Let's Go Blues

SamJunior wrote:Blues 3 (Backes, Kariya, Berglund)
Sens 1

WaukeeBlues wrote:

SamJunior wrote:Blues 3 (Backes, Kariya, Berglund)
Sens 1

Backes is out tonight from what I hear

They say what happens in Ottawa stays in Ottawa … well, I say that, anyway. And the reason is, word about anything that might happen at the hotel or the Scotiabank Center on the outskirts of Ottawa might take years to reach civilization, anyway.

That said …

The Blues had a casual/optional skate on Thursday morning. Coach Davis Payne, who I have nicknamed “The Third” as a nod to golfer Davis Love III, said forward David Backes will not be in the lineup tonight due to an “upper body” issue. Backes has been dealing with a number of aches and pains and might have tweaked a sore hip in the game at Montreal.

In his place, Patrik Berglund will return. Payne plans to stick Berglund between T. J. Oshie and Paul Kariya and see if the big Swede can keep up. In addition, Chris Mason will start in goal after Ty Conklin’s spectacular 35-save performance at Montreal. Conklin had not played since a 6-3 loss to Chicago on Jan. 2.

On Conklin, who had a game-saving stop in overtime just prior to Andy McDonald’s goal, Payne said: “Consummate pro. He steps in there and gives us great minutes and great saves at the right time. Look at the (Montreal) power play at the end of the second period, he made three or four point-blank saves that kept that lead going into the locker room.

“Huge, huge credit to Ty to be ready, to be focused and to put that kind of performance together.”

Note of the Day: The overtime win on Wednesday was the first OT win ever for the Blues over the storied “Les Habs.” To clarify, however, it does not in any way, shape or form make up for Bobby Rousseau’s overtime goal that broke Glenn Hall’s heart in Game 3 of the 1968 Stanley Cup finals.

Alternate Note of the Day: If Paul Kariya scores a goal tonight, it will be for the third game in succession. He has not had a three-game goal scoring streak since November, 2001 BiP (that’s Before iPods).

Hotdog Update: The Montreal building is renowned for its hot dogs - something this reporter was not made aware of until after the fact. Last night’s hot dog consumption scoreboard shows broadcaster Chris Kerber edged Blues GM Larry Pleau, 6 dogs to 4. Blues PR official Mike Caruso was disqualified for signing an incorrect napkin.

David Perron, again, was a popular interview at the arena in Ottawa. Perron continues to get ribbing for his new visor. And he has asked for fans’ opinions on the equipment change on his Twitter account, “DP_57.”

“It’s good to be close to the fans and my agent talked to me a lot about it,” Perron said. “I started it six months ago and you just get to be close to the fans, knowing that the game is going to be more and more like that, with players communicating with the fans.

“I think it’s fun sometimes … fun to chat with the fans and see what they think.

Standing off to the side, seeing the crowd around Perron, Payne couldn’t help but make one more good-natured observation, “It’s all about the visor,” he said.

I plan to go see a doctor later today about these epsiodes I’ve been having. I could have sworn last night I saw Brad Boyes centering a line with Cam Janssen and Brad Winchester on the wings.

Portland Blues wrote:Long fight...Cam took a few bombs in that one.

philco_3 wrote:

Portland Blues wrote:Long fight...Cam took a few bombs in that one.

That is all he's good for. Reminds me Rocky, able to take a LOT of shots, and then once the opposing player is tired he tries to punch em with his stubby arms.