GT Making Strides; Blues Are Not

Howdy. A quick note to say that I've cracked the code on an easy way to do the salaries. You have been heard. The salaries will be back on the rosters and stats page starting Thursday.

On the reverse slope of my progress, the Blues today passed on plucking Ron Hainsey off waivers from Montreal. Instead, they took Simon Gamache from Nashville. With the worst record in the NHL, the Blues have the top priority spot on all waiver claims. The Jackets have the second spot. The jackets grabbed Hainsey, much to the dismay of the Canadiens.

The Blues passed on Hainsey, a former 1st round pick who has this scouting report: Has great mobility, good size and excellent on-ice vision. Displays plenty of offensive upside and can log a ton of minutes. Top four defenseman. [From tsn.ca]

And took Gamache: Has tremendous creativity and offensive prowess. Has the hands of a natural goal-scorer. Can play any forward position. Fourth line forward. [From tsn.ca]

Now, I don't understand Gamache's scouting report, especially considering that they also rate his career upside a fourth liner, but the point remains clear. This guy is an energy guy who can score some goals if he gets in the clear. But, he's in essence a 5-10 minute guy. How many players do we have on the current roster that are considered fourth line forwards? Six? Nine? Depends on how you count, but I get eight. Out of 12 forwards.

Meanwhile Mikael Yakubov and Kristian Huselius are also on waivers. Yakubov is a skill player who has never gotten a chance in North America to play on a scoring line with quality linemates. He's in Russia now. Huselius has wilted under the pressure of playing for Iron Mike Keenan in Florida, but he's got skill, too. Now that we can all admit that this team is rebuilding, wouldn't it make sense to grab skilled young players who need top line minutes? It doesn't cost ANYTHING to grab these guys. If they don't work out, how could it possibly hurt? The Blues have won FOUR games through the first quarter of the season. Could skilled youngsters on lines with Weight and Tkachuk possibly result in fewer wins in the next 20 games? Would it matter if they did? The team seems destined for the bottom of the pile anyway, why not try as many skilled youngsters as you can fit in? Just going with quantity, someone has to work out. Then you've gotten a skilled player for next year, and you didn't trade any assets to get him.

But no, let's just grab another waterbug fourth liner who was good enough to get drafted in the 9th round and has two career NHL points in 22 games. Zero in his 11 games this year. Great.

I've never been much of a Larry Pleau basher, but I'm starting to slip into that mode. Show me something, anything that proves that you want this team to get better. Picking up former first round picks (Hainsey, Yakubov, Huselius) for nothing shows me some effort. Some desire that you want to get better. Grabbing fourth liners shows me that you are evil.

Hey, maybe Pascal Rheaume will hit the waiver wire next and we can bring him back again.

Blue Jackets v Blues

When Jackets like Zherdev and Nash and Brule score, I have a hard time getting upset, because they're skilled young players and the new rules are supposed to help guys like this score. But Zherdev didn't score. Nash didn't play. When Luke "The Statue" Richardson scores, you know it's garbage. And Aaron Johnson's goal wasn't his type of goal. He's a guy who shoots from the point typically. But he was down low on the back door side because Jody freakin' Shelley was banging away at the front door. Jody Shelley gets the first assist. THAT sucks, because Jody Shelley sucks. He's out there to fight, so it hurts when he gets points against you.

I still like Sanford in net. I think the Blues play with more confidence in front of him than they do in front of Patrick "No one shoots top shelf" Lalime. I also like Wideman. I'm not the biggest Blues prospect watcher, but he's got a shot and he seems confident in the offensive zone. I still like Matt Walker, and not just because he was nice to my kid once, the kid I will reference later in this post. I like that he got into it with Mike Rupp for continuing to the net well after the whistle. Rupp is just trying to get attention so he can stay with the big club even though he can't score at all. He's also way, way bigger than Walker, who didn't back down and wouldn't let Rupp get to Sanford.

Weight looked good, but, if any of you read my Editor column in the LA issue, you'll know how I feel about this one. Tonight, he did get some time with Tkachuk, which seems like a good idea, but it just didn't click. Call me crazy, but I think Weight might just make McAmmond look like a 30-40 goal scorer if they spent a bunch of time together. Tkachuk's style just doen't seem to naturally fit with Weight's. Tkachuk just need someone to put the puck on net, which Weight doesn't do much. Weight needs a speedy guy and Dean has shown the ability to score.

