Blues chat with Tom Timmermann
Bring your questions and comments about the Stanley Cup champion Blues and the NHL, and talk to Post-Dispatch hockey writer Tom Timmermann in a live chat starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
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Tom,
I don’t understand the Season ticket Wait list. If someone is willing to pay upfront to sit the entire season in the uppermost seat or any seat, why don’t the Blues sell every seat it can to these people. That way they are assured and know how much money they have coming in. I would also think that if you have enough money for season tickets, you are also buying food & beverages and paying for parking every game. I know for people like me, who make a few games a year, while it is nice that there is a seat available for me to purchase, I walk a greater distance to get to the game (Cheaper $ parking) and eat at home before the game (nothing purchased at concessions) so the Blues would make more with season ticket holders filling the entire arena. Isn’t that how the Green bay Packers fill their stadium for all these years (Season ticket holders)? I hear the seats are pass down in Wills. -
All teams want to save some tickets for single-game purchases. Otherwise, you turn it into an us and them situation. Other you have seats are you don't, which probably doesn't grow the fan base. Hockey is a better sport in person than on TV, so to win new fans over, the Blues need to get them in the building. (You could argue this is less the case for the NFL, which can be better enjoyed on TV.) For every fan like you who parks farther away and eats at home, there are others who make a special occasion of it and go all out for their one or two games of the season.
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The statement in full:
The St. Louis Blues have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis. Along with the National Hockey League, we will continue to heed the guidance of government and health authorities as we collectively monitor and assess all developments related to COVID-19. While we plan to play all Blues home games at Enterprise Center as currently scheduled, this is a rapidly changing matter that requires frequent evaluation and assessment by all involved. Our commitment to the health, safety and security of everyone who represents our organization, or visits Enterprise Center, will at all times be our top priority.
Stringent protocols have been put into place at Enterprise Center to fight the spread of viruses. These include adding additional alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue, in both public and non-public areas; cleaning high traffic areas of the building with disinfectant throughout events (often several times per day) including point-of-purchase locations and devices, door handles, elevator buttons, escalator handrails and restrooms; increased signage outlining advisable precautions (e.g., handwashing); and ensuring soap and paper product is stocked in restrooms.
The St. Louis Blues will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any updates as they evolve.
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With #44 being sent to the Rafters, Do you believe Pronger could play in this era of hockey? I think prior Defensemen would have a much harder time than offense men. His style would have him in the penalty box all the time whereas his era made him feared by most. My favorite player of all time is Bobby Plager but my gut feeling (Sorry to say) is that he just would be too small and slow for the way the game is played now. I doubt he would be given a chance if he was to come up through the ranks now. I always wonder what numbers someone like Hull or Gretsky would have if they played now instead of the “Clutch & Grab” style they played in.
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Tom, I used data from Natural Stat Trick to calculate the proportion of Blues shots that are on goal. At even strength, it looks like the Blues are more likely than other teams to get shot attempts on goal as opposed to being blocked or missing the net (58.2% of attempts versus the league average of 54.8%). I'd agree that it's frustrating to see shots miss but they're a bit better than most (and surprisingly the teams don't differ that much at getting pucks through).
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Earlier this season in Los Angeles, Jake Allen came off the ice in practice and gave his stick to someone on a youth team that was waiting to go on the ice for their practice, much to the player's infinite delight. I complimented Allen on that and he said, "I get 'em for free." Goalies don't change pads all that often, and it takes them a while to break them in, so changes have to be planned well in advance. Goalies may go through two or three masks a year. (They may have a special one for alternate jerseys.) I think the manufacturer picks up much of the tab. It's a plus for them to have NHL goalies wearing their gear.
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The colonoscopy itself isn't a factor. People might be put off by the thought of what happens, but you have zero realization what's going on. You're asleep and don't feel a thing.The prep, on the other hand, needs some work. I've had four colonoscopies now and the prep never ceases to be maddening.On the other hand, I've seen someone die of colon cancer, and that's about 10 million times worse than a colonoscopy, so if you're supposed to get one, get one.
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Any player leaving the bench to join a fight would be ejected. Players know not to start a fight until the puck drops; I assume the penalty for doing it before play begins would be a game misconduct as well. But it's been a long time since I've seen that happen either. I don't know if fines would follow. Those come for plays that potentially injure someone.
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For your listening pleasure, Jeff Gordon and I did a podcast earlier today. Something to listen to on the drive home.
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