It's No Cup, but...
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Who knew a fan could get this excited about the team's third win of the season?! I'm experiencing something like the Laurie's must feel when they have a "money fight," throwing wads of cash at each other as though it were a slumber party pillow fight.
Lee Stempniak, Dennis Wideman, Scott Young...it was hardly a Hall of Fame quality lineup, but some AHLers and a 38 year old former Hartford Whaler were just what we needed to break what was quickly becoming a black eye to a once great franchise and all of St. Louis professional sports.
Curtis Sanford, replacing the Blues' marquis offseason acquisition Patrick Lalime, stood on his head for the shut out. That he stopped 36 shots, while his team put up only 16, was a testament to his ability. Maybe I'm consumed by the excitement and not thinking rationally, but perhaps Sanford finally represents a true talent within the organization. He hasn't played much in the NHL yet, but he has looked good when he has. This season would be a real trial by fire for him with that second rate defense playing in front of him, but if anything, it could help him mature into a more resilient goalie. The biggest obstacle will be the Blues' notorious system of player development. If they're married to the idea of Patrick Lalime starting 40 more games this year, Sanford has to languish on the bench. Lalime seems to be the most recent version of the Jim Carey signing.