I'm worried about my guy Dallas Drake. To me, Drake has long been the guy to watch. Here's a long story for you. Seroiusly, go pee now before you get in to this. The day before free agency opened back in 2000, I actually made the comment to a few people that I hoped the Blues would sign Dallas Drake and then Sean Hill, because they would both fit well on the current team. One day later, I was 'I told you so'ing all over the city and the county, as the Blues had signed both. Well, Hill didn't work out so well, as he was behind Pronger and MacInnis in the offensive d-man food chain and his big hits, while crowd pleasing, took him out of position too often for Coach Quenneville's liking and he was shipped out in a waiver deal. He's been solid in Carolina and Florida ever since. I'm bitter because he could have been a great Blue. He just never grooved in the system.

But, back to Drake. He made such an impact on a team that was considered soft that he became my guy on the team. As I've mentioned, the hard-nosed two-way guys that are grinders and muckers are the guys I admire the most out there. And Drake was the guy. Regulation. In addition, he was the one who talked up St. Louis to his soon-to-be-traded buddy, Keith Tkachuk. At the time, the Tkachuk trade was gigantic. And I'm not making a joke there. At the time, Handzus, Nagy, Taffe and a 1st rounder was a just less than a steal for number 7. He was arguably one of the best two or three power forwards in the NHL at the time (Tkachuk, Bertuzzi, Shanahan, in no particular order). Now, you'll see everyone pick apart that trade as stupid, but I want you to always remember that at the time, it was a great deal for the Note. A great player for great youth deal always ends up looking bad, unless the deal gets the first team a Cup. In our case, it did not.

But, again, back to Drake. Drake was THE hard-hat guy. Drake did all the stuff away from the puck that his teammates loved. Drake went into the corners. Drake went hard to the net. Drake knocked the living snot out of people. Drake fought for his teammates. Drake fought to send a message.

I was singing his praises during every game. At that time, Liz was pregnant with our second child, a boy. I no longer remember how it happened, but the wifeditor and I came to an agreement during the playoffs. If the Blues won the Stanley Cup, the boy would be named Dallas Drake Gallagher.

Needless to say, my son has a different name.

That's OK, I guess, because if they'd won and my kid was Dallas Gallagher, then our friend Rich Norris would have lost a perfectly good nickname in "Just One Cup Before I Die".

But, again, back to Dallas Drake. When he was named Captain this year, I was McDonalds. Not as excited when I was awarded the "Dallas Drake Hard Hat" Award at the final Game Night Revue awards, but I was pretty psyched. Now, he'd get the recognition. Now, people would see what I was talking about. Now I'd stop getting all those crazy looks when I told the Dallas Drake Gallagher story.

But, unfortunately, I may be forced to add Dally to my growing list of people who have been passed by the new game. Drake was off to a blazing start this year and just drilling people. But he was taking penalties, too. And, as will happen on every team this year, players are adjusting the way they play in order to fit inside the new parameters. And Drake has been fitting in. But now, he's not the same Drake. Gone is the same guy who should have the hard hat named after him. Gone is the warrior. Gone is the guy who everyone knows is on the ice so they remember to keep their heads up.

Gone, gone, gone.

But I still wish my kid was named Dallas Drake Gallagher.

GT

In GT news, I hope you all enjoyed the John Buccigross (ESPN) interview. Yes, it was real. I don't think he really wanted to do it, but he was gracious enough to give me some of his time. My thanks go to GT uberfan Chris Reed for setting that up. Way to go #8. Also, thanks to Bernie Miklasz, who was nice enough to put a bit about us in his column on Saturday.

I sat up in section 333 tonight thanks to Julie and her brother Russ, who are both GT type of people. Julie showed up at the game in her jersey, as were all three of her youngsters, including at least one of the 1990's variety. Dave Checketts may have pulled out of the Blues bidding, but I bet if he'd met Julie and her kids when he was here, he'd have finished the deal. Those kind of fans are the real deal.

Up in 333, I saw a couple of people using the GT to track players while the action was going on. Thank you. I promise that the salaries are coming soon, because I know you want that info, too. Check the Foundations and the Ref Stats, too, next time. They're pretty interesting as the game goes on.

