Optional Skate Blues

15 Wins Needed Part Duex

15 Wins Needed x 2

15 Wins to Go

In this, first of its kind, postseason postgame breakdown, Eric and Mike talk about the Blues continued dominance of the Minnesota Wild.  

Post Season Preview 2022

On this week's episode of OSB, Eric and Mike talk about the most excited matchup outside of Blues vs. Wild, the NCAA AZ Coyotes, the keys to the Blues Wild matchup, and much more.  

Most Complete Blues Team Ever?

On episode of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric talk about how much giving someone the middle finger is worth, how "independent" an independent review by the NHLPA could be, the possibility of Vegas being on the outside of the playoffs, and just how great this year's Blues team is.  

Can't Spell Sabbatical Without STL

In this much anticipated episode of OSB, Eric and Mike talk very early 40s and get into general state of Saint Louis Blues hockey at the moment and talk about some of the surprise contenders and surprise duds of the 2021-2022 season.   Take us back, won't you?   This episode is unofficially brought to you by Discreetz.  Discreetz has no knowledge of their unofficially sponsoring this episode of Optional Skate Blues.  What is more true is that Optional Skate Blues wants to sponsor Discreetz...

Tendy Controversy In STL?

Around the NHL, Eric and Mike discuss the impact of rescheduled games, COIVD testing basically only being done when crossing the US/Canada boarder, and Evander Kane's need for a life coach.   In STL hockey, we discuss if there is, or should be, a goalie controversy here in STL, Pronger's jersey retirement, and more. If you want to order Girl Scout Cookies from Eric's oldest daughter check out her cookie page: https://DigitalCookie.GirlScouts.org/scout/savannah29782  Sales end 1/26, get yo...

Winter Classic in Review

Eric and Mike break down their trip to the Winter Classic!  NYE in frozen Minneapolis, a grudge match with a SpongeBob rollercoaster,  a chance meeting with John Hamm, and more!   They talk a bit about what Jordan Kyrou could possibly be and start discussing what, if anything, might be done at this year's trade deadline.   Check out the artwork by S. Preston Art + Designs! 

Winter Classic Preview, Season Paused and Olympics Canceled

On this week's episode, around the NHL Mike and Eric talk about the pause in play, withdrawing NHLers from the Olympics, and Arizona being deadbeat renters.   With Blues news, we talk about if anyone would have predicted this type of output from Tarasenko, which Blues would have been on an Olympic Team, and give a Winter Classic preview.

St. Louis Who-s?

On this episode, Mike and Eric break down parts of their annual Hockey Road Trip, talk about how Omnicron is wreaking havoc on the NHL season and endangering the Olympics and All-Star Games, front office shake-ups, and break down the weeks that were in St. Louis Blues hockey.  

Honestly, Who Throws a...Glove?

After a month away, Eric and Mike return for an episode looking at a larger sample size from our St. Louis Blues while dipping our toes in the water from a month's worth of news and notes around the NHL.  Spoiler, there both biting and glove throwing are discussed.  

Nazem Kadri, Giant Douche or Turd Sandwich?

Before taking a dive around the NHL and the Blues games against Colorado and Chicago, Eric and Mike talk about the Blackhawks Sexual Assualt Resolution and Akim Aliu's attempt to put racism in the NHL under a similar microscope and why, to date, it's been unsuccessful.   We wrap much lighter with Eric being his own Hot Garbage and Mike calling out people who give trash candy for Halloween.  

Way Too Early Blues Review

Around the NHL, Eric & Mike breakdown the fallout from the Blackhawks Sexual Assault Investigation, talk Evander Kane's future in hockey, early surprises around the NHL, and if we prefer the early ESPN or TNT broadcasts.  For our St. Louis Blues, Mike and Eric break down forwards, defense, and goaltending from during the Blues 5-0 start.  We break down who's doing the early heavy lifting and how we could get even more production in the coming weeks.  

LET'S GO BLUES!!! Blues 2021 - 2022 Season Preview

LET'S GO BLUES!!! Sorry for my (Eric's) audio for the first part of the show, my mic wasn't picking up the audio, the computer speakers were.   This week, Mike and Eric talk news around the league focusing on Carey Price focusing on mental health, extensions for Coach Cooper, more 8 year deals to above average, but not elite talent.   We also touch on Central Division superlatives and, ultimately talk BLUES HOCKEY!

