Today's holiday gives Blues fans a chance to either take in a leisurely matinee or play hookie. Or, if you're a real out of town rebel, watch the game at your desk on Gamecenter Live. Whatever your poison, today is your chance to catch the Blues' first win of the year.
Of course, that chance comes against the Calgary Flames, who swept the season series against the Blues and who have traditionally been an extraordinarily tough opponent for the Note at home. The Flames outscored St. Louis 14-3 during last season's matchup and are 11-2-1 in St. Louis since 2003-2004. The culprit in making it so tough for the Blues is more than likely Calgary's goaltender. Mikka Kiprusoff is one of the league's best regardless of who he plays against, but his 1.75 GAA all time against St. Louis is one of his best.
The Blues faced a hot goaltender Saturday night and could get nearly nothing past Pekka Rinne. They're going to face that again this afternoon. The powerplay has to better than their one-for-five roll that they went on Saturday night, and the team has to be more uptempo and focused if they want to douse the Flames.
Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo did not practice on Sunday, and is questionable for today's game. If he's scratched, defenseman Kent Huskins will get his first appearance of the season.