And Finally.

Since we lost the Battle For Last, here's some stuff to be positive about.

Kessel is leading his team in scoring as a Freshman. At a good hockey school.

Pass To Dutchie On His Left-Hand Side

The kid has skills, you must recognize.

Kings v Blues

I hate to say 'I told you so', except that I actually love to say 'I told you so'. I told you so means I'm smart or lucky and somehow managed to predict the future. My current rung on the ladder of life indicates that I'm not actually all that smart nor all that lucky, so, I'm going to grab onto every I told you so and hang on for dear life.

So, I told you so.

Two games isn't a streak, but it is helpful. The Blues were outmatched tonight, but there's plenty positive to take away. As Mark from 14th and Clark and I were discussing, the Blues just looked better after the two wins. The confidence they have in Sanford is apparent. Look, they're basically the same grinders and muckers that they were last week, but now they play with confidence. And confidence is the difference between losing in Detroit again and pulling off an upset win. Confidence is the difference between falling behind by two goals and saying, "that's it" and falling behind 3-1 and then scoring two goals to tie it, as the Blues did tonight. Yeah, they lost, but they showed that they can climb back into games.

The Blues are going to be outmatched most of the year, so we need to start pulling for more confidence. Confidence allows a team like our Note to win against the suddenly good Wild in Minnesota. If they believe, it can happen.

In GT news, we had a decent night tonight, but I had a blast out selling. You guys are a riot and like getting to meet you and try to pry $4 out of your cold hands. Thanks for stopping and giving us a try, especially you skeptical former GNR readers. I really believe that if you try us once, you'll buy us again. Do me a favor, tell your friends to try it too.

But now, on to the the real news of the night, the formal announcement of the winner of the

First Ever Game Time Contest

The winner of the "Give Lee Stempniak A Nickname" contest will receive a credit as a Contributor in every GT issue this year that uses the nickname in print. Since I edit all the content, that will be basically every issue. The winner also wins the first Game Time t-shirt to roll off the line.

After sifting through the ten of submissions, the winner distinguished himself by zigging while the field tried to zag. Most amazingly, even after I publicly berated someone for sending in "Stempy", I received two more "Stempy" submissions. I weep for your parents. They feel shame at this very moment, and they don't even know why.

No, the winner managed to unearth an unknown detail from a previous life that makes young Lee Stempniak a tie to the great 80's and funny to hockey fans and stoners alike. On top of that, it fits the most important criteria for a hockey nickname - it can be yelled by linemates at top speed.

Here is the winning submission:

It's a little known fact that Lee was the lead singer of the 80's reggae group "Musical Youth".

In the early '80s the Musical Youth, a teen-age pop-reggaeband from the UK, became very popular all over the world. The members: brothers Junior and Patrick Waite, brothers Michael and Kelvin Grant and Lee Stempniak. The debut-single, "Pass The Dutchie", became a worldwide number 1 hit. It was a remake of the Mighty Diamonds' Pass The Kutchie, replacing the marijuana related 'Kutchie' with 'Dutchie', which means cooking-pot.

The Musical Youth gained worldwide fame, even in Jamaica. In 1985, after a couple of small hit songs Lee Stempniak left the band, and the band split up. Bassplayer Patrick died of natural causes in police custody, while waiting for a court appearance on drug charges in 1993. The Grant-brothers are still working in the music business. Lee Stempniak became a professional hockey player.

I believe that the last line was added by the contest winner.

And so, we have the GT annointed, Lee "Dutchie" Stempniak. I hope he passes that puck on the left-hand side.

Look for our winner, Tacos Rose, in the GT masthead on Saturday. In addition, my From The Editor article will recap Tacos' rise to prominence and his new favorite hockey player, Dutchie Stempniak.

Tell your friends, folks, Dutchie be his name.

I'll post a couple more times this week, and hope to see you all Saturday.

Blues v Red Wings

I've put off posting about this game for one simple reason.

I missed the game entirely.

Due to the pre-game knowledge that the Blues were going to lose, the presence of my out-of-town sister and brother-in-law and the dinner reservations made by the wifeditor, there was not really a worry for me. What would I miss, anyway?

Damn. So, until further notice, the wifeditor and I will not be going out on game days. I hated to let her down like that, but thems the breaks. These free blogs don't pay for themselves, you know.

