Brewer skates, Armstrong waived, We Want Big Macs
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:57 pm
JR's latest morning skate.
10.05.2009 11:06 am
Blues defenseman Eric Brewer is on the ice this morning
By Jeremy Rutherford
One day after the Blues returned home from Sweden, they have been joined by a familiar face. Injured defenseman Eric Brewer is on the ice this morning at Scottrade Center, according to my P-D colleague Tom Timmermann.
No one should rush to a conclusion that Brewer will be back in the lineup anytime soon. According to Timmermann, who’s covering practice for me today, Brewer is not practicing with the team. He’s simply on the ice skating, and he’s wearing an orange no-contact jersey. But the fact that Brewer has traveled to St. Louis from Vancouver, where he had been training, is a positive step.
“It’s nothing short-term,” Blues coach Andy Murray said. “We still have no idea about when he’ll be back. It could be two months . . . but it’s nice to see him out there.”
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Blues forward D.J. King is closing to returning to the lineup. King has been on IR, after dislocating his thumb during training camp. He was on the trip to Sweden and was on the ice with the team today. It’s likely that King will be taken off IR in time for Thursday’s home opener.
To make room for King, the Blues have placed center Derek Armstrong on waivers. Armstrong played well in the preseason (3 goals, 4 assists in 5 games), but the move makes sense because he is the only forward on the roster besides T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund and David Perron on a two-way contract.
“It’s just about numbers,” Blues general manager Larry Pleau said.
The Blues will learn by 11 a.m. Tuesday whether Armstrong has cleared waivers.
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“WE WANT BIG MACS!”
The Blues promotion when the team scores five or more goals in a home game is changing this season. In the past, the Blues have awarded tacos when the team reaches the five-goal marker. The taco promotion really took on a life of its own, as fans in Sweden were chanting “We want tacos” when the Blues got to four goals against the Red Wings and then “We’ve got tacos” when they reached five.
But this year, five goals will get you a Big Mac. Fans in attendance may redeem their tickets the following three days for a free Big Mac at any St. Louis or Metro East McDonalds.
“This promotion has become wildly popular over the years,” said Peter McLoughlin, the CEO of Blues Enterprises. “We know Blues fans will undoubtedly be shaking the walls of Scottrade Center this season, urging the team to score five goals or more. Our players will love the enthusiasm in the arena and be drive to satisfy the fans’ hunger for both a win and a free Big Mac.”
JR