Changes in Stl Blues Lineup Since January 1 2018
The Blues' Robby Fabbri (second from left) mixes it up with Washington's Radko Gudas in the second period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. (Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com)
Lost amid the hoopla of opening night in St. Louis, and a banner raising for the Blues, was a milestone of sorts for forward Robby Fabbri.
For the first time since 2016, he was healthy and in the lineup for a Blues season opener. It's nothing he'd thought about until asked Wednesday.
"Now that you mention it, a good feeling," Fabbri said. "There's still 82 games that I want to play in. So this is the start, and I'm just happy to get in to prove myself."
Fabbri missed the 2017-18 season opener and the entire season after suffering ligament damage in his left knee. (It was the second injury to that knee and resulted in a second knee surgery.) As he recovered from that surgery, he didn't make his 2018-19 season debut until Nov. 1, against Vegas.
It has definitely been a long haul for the 23-year-old native of Mississauga, Ontario.
"More than I definitely wanted to go through as well," Fabbri said. "But I felt great through the summer and coming into camp. And still feel really good. I feel like I'm back to where I was when I was in opening lineup last. It's just something to build off."
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Although he still wants Fabbri to regain his finishing touch on plays, coach Craig Berube was impressed with Fabbri's offseason work because he returned to camp flashing his old speed. It looks like the burst is back. He logged a little over 8 minutes of ice time Wednesday in the Blues' 3-2 overtime loss to Washington and was minus-1.
"I think I found that in the playoffs last year, which was nice going into the summer knowing that I felt like I was getting faster," Fabbri said. "I still want to get faster. … With the way I play in the game, (speed's) a big part of it. Feeling fast right now gives me confidence, and just working on it's gonna help me even more."
For the first time since the initial knee injury in the 2016-17 season, Fabbri had the luxury of an offseason free from treatment and rehab work.
Coming into camp, the only opening up front was Pat Maroon's left wing spot on the Tyler Bozak line. As of opening night, that spot belonged to Fabbri.
"I don't really know if it's targeting a specific spot," Fabbri said. "It's just about proving myself that I can be a big part of this team again and be an impact player like I was before the injuries."
NO GUNNARSSON
Berube went with Robert Bortuzzo instead of Carl Gunnarsson on his third defensive pairing Wednesday, and it was in large part a matchup-based decision.
"Probably the biggest reason for me, and all our 'D' are going to play and they're all important guys, but 'Borts' is a good penalty killer," Berube said before the game. "(The Capitals have) a good power play. He eats that shot over on the weakside with (Alex) Ovechkin, (Patrik) Laine and different teams we play. He's done a real good job of that."
Plus, Berube wanted Bortuzzo's physical presence against a team that plays a heavy style. "He adds that element," Berube said.
RAMPAGE MOVES
San Antonio has assigned goalie Evan Fitzpatrick and forward Robby Jackson to the Blues' ECHL affiliate in Tulsa. Fitzpatrick was a late second-round pick by the Blues in 2016 who appeared in one game this preseason (in the third period on Sept. 18, at Washington).
Jackson scored two goals for the Blues' squad at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Mich., but did not appear in any exhibition games before being sent to San Antonio on Sept. 22.
BLUENOTES