But, here's the best part; here come the St. Louis sports fans! Huzzah! The same guys who were firing off the "da Bluez Sux" emails and message posts are now crowing about the winning streak. Slow down, fellas. Two in a row is technically a winning streak, but let's go easy until it becomes a streak that maybe other cities might notice. IF we get a win on Tuesday and IF we follow with a win on Friday in Minnesota, THEN I'll be happy to talk about a streak. Four wins before hosting the 30th place Blue Jackets (woo hoo) is the verge of a streak.

Interestingly, I find myself tempering folks now, when I've been the only optimist at the funeral for weeks. Pretty great.

In unrelated news, I'm done waiting. The official announcement of the winner of Game Time's first contest, "Give Stempniak A Nickname", will be tomorrow.

Also, look for the first Game Time interview in one of the next issues. John Buccigross of ESPN and the now-deceased "NHL2Nite" show will be answering a few questions about the new NHL, the Blues, music and Shjon Podein.

later skaters,
-Sean "two is a start, not a streak" Gallagher

No Blues Tonight, Just Rambling

Not a lot going on in the hockey world, but the Jackets lost, so the Note are that much closer to leaving the basement. Assuming the loss in Detroit on Saturday goes as planned, a big game against the Kings on Tuesday could set up a potential "you suck worse than we do" face off against the BJs. Winner goes to 29th, loser gets 30th.

Christ.

It's getting hard to be positive up in here.

Detroit on Saturday. Hmm. Not good for being positive, either. But hey, lightning could strike, right? Well, maybe if lightning were to strike the Wings' locker room right before the game and kill everyone inside.

Contest Update!

Thanks to all who have sent submissions. I'm going to leave this open for a few more days, as I hope to get more after Tuesday's game. But just to let a few of you down easy, "Stempy" will not be winning. Yes, it's the most obvious, but the most obvious will not be rewarded here. In fact, obvious will be punished here. So shame on you, Mr. "Stempy would be awesome!". Isn't it obvious that the kid has been called Stempy since he was probably nine years old? How is that going to win a contest? Feel shame, you.

I don't want to tip my hand too much, but the current front runner went right off the board for hockey nicknames, but it still ends in "ie/y". The difference? Funny, functional and it's about a million times better than Stempy. Plus, if his teammates ever hear it, they'll probably use it, too.

So, you all still have a chance at that coveted "Contributor" credit (and the t-shirt to be named later) , but you better have an ace or four up your sleeve if you want to beat the frontrunner.

By the way, look for more contests in the future, as this one has been pretty fun for me.

Later skaters.

Blues v Jackets

Today I read that Sergei Fedorov, traded to the BJs just last night, couldn't wait to play tonight. In fact, despite an injury that has kept him out for weeks, a red-eye flight that was delayed AND a mandatory physical in C-Bus before he could pull on that crappy BlueStar third jersey, Fedorov made it clear that he WAS going to play tonight.

And no wonder. Short of Stevie Y (that bastard future HOFer), is there a bigger Blue-killer in the NHL today? How many times has Fedorov been player of the game against the Note? How many times have we tied the Wings, only to see that freakin' Anna Kornikova-dating, Ferrari-driving, slick-skating, two-way playing, dirty Euro prick strip one of our guys and wind up on a breakaway? Of course he scores. Of course the wind visably comes out of the Blues. Of course the Wings win.

When I turned on the game tonight, I said to the wifeditor, "Fedorov just got traded to the Jackets for nothing and this is his first game. He hasn't scored yet this year. I'm guessing a hat trick."

She said, "I was gonna say five goals."

I'm sure the Blues were thinking it too.

But, man oh man, how great was that Stempniak goal (Winner: first hockey writer to put that in a story!)? Seconds before it happened, I was literally thinking to myself, "the Blues don't really deserve to win this. They're playing 2003 hockey in a different era of play. You can't grind out goals anymore. Slick playmakers who create space are more dangerous than goal crashers now." In fact, that was going to be my column for tonight. But then, seconds later, Lee freakin Stempniak stole the puck along the boards, avoided a forward (Hrdina) who thought about hooking him before thinking, "why take a penalty on a Stempniak? A guy named Stempniak can't possible have a move", deked one defenseman literally onto his jock and then beat Marc Denis with a move that I didn't think would work at the NHL level, but does due to the new rules, and potted a huge goal.

