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Hannu Toivonen Traded

March 1, 2010, 1:34 PM ET [ Comments]
Andy Strickland
St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Blues (Peoria) have traded goaltender Hannu Toivonen and D-man Danny Richmond to the Chicago Blackhawks AHL affiliate in Rockford in exchange for goaltender Joe Fallon and D-man Darryl Boyle. All players will remain in the AHL.


Earlier story...

Who knows what Sunday’s Gold medal hockey game will do for the NHL moving forward but for at least one day our sport was on center stage. For at least one day Hockey ruled the universe.


Even though the United States didn’t win, the game will be remembered forever. As will a number of American players especially goaltender Ryan Miller and forward Zach Parise.

Not only was hockey the focal point for Americans coast to coast but the game between USA and Canada delivered big time while exceeding expectations. Hockey is a sport that’s always been supported by its own cast of fans but Sunday was different. Bars from all over the country were filled to capacity to watch a hockey game. I was receiving calls and text messages throughout the game from individuals who never watch ice hockey but for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon people from all walks of life were captivated by the United States ice hockey team.

This was truly Super Sunday and it’s somewhat indescribable seeing people jump on board.

The Americans arrived to the Olympics as an “Underdog” but it didn’t take long for people to realize this team is just flat out good. As a result, these 23 players are responsible for every American news outlet along with millions of people talking pucks.

Brian Burke, David Poile, and the rest of the USA hockey staff deserve some credit for assembling a cast of players who captured the country in a short period of time. The roster was stacked with “Monster Gamers” who had roles and came to play. Team USA may not have had every Captain in the NHL like the Canadians did but in a few short days they surpassed a number of countries en route to officially claiming their stake a true hockey power.

Having success in international competition is nothing new to this generation of American born hockey players. USA hockey has seen their Under 18’s captured four World Championships Gold Medals since 2002 including three in the last five years. Our U-20 team just defeated Canada en route to a Gold medal back in January. This was the second time since 2004 USA took Gold the World Junior Championships. Several players from the 2004 World Junior team competed in these Olympics including Ryan Kesler, Ryan Suter, and Zach Parise. The 2004 Canada club carried the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards, Brent Seabrook, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Sidney Crosby.

I think everyone’s hope is that this Olympic tournament will make the average person in the U.S. like hockey just a little bit more. Maybe Team USA’s performance will motivate a person here and there to attend an NHL game or tune in to watch on a random Tuesday night. Look, I’m a realist and I know the NHL won’t ever compete with the NFL or even MLB, but I do know people love the game when they expose themselves to it.

One can only hope the NHL will find a way to capitalize on the exposure and momentum generated by the Olympics. If we took a poll and asked the majority of Americans what NHL team does Ryan Miller play for, I’m sure most would probably just say team USA over the Buffalo Sabres. It’s time people in this country know the players in our league.

I am fully aware the excitement had just about everything to do with American pride but I also know hockey took full advantage of the opportunity.

It may not have been a miracle if the Americans had been successful in defeating Canada on Sunday, but like the 1980 team this group was truly a team every American could be proud of.




Rink Rats!


I’m told not to expect a whole lot of movement on Monday as many NHL GM’s will be traveling from Vancouver. Things will obviously pick up on Tuesday heading into the deadline Wednesday afternoon.

Anybody else curious what Alexander Ovechkin’s reaction was when Sidney Crosby buried the game winner?

How bad did USA Head Coach Ron Wilson want to win the Gold just to shove it up the you know what of a few writers who cover the Maple Leafs? Following the Leafs final game prior to the break Wilson told a reporter he wouldn’t know what to write if he won.

Maybe the attention Americans gave to Olympic hockey will give the producers at ESPN extra incentive to show a NHL highlight every now and then.

How good was Chris Pronger once Canada reached the medal round?

I want to personally apologize to Scott Niedermayer for suggesting his game looked like it has slipped a bit. He found a way to elevate his game when it mattered most. I took some heat from several current NHL players for my previous comments. All in fun of course!

My only complaint is that NBC didn't have any pre-game festivities to preview the game.

Follow me on twitter for the latest Blues and NHL scoops. www.twitter.com/andystrickland



Blues Clues!

Derek Armstrong has been re-called from Peoria to fill a roster spot vacated by Keith Tkachuk who underwent pinkie surgery last week. I know of several Blues players who will be excited when they hear of his callup.

Erik Johnson shouldn’t be lacking any confidence heading into the stretch run. How good was this kid? The poise and confidence he displayed with the puck should have Blues fans buzzing with excitement. Eventually Johnson will turn his offensive rushes into scoring chances. It won’t be long before he continues to push once he gains the offensive end and you’ll see his scoring production increase as a result. It shouldn’t be long before Johnson starts to take real control when he’s on the ice and forces his partner to adjust to how he wants to play.

Tune into the David Backes show Monday afternoon at 2:00 on 590 the fan in St. Louis.

Blues Buzz returns to Johnny Mac’s this Wednesday.

Congrats to Doug Armstrong who played an important role for Hockey Canada as a member of the Executive staff.

Both Johnson and Backes are healthy and good to go Tuesday in Phoenix.

More to come,

Andy Strickland

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