Defenseman Barret Jackman sprains ankle; goes on IR (per Jeremy Rutherford).
Jackman will have to miss at least seven days, according to NHL injury reserve stipulations. The Blues have claimed that this injury is “week to week.” Jackman was a -1 to start the season, while posting 2 assists.
The silver lining from this injury is that Alex Pietrangelo will see some playing time with the big club. He has been a healthy scratch the past three games, but showed promise in the pre-season. He is expected to play alongside veteran Darryl Sydor in his season debut.
Forward D.J. King assigned to Peoria of the AHL for reconditioning.
Being one of the toughest guys in the NHL, D.J. King may soon see NHL action again. The 25 year old forward has missed all but 1 game in the last two seasons with a severe thumb injury. In 2007-08, King racked up 100 penalty minutes in 61 games, most of those being fighting majors against other NHL heavyweights. Since the injury, the Blues have turned to hometown hero Cam Janssen for their fighting needs. Both are expected to be the best resource for grit on the team, but will most likely not be dressed in the same games.
Defenseman Erik Johnson has showed flashes of brilliance thus far.
Erik is trying to prove to the city that the golf cart is the only thing that can stop him.
While expectations are high for Johnson, he has answered as well as he can thus far. So far, Johnson has registered 3 assists in 3 games for the Blues, along with a few decent hits from the staggering defenseman. Standing at 6'4” Johnson is expected to be a force on the blue line. With Jackman out, this is the perfect opportunity to shine. His current 19:47 average ice time ranks third on the team.
Al MacInnis statue unveiling a success.
Even Mother Nature could not stop the fans from supporting the great #2 on Thursday night.
With rain pouring and fans getting their apparel drenched, the MacInnis outdoor statue ceremony was still a big hit. Umbrellas were present, but so were the loud cheers and love for the former Blues captain.
“Not often do you get a statue," MacInnis said after the ceremony. "It's something you put right alongside a retired number in a special category.”
MacInnis amassed 127 goals and 452 points in his 10-seasons with the Blues. His number was retired by the organization on April 9th, 2006.
Keywords: al macinnis, alex pietrangelo, barret Jackman, cam janssen, d.j. king, darryl sydor, erik johnson, nhl, peoria rivermen, st louis blues