So, there goes a whole, perfectly good column. But I'll trade it for the win. I've got my son watching some games with me and he's learning as he goes. Tonight he asked me if the Blues win always or just sometimes. This is tough to explain to a kid who is still at the age where he thinks his soccer team wins every game. So do all the kids on the other team. I told him that the Blues don't win much, but that they'll be better soon. I still believe it. Maybe I'm still at an age where the good guys always win.

Anyway, the win gives us all hope. Maybe we can shock Pavol and the Kings back here on Tuesday (notice I skipped Detroit on Saturday?). Maybe we can beat the Wild in MN. Maybe we can beat the Jackets again here on Saturday the 26th. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

On another note, here's the first GT contest: Give Stempniak a nickname!

Whomever sends me the best Lee Stempniak nickname will get a contributor credit for the rest of this year in every GT paper. Plus, when I finally get the GT gear up and running, I'll send you a free t-shirt. Send your submissions to gallagher@stlouisgametime.com.

Checketts

I have no idea if the Checketts offer is truly dead or not. I do know that as he neared his exclusive negotiation deadline, he managaed to catch the Blues as they lost an uninspired game to the Hawks at the Savvis. I imagine that he couldn't have been that impressed. The last thing you want to see when you're about to drop $140 million is a half-empty arena not cheering for a team of fourth liners.

I imagine that if you have any doubts, that type of thing will enhance your doubt.

If the rumors are true that the two sides were $5 million apart when the deal started to split apart, well, you'd like to think that two billionaires could cross that gap. And maybe that's the sort of determination you're trying to make when you decide, "maybe I'll take in the game tonight. The Blues and Hawks hate each other, so this should be good." And as you watch that game unfold, the doubt gets bigger.

And maybe then $5 million looks like a good reason to break out of the deal. Because if it looks like a dog and it smells like a dog and it plays like a dog? Brother, you just bought yourself a dog.

Which brings me to another point. At what point did it become the conventional wisdom that you have to strip down a team to make it attractive to a prospective buyer? Are you telling me that a team that was right up on the salary cap, but had Tkachuk, Weight, Pronger and Demitra would somehow be worth less than this team is?

How so? Could the new owners not trade Detmitra and Pronger and whomever else if they felt the need? Wouldn't a middling team that was a borderline playoff team that was selling 14,000 seats not be more attractive than a team with two wins and 8,000 seats filled?

I think we're finding that the former would be worth more.

If Checketts is truly out, then that's probably too bad. He seems to back winners and the rumored management team that he could have brought in sounded impressive.

If he's out, then I hope that the Sansone group or the Shanahan group or a Sansone/Shanahan group jumps on the opportunity. Buy this thing with local money and you'll win fans over right away. Either clean out the front office or give them the opportunity to start making moves. It's not too late for this team to get better this year. The fans will come back, especially with the Rams struggling. We just want to see effort. Something, anything positive. We love to cling to hope. Someone give us some.

So, let's get cracking, billionaires. All of us thousandaires and hundredaires are waiting.

Erratum

In my last post, I noted that Patrik Elias had contracted Hep C, which is acquired through the ingestion of fecal matter. Elias actually has Hep A, which is contracted by ingesting fecal matter. Apparently, I confused Hep A(ss) with Hep C(rap).

Game Time regrets the error.

Blackhawks v Blues

Yeah, hmm. Y'know, I actually believed that I could be talking about a two-game win streak right now. Instead, I'm looking up records.

8 wins. Record fewest - Washington Caps in '74-'75
71 losses. Most per season - San Jose Sharks in '92-'93
32 losses. Most at home - San Jose Sharks in '92-'93
6 wins. Fewest at home - Chicago Hawks in '54-'55

Some of these are safe. Some others are, well, not great for sales of the Game Time.

I think the Blues get more wins than 8 - even a blind squirrel finds a nut 9 times a season. Six wins at home? We get this one and we get the more than 8 wins one, too. Seventy one losses seems silly, but with the new W-L-OT, where OT actually counts as an L? That might happen. Can you see an 11-65-6 record? Nasty as it is, it could happen, and that actually equals 72 losses.

