

Additional Notes: Opening Night will feature live music from Paint the Earth beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Scottrade Center atrium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. to enjoy the pre-game show and player introductions. All fans in attendance will receive a Rally Towel courtesy of Enterprise. In addition, all fans will receive a coupon good for a FREE 12 oz. Pepsi and a buy one / get one free hot dog. Fans will also receive a coupon good for $10 off a $50 purchase at Famous Footwear locations.

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[cprice12]

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[cprice12]

Guess what is back in the building?
Per a Chris Kerber tweet... The old organ from the Arena. Now at Scottrade.

[AlsWoodenStick]

I just got a big freaking grin on my face reading the preview. I'm lucky enough to be there tomorrow, but I'm going to be an hour late . Real hockey is back, and the Wings still suck.

[cprice12]

Schwartz and Tarasenko (duh) in the lineup tonight.

Good stuff.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the 3rd line... McDonald - Steen - Tarasenko

[cprice12]

Michigan fans...singing "when the blues go marching in".

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Weird.

[STLADOGG]

Let's goooooo BBLLLLLLUUUUUUEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
(in The Rock's voice): Finally the NHL has come BACK to St. Louis!!
We win 3-2

[Oaklandblue]

Wait Wait Wait

*clip*

As for the defense corps, replacing Lidstrom is likely an impossibly tall order, but Detroit did sign Carlo Colaiacovo away from St. Louis in September to bolster its back end, a move that could pay immediate dividends Saturday night.

*clip*

COLA IS THE WINGS SAVIOR?!

It's official, this is OUR YEAR!

[Jaykay]

So as I Blues-Fan I hate Detroit as much as everyone here. Now Detroit signed my personal swiss-hate-player, who is just, well you'll see, I just hate him.

So, I need:

- Blues win 5-1
- Do we have a D-Man who can run over Brunner? Swiss league is not very physical, so this would be a nice warm "welcome" to the NHL.

[glen a richter]

Blues 5, Wings 1

#91 with 3

We're winning the Cup this year!

[sseagle]

I've already got a semi... and I might bathe on the weekend?

FLASHCHAT!

[APOD]

DVR is set so I can watch.



2-4 Blues win Perron nets 1st goal and the empty netter, Osh, petro or backes scores 2nd goal, Tank scores his first goal early in the 3rd.

[philco_3]

Wings 5-2. Lidstrom assists on Cola's first 2 of the season...oh wait...

[fargoblues]

My hate for these faggot Red Wings. It has returned.

Lets.

Go.

BLUES.


Note 3
Ghey 1

[ReelBluesFan887]

Blues 4

Red Wings 2

Teh hookeyz is back!

[Kreegz2]

Hockey? Am I dreaming? Blues win 4-1. Tarasenko unleashes himself on the Wings pathetic D with 2 goals and an assist.

[Kreegz2]

Lineup:

FORWARDS

David Perron - David Backes - T.J. Oshie

Jaden Schwartz - Patrik Berglund - Chris Stewart

Andy McDonald - Alexander Steen - Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Sobotka - Scott Nichol - Ryan Reaves

DEFENSE

Ian Cole - Alex Pietrangelo

Barret Jackman - Kevin Shattenkirk

Kris Russell - Roman Polak

GOALIES

Jaroslav Halak

Brian Elliott


I'm pretty shocked hitch went with Reaves Over Langenbrunner, but I like it. Reaves always brings a ton of intensity.

[dmiles2186]

I'm pretty shocked hitch went with Reaves Over Langenbrunner, but I like it. Reaves always brings a ton of intensity.

I was too, but knowing Tootoo is probably going to be in the lineup for Detroit, Hitch is going with the guy who can pound faces if needed.

[STLADOGG]

One hell of a 3rd forward line.

[cardsfan04]

I'm pretty shocked hitch went with Reaves Over Langenbrunner, but I like it. Reaves always brings a ton of intensity.

I was too, but knowing Tootoo is probably going to be in the lineup for Detroit, Hitch is going with the guy who can pound faces if needed.

Brian Stull is hoping Reaves is on the ice when the puck drops and doesn't waste time taking care of business. No way it happens (as he acknowledged), but would be pretty awesome to start the season with Reaves kicking the shit out of a Red Wing (I don't even care which one).