Morning Skate

Here’s the latest on Alex Pietrangelo’s situation

Jeremy Rutherford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:45:24 +0000

Alex Pietrangelo is here to stay, but it’s not guaranteed he will stay.

The rookie defenseman played his ninth NHL game of the season Thursday night against Phoenix. It’s been written many times, but I’ll mention it again, if Pietrangelo plays his…

Alex Steen is back sooner than expected

Jeremy Rutherford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:10:34 +0000

Blues forward Alex Steen shed his orange “no contact” jersey today in practice, and afterwards the team announced he has been cleared to play.

Steen suffered a broken wrist Oct. 15 in Phoenix and has missed the last 14 games. He’s wasn’t expected back…

Mike Weaver will be a healthy scratch against Phoenix

Jeremy Rutherford — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:14:32 +0000

The eight-man defensive carousel will put Mike Weaver and Darryl Sydor in the press box tonight. Sydor will be a healthy scratch for the third time in five games, but this will be Weaver’s first healthy scratch of the season.

Weaver’s turn to sit out…

Patrik Berglund says that he’s playing “too safe”

Jeremy Rutherford — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:11:44 +0000

As reported yesterday, Patrik Berglund will be on a line with Jay McClement and B.J. Crombeen Thursday night when the Blues host Phoenix.

This is yet another attempt designed to get Berglund going. After scoring 21 goals and posting 47 points as a rookie last season, he has…

McClement Line Has Become Blues Designated Jump Starter

Dan ONeill — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:25:03 +0000

The Blues held an extensive practice on Tuesday at St. Louis Mills. One of the line combinations employed Patrik Berglund, a center by trade, on left wing with center Jay McClement and right winger B.J. Crombeen.

In recent games, Blues coach Andy…

Decision Coming Soon on Pietrangelo

Dan ONeill — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:25:33 +0000

The Blues are currently carrying eight defenseman, while two more defenseman at Peoria - Tyson Strachan and Jonas Junland (six goals and 16 points in 16 games) - potentially could be considered for playing time. In the middle of that crowd is…

Blues make one defensive change in tonight’s lineup

Jeremy Rutherford — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:29:54 +0000

As it turns out, there will be only one change on defense tonight for the Blues, and that will be the return of Carlo Colaiacovo to the lineup. Darryl Sydor will be a healthy scratch for the second time in four games.

On…

The entire transcript of Dave Checketts’ press conference

Jeremy Rutherford — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:08:43 +0000

Dave Checketts’ opening statement to reporters Friday: “I haven’t had much to say this year, so I thought it would be a good day in case you want to talk or have any questions . . . it would be a…

Blues owner unhappy with team’s effort

Roger Hensley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:03:18 +0000

Jeremy Rutherford just called in the following from Scottrade Center …

Blues owner Dave Checketts held an impromptu press conference during this morning’s practice where he expressed his disdain with the team’s performance this season. Here are a few excerpts:

“Well, I’m…

Eller sent down

Roger Hensley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:10:32 +0000

The St. Louis Blues have assigned forward Lars Eller back to their AHL affliliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

Eller, 20, scored his first career goal in his NHL debut on Nov. 5 vs. Calgary. He played in five games with the Blues.…