So, it's time to start learning about Phil Kessel and Alex Frolov, who are the next two top prospects that everyone will be talking about. And here's the one good thing about getting a good draft pick now: rookies can make a difference in the new NHL. Look at the rookie stats in the latest GT. Sid Crosby has great stats, but beyond him, there are easily 15 freshmen who are actually contributing to their teams. It's no longer crazy to think that an 18 year old kid can help the team.

Add to that the recently reduced UFA age and suddenly the Blues have a chance to be fun again. Youngsters like Marc Savard and proven vets with plenty in the tank (and Hep C) like Patrik Elias will be available. The list is way bigger, but I just can't put my hand on it right now. I'm not saying that it WILL happen, I'm just saying it COULD happen. By the way, you contract Hep C by ingesting fecal content. Remind me not go to Europe again. I knew I was chancing it when I ordered the puup soup in Prague. Never again.

So, here's hoping for at least 12 wins, 9 of which we need at home. That will steer the team clear of all those horrible records. Plus, we could do that and still get a good shot at this kid.

On a happier note, I had a great time out selling again. I love meeting you guys. The dude in the yellow practice sweater: thanks for the encouragement. The couple who honked their horn and bought two through the window: you're the best.

But here's the moment that made me laugh the most. All night long folks are walking by and looking at what I'm hawking. Most don't make eye contact, which I understand. Maybe I'm selling propoganda, maybe I'm just nuts. I'm actually both, but I understand your wariness.

As I'm yelling out, "Game Time! Program!" and holding one up for you to read, I can see you all reading the headline. I hear you laugh and tell your buddy. That's cool. Buy one next time. But then I see a little lady in a Hawks jersey walking along. She's clearly trying to read the headime, but can't quite make it out. So, I turned it just a hair so she'd be able to read it better. then I see her frown and she finally makes eye contact. Why isn't she impressed with me? The simple headline:

"Blackhawks Suck!"

Sometimes the simplest headlines are the most eye-catching.

In other GT news, welcome back to Jeremy Pratte and "Tales From The Crease". Also welcome aboard to Chris Reed, who had a nice Top 11 and who I expect to contribute more comedy bits. I also expect more goals from him for my rec-league hockey team. Go Wildcats.

And Go Blues. 12 wins total, 9 at home. Now we have a goal.

Blues v Jackets

Well, what can be said? Boguniecki is back. Yay?

Meanwhile, I hate to say it, but I think the Jackets can be good soon, too. Playing lots of good young homegrown kids. Not afraid to scoop up high-profile free agents like Berard and Foote. Looking to make trades. Not saying it'll be this year or even next, but these guys will be good soon. Nashville will be good. Detroit will continue to keep it's side of the deal with the devil and will stay on top. At least Chicago seems to keep sucking despite some good free agent pick ups.

Which brings me to tomorrow. Hope to see some folks down at the game. I'm really happy with the paper for the game, I think it's pretty entertaining. Plus, I think the Blues can win this game. No, seriously, I do. But, if you've read my post about St. Louis sports fans, you know I have an optimism problem.

Here's a last tease for tomorrow's paper: Chris Gift is now going write a column, and it's a doozy. His style is hard to define, but I find him to be really fun to read. I don't want to steal his thunder, but he's got some great references.

Robb Schuneman introduces himself a little better. He grew up near Detroit as a Blues fan. How insane is that? He must like fighting.

A comprehensive break down of the team's prospects. It's wild man. Brian Weidler killed it on this one. And even more Jeffio.

Plus a bunch of comedy bits and Top 11s. And, back by popular demand is the Referee page with stats on their calls for and against the Note.

Also, by request, anyone who missed the first issue and wants to pick one up, there will be some over at the NE corner of 14th and Clark with my vendor John. Pick up tomorrow's paper for $4 and grab the 1st issue for just $1 more. What a deal, eh?

See you all at the game.

Detroit v Blues

Well, THAT sucked. Losing to the Red Wings is similar to the dreaded prostrate exam. You know you're gonna lose and you know it's inevitable. Keep looking at the calendar, and that thing keeps getting closer and there's not a damn thing you can do to stop the Red Wings/Dr. Jellyfinger. Plus, no matter how much they tell you to relax and it'll be over quicker, it's still painful and anything but over quickly.