Around the NHL & Pacific, Metropolitan, and Atlantic Supurlatives

In this week's episode of OSB Mike and Eric talk Vancouver's RFAs signed and the lone RFA out there (cough, Brady Tkachuk...cough cough), Evander Kane's alleged falsification of proof of COVID vaccination, and Robin Lenher putting mental health front and center again...for 36 hours.   After around the league talk we quickly talk Blues preseason line combinations before getting into superlatives for every division other than the Central.  

Around the NHL & Pacific, Metropolitan, and Atlantic Supurlatives

In this week's episode of OSB Mike and Eric talk Vancouver's RFAs signed and the lone RFA out there (cough, Brady Tkachuk...cough cough), Evander Kane's alleged falsification of proof of COVID vaccination, and Robin Lenher putting mental health front and center again...for 36 hours.   After around the league talk we quickly talk Blues preseason line combinations before getting into superlatives for every division other than the Central.  

Zach Sanford's "Go Away" Party

In this episode of OSB, Eric talks about hosting a "Go Away" Party for Zach Sanford...without Zach knowing or being invited to attend.  Eric and Mike also talk about new front office additions of Ken Hitchcock and Peter Chiarelli, Robert Thomas twinning Jordan Kyrou's bridge deal,  Armstrong's 5 year extension, Tarasenko wearing the Bluenote again (for now) and much more.   Around the NHL, we talk Evander Kane gambling conspiracy theories, Kirill getting Kash in Minnesota, Rule 59, and much...

Around the NHL 3 Week Catch Up

On this week's second episode of OSB, Eric and Mike discuss Bozak's team friendly deal, who could push for a job on the blue line, and take a deeper dive into Robert Thomas' next contract.   Around the NHL we discuss everything from the "pending homeless" Arizona Coyotes and the eventual massive Spirit Halloween store to occupy Gila Arena, who's better Lundquist or Fleury, and a quick pop culture conversation about who should be the next host of Jeopardy.  

Blues 3 Week Catch-Up

In this week's episode of OSB, Mike and Eric discuss the completely sane and logical signing of Parayko in a year of insane and illogical 8 year d-man signings, 44 raising to the rafters, 42 retiring a member of the Blues, Winter Classic sweaters and much more.  

Blues Signing Their Own & Dawn of the 8 Year 9 Million Dollar Defensemen

Mike and Eric talk about the new deals for Barbie, Kyrou, Sanford and Dakota Johnson.  Also discussed is what is holding up a Tarasenko trade and a Thomas signing.  Around the league we talk about allegations of Pete Rose style gambling by Evander Kane, Minnesota and what it will take to sign Kaprizov, NHL GMs throwing around more crazy money and term  at defensemen, and more.  

So, When You Say Flat Cap...

In this episode of OSB, Eric and Mike talk about the addition of Pavel Buchnevich and the losses of Dunn, Schwartz, Hoffman while Blues fans remain in limbo with Tarasenko and Bozak.   We talk about teams that have made the biggest gains and the teams that have had the biggest losses this offseason, Marc-Andre Fleury's trade to Chicago, Edmonton's GM's moves being clinically bi-polar and much more! 

Tarasenko Wants Out, Does Landeskog Want In?

Mike and Eric talk about the Lightning going back to back, what constitutes a dynasty in a flat cap era, trade season opens, farewell NBC, and Tarasenko wants out, does Landeskog want in?

Stanley Cup Final and Three Weeks of NHL and Blues Catch-Up

In this episode of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric catch our listeners up on the mini-break in recording, Stanley Cup Final matchup, hiring around the NHL, contracts signed, and crimes unreported.  We also catch up on Tom Stillman's commitment to spend to the cap and Blues vs Wild Winter Classic take two, and much more.   Check it out and tell a friend!  LET'S GO BLUES!!!

The Defenseman That Got Away and Conference Finals

Eric and Mike talk about how we got to our current Conference Finals matchups. In news around the league, we'll talk about what what happens with the Avalanche's Cup window with their series loss, does complaining publicly about officiating help or hurt your team, and is the Lightning series win tainted due to them being 18 million over the salary cap? In Blues news, we talk about if the current version of the Blues would benefit more from Joel Edmundson or Alex Pietrangelo, "We Went Blues ...

North Division Meltdown and Player Safety Issues Continue

Mike and Eric talk first-round let downs for some fans and joy for others, draft lottery results, and breakdown a Q&A with Doug Armstrong.  And...there was a fart. 

Autopsy 2021 Blues Post Season

I apologize for the original edit of this episode.  I was editing at 1:30 am the night we recorded to make sure this got out the following morning.  Some MAJOR errors were made.  Not an excuse, just facts.  Please accept my apology and keep coming back from more NHL news and Blues offseason insight at OSB.   - Eric In this week's episode of OSB, Mike and Eric talk about the news that The Great One will be in studio for TNT for some games, reviewKadri's suspension, look at the other playoff ...

Blues 2021 Playoff Autopsy

***Apologies for the bad initial cut for the audio early to mid-day 5/27***  I was up super late wanting to get this episode out.  - Eric In this week's episode of OSB, Mike and Eric talk about the news that The Great One will be in studio for TNT for some games, review Kadri's suspension, look at the other playoff series around the league, and take a look at what went wrong during the Avalanche's sweep of our St. Louis Blues.   Mike also calls back to our "Hot Takes" from our 3rd episode ...

Exactly What Will Happen Round 1

On this episode of OSB, Eric and Mike break down each series and take a deep dive into the Blues Avs match up.  We compare forwards, defense, special teams, and goaltending.  Mike and Eric also talk about the keys to the series moving forward.   Let's Go Blues!  

1/10 of 1%

In this week's episode of OSB, Eric and Mike discuss what Jack Eichel's future looks like,  coaching and front office shake-ups, and begin a conversation about the upcoming matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and your St. Louis Blues.   We also take a brief dive into 90s bands, celebrity look-a-likes, and give listeners at least one cannot fail pickup line.  

Magic Number Down to 3 and Tom Wilson, Again, is an Asshole

In this week's episode of Optional Skate Blues, Eric and Mike talk about what's...Kraken... We also discuss Tom Wilson...again, and we point to a single Blue that has allowed for this seismic shift in the Blues season where they have 11 out of the last 12 possible points.  Lastly, we also take a new round of our weekly fan questions.  

O'Reilly Factor Willing St. Louis to Postseason

In this week's episode of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric talk about the elite company Connor McDavid is already in, the NHL and TNT, Backes likely hanging up his skates, Blues week in review and introduce a new segment where we are taking fan questions.  

2021 Playoffs, Down to a Coin Flip

In this week's episode of Optional Skate Blues Mike and Eric talk if 1,768 games and a very good career gets Patrick Marleau get him into the Hall of Fame, if the NHL forced Vancouver to come back and play too early, and a Mando goalie themed mask in Dallas.   We also break down the Blues' chances of getting into the playoffs and take an honest look at the article Jeremy Rutherford wrote in The Athletic discussing the "fragile" Blues.  

Panic Bus Stalls and 2021 Trade Deadline

Eric and Mike talk about their road trip to Arkansas to visit a great friend, the Blues' recent resurgence in play, Berube poking Binnington, and 2021 Trade Deadline moves, signings, and missed opportunities.  

Gas Up the Panic Bus

On this week's episode of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric talk about the huge Covid spike in Vancouver, why the Blues are in the midst of a 7 game skid, and if the Blues should stand pat or be sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline that is just a week away.   Let's Go BLUES!!!

Crossover: NITNC Best Hockey Movie of All Time

Mike and Eric sit down with friends Justin and Jon from Nerd is the New Cool to crown "The Best Hockey Movie of All Time".    We put Slapshot, Mighty Ducks, Mystery Alaska and Miracle up against each other and discuss everything from "quotability" to true to life hockey.   After we've crowned a winner we talk some Blues hockey and Hot Garbage.   Let's Go BLUES!!!

Farewell Bobby Plager, Blues 0-2-1 Week, and Hot Mics Have Consequences

To start this week's episode Mike and Eric reflect on how Bobby Plager epitomized everything good and decent about Blues hockey and the St. Louis Blues overall.   We talk about the new NHL draft changes, two trades that looking to set the deadline market, Tim Peel's hot mic, and how watching Blues games has devolved into doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results...you know, the definition of insanity.   LET'S GO BLUES!!!

