Round 2 in Reach for the First Time Since 2001-02

Round 2 in Reach for the First Time Since 2001-02

Following their Game 4 win in San Jose on Thursday night the St. Louis Blues found themselves in a position to reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2001-02 season. In 2001-02, the Blues knocked off the Chicago Blackhawks four games to one before being eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings four games to one in the second round. Now the Blues are poised to eliminate the San Jose Sharks and advance beyond the first round for the first time in 10 years (Knock on wood). Read more.

Video: Tarasenko Records a Hat Trick in the KHL

Tarasenko Records a Hat Trick
in the KHL

Vladimir Tarasenko just keeps on impressing. Following his “magical” shootout goal during the KHL All-Star Game, Tarasenko returned to action and scored three very impressive goals for SKA St. Petersburgh. Should Tarasenko’s success in Russia get Blues fans excited or should it give us more reasons to worry that the talented forward won’t leave the KHL for the NHL? Read more.

Video: Tarasenko’s Magical Shootout Goal

Tarasenko’s Magical Shootout Goal

Vladimir Tarasenko put on a bit of a magic show during the KHL’s All-Star festivities. Competing in the shootout contest, Tarasenko used the force to send the goaltender the wrong way before recalling the puck and sliding it into an empty net. This great bit of trickery is unfortunately pulled off with a very basic solution (string and tape) but the result was a fantastic one. The attempt is pretty impressive even upon multiple viewings, but even Tank’s bit of magic wasn’t enough to get even the slightest reaction from the stoic Russian commentators. Read more.

Tarasenko Staying in the KHL

Tarasenko Staying in the KHL

According to Jeremy Rutherford of the Post-Dispatch, Vladimir Tarasenko has decided to continue playing in the KHL next season after much speculation that he might attempt to crack the St. Louis 2011-12 NHL roster. Tarasenko is coming off a fairly quiet World Championships performance with Russia and has now announced via video that he intends to remain with Sibir of the KHL. Read more.

Blues Pick Schwartz and Tarasenko, Send Rundblad to Senators

Blues Pick Schwartz & Tarasenko,
Send Runblad to Senators

The first round of the draft took place on Friday, and the Blues were scheduled to pick 14th overall. In a surprising move, the club dealt their first round pick from last year, David Rundblad to Ottawa in order to secure the 16th overall pick as well. The team then took Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko. Read more.