I could go on, because, really, this metaphor is writing itself, but in the interest of not making the Blues and my/your colon any more similar than they may already seem, I'll stop for now.

Needless to say, I don't care how hard the Blues came out in the first period, grittiness will only hold off superior talent for so long. It's hard to admit, but those cursed Wings are clearly better than our Blues. Again.

Although, I did like to see Doug Weight all fired up. When we traded for him, I made the prediction that he'd become a fan-favorite. I'd seen a lot of his work in Edmonton and his grittiness and slick playmaking were going to go over HUGE in this town. But he's only shown flashes of that guy since he got here. I'd like to think my prediction could still come true, but I don't really believe it will. Last night's grittiness was a flash, but it didn't accompany and flashy playmaking. And we've seen very little of either this year. I have more theories on Doug, but that'll have to wait for now.

On a more positive note, I got to meet a bunch of you at the game, as I was out selling the GT at the Metro stop. I really can't explain how cool it was to meet you and to trade you my work for four measly dollars. Here's one I'll never forget: the very first copy that I ever personally sold was paid for in Sacajawea dollars. Now that is memorable.

One other memorable takeaway was looking across Clark to see a guy in a Yzerman sweater reading the GT. Then I saw him laugh. I wish I knew what he was reading at that moment. I like to think it was Robb Schuneman's two page diatribe about why he hates casual Red Wing fans.

I also got to be on the post-game show with Randy Karraker, who was amazingly accommodating to me. Hopefully, we'll get to chat again. Also, thanks to the fan who not only bought the paper, but who also called into the show to ask me a question. I'm truly humbled.

We'll be back out there on Thursday, so I'll be looking for you. Hey, at least the Hawks suck, right?

A Big Failure For A Small Publisher

At two this afternoon, I knew we were going live tonight. At 2:45 I knew it was over. The short story is that the folks doing the printing had a major copier malfunction. But there was a workaround. And then their power went out.

Sometimes the Hockey Gods send you a message. And then they cut your power just to emphasize the message.

It's too bad, too, because I was pretty proud of it. Now it's the lost episode. Oh well, at least we still have Sunday.

In brighter news, a guy I work with, who is a hockey fan and just a good, good guy, got me a pipeline to a huge pool of ready-and-willing vendors. So if you see some young guys out selling and they look like little punk bastards, feel free to tip 'em. Someone stole a bunch of their band gear and they're trying to make up the difference. Word on the street is that you won't like their music, which means they're probably the next big thing. So give 'em an extra buck and maybe they'll thank you when they're on MTV Cribs.

In other news, assuming the Hockey Gods don't piss on my parade for the third time in a week, we'll be out on Sunday. And I'll be trying to finagle my way up to make Randy Karraker put me on his post-game show like he'd mentioned. Keep your ears open, maybe I'll be drunk and say something stupid. Or sober and say something stupid. The odds are pretty similar on both.

Blues v Blackhawks

Went to the game tonight and it reaffirmed everything for me. I freakin' love this team, regardless of how 4th line they all seem to be. I love these fans; the ones with the mullets and warts and the ones with the their slick haircuts and leather jackets and the ones with the bored girlfriends and drunk buddies in Hawks' jerseys and their too many beers and their scary pessimism and frightening optimism. All of 'em. I love all of 'em.

Jeffio and I made the trip together and I got to meet Dennis the Scalper. Mark the Cop. Tina the Wife (hardcore fan unto herself, regardless of her hockey-smart last name). Deanna the barmistress of GNR fame. Bob the 14th and Clark security. Carl the in-game music superstar. Randy Karraker. Bob Plager. Chris Kerber. Guy. Beth the lawyer who couldn't believe the Blues lost. And so many more.

To his credit, Jeffio did me the ultimate favor. He introduced me to all of them as the next guy to put out a paper. His stamp of approval is huge for me. And you know what? I was blown away by the passion for this cruddy team that I saw from all of these people. Plenty of expletives. Plenty of bitching. But overall, it was support. Except for maybe Dennis, who really just wants big crowds to create more demand. Selling tickets for 10 that he's already got nine in is no way to do business.

Without wanting to expose too many of these people, I just want to say thanks to so many of them.

Everyone there and their excitement motivate me. I have three new columns after just tonight.

But first, I have to get ready for some games.

See you Friday.