The Edmonton Oilers’ rally cry has started.

You can probably put flashy Russian forward Kirill Kabanov, who is hurt and won’t be playing in the world junior hockey championship next month, on that list, too. There are NHL teams, however, who are always leery of taking Russians that early in the draft unless their surname is Ovechkin or Kovalchuk.

Only five teams that finish with the worst records after the regular season will have a shot at the first overall pick in the annual lottery.

Right now, the Carolina Hurricanes are in last place, with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues and the Oilers in the running to call out the first name.

The Boston Bruins actually have the Leafs’ first pick in the draft, however, because Toronto general manager Brian Burke surrendered it in 2010 and ‘11 to get Phil Kessel who has been a scoring machine for the Leafs this season.

It has been proven that most top-five draft picks play like top picks –right away. Just take a gander at: John Tavares, who has 21 points with the New York Islanders; Victor Hedman, who’s playing 23 minutes a game on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s blue-line;Matt Duchene, who has 11 points with the Colorado Avalanche; and Evander Kane, who is a second-liner with the Atlanta Thrashers and has eight goals. They were the top four choices last June.

Click here to read the full article – By Jim Matheson of Edmonton Journal

Pittsburgh Penguins Colorblock Plush Christmas Stocking

New Jersey Devils NHL Himo Plush Christmas Stocking

Minnesota Wild NHL Himo Plush Christmas Stocking

Display your team pride to all your neighbors with these Forever Collectibles NHL Holiday Stockings. They make this item for all teams.

Have Santa drop off your gifts in a stocking showing your support for your favorite team! This Officially Licensed soft plush stocking features your favorite teams logo and measures 17 inches from top to toe. It will make a wonderful holiday gift for any sports fan!

The St. Louis Blues believed they were due for a breakout game at home. Andy McDonald, Brad Boyes and David Perron paved the way for an offensive outburst.

The trio combined for 10 points, with Perron recording his first NHL hat trick, Boyes netting a goal and three assists, and McDonald contributing a goal and two assists in his 500th career game.

It added up to St. Louis’ 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night.

The Blues, who were 1-5-1 in their first seven home games, scored four times in the first 7:36 — including Perron’s two goals in a span of 1:54.

“We hadn’t played real well at home,” said Boyes, who nearly matched his season total of six points. “It was a tough building to play in last year. We’ve got to get that way again. This was a good way to get going.”

Click here to read the full article – By Associated Press of ESPN.com

St. Louis Blues Sports Memorabilia
and other St. Louis Blues Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for David Perron.