OSB Interview with James Bertels, In-Game Emcee

Eric and Mike sit down with St. Louis Blues in-game emcee, James Bertles, to talk origin story, Stanley Cup Parade, childhood fandom, and more.  

Sellers Should Maximize Cap Space and The Blues Tough Schedule Ahead

In this week's episode of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric talk about the uptick in hockey shows and movies, the potential for a quiet trade deadline, the (possibly not too) rare three team trade with salary retained, and break down the week that was in Blues hockey.   LET'S GO BLUES!!!

Jordan Binnington is the Best Blues Goalie Since _____, Blues IR List Shrinks, and EPSN Dream Boradcast Team

In this week's installment of Optional Skate Blues, Mike and Eric talk about why San Jose isn't getting better anytime soon, Binnington's new contract, Schwartz and Bozak's return to play, and how one point against the best in the West isn't sustainable.  

Tom Wilson is an Asshole and Blues Power Play Comes to Life

Mike and Eric discuss news around the league with the Washington Capitals' recent run-ins with The Department of Player Safety, Darryl Sutter is back in Calgary, and rumors of an ESPN TV deal.  They also dive deeper into the Blues' recent surge in their power play, Tarasenko's return to the lineup, and more.  

Minimal Goals Followed By All The Goals

On this episode of Optional Skate Blues, Eric and Mike talk about the mess in Buffalo, the NHL's execution celebrating Black History Month, and our Blues overhaul of their lines leading to meaningful production.  

Blues Quater Mark Awards and Post Credits Coyotes

This week on OSB, Mike and Eric give their quarter season awards to your St. Louis Blues, talk Lake Tahoe games, what's going on in the desert, and talk about possible new power play formations and the need to play a full 60 minutes.  

OSB Interview with Towel Man, Ron Baechle

Mike and Eric talk with Towel Man, Ron Baechle.  Our conversation with Towlie (we Beta tested the name and we're going with it) includes a Marvel Entertainment level origins story, fond memories of Hockey Road Trips of yesteryear, and Stanley Cup Parade!   Check out this second OSB Interview Episode here.  

Faulkamania, BROTHER!!!

At the quarter mark of the season, Mike and Eric talk about their top five contenders right now while also talking about our two overperforming and two underperforming teams.   We talk about Liane getting benched...again, break down Blues vs Coyotes...again, and we talk about Husso letting the first shot of the game...again.  

Groundhog Day, Now With More Coyotes

In this week's episode of OSB, Eric and Mike break down the week that was against the Pheonix Coyotes while we look at the week ahead against...well...The Pheonix Coyotes.   We try to decide if it's Colon Campbell or Colin Campbell, discuss if the new "series" format of hockey is good for the game or cheapens the playoff format, and look at what part of Blues hockey right now made it as Mike's Hot Garbage.  

3-0 and Trending Up

Tons happend around the league this week!  Mike and Eric, break down Matthew Tkachuk's rage filled week, Tony DeAngelo off everyone's Christmas Card list, Rutherford bails on the Penguins, COVID raging in ice hockey yet fans are now in attendance in The Lou and the NWHL has lots of eggs in their only basket smash,  We break down the Blues 3-0 week, their excellent 5 on 5 play, breakout play of Kyrou, Schenn leading the team by example, committing fewer penalties, wins from both goalies and ...

We Don't Need Perfection, We Need Consistency

Mike and Eric breakdown the Laine for DuBois blockbuster, contemplate what our personalized goalie mask would feature, and review the week in Blues Hockey.   We introduce a new segment, "Favor and Fade" where we suggest who to watch in the fantasy hockey world and also premier the new sound byte our Producer Greg and his wife, Nicole recorded for our "Hot Garbage" segment.  

OSB with Blues Organist, Jeremy Boyer

In our first ever Optional Skate Blues Interview, we hear from St. Louis Blues Organist, Jeremy Boyer!   Jeremy and Eric talk about Enterprise with limited capacity, Stanley Cup Parade, Chumbawumba, and more.  

Takeaways From Game 1

In this episode, Mike and Eric talk about the Blues 4-1 win and what we saw in the first game of the year...not the hot garbage of the 8-0 loss Friday night.  

2021 Blues Breakdown

Eric and Mike get hyper-focused on our St. Louis Blues.  We talk where we see new Blues fitting in, a whole new outlook on defense, breakout players, most likely to decline, and some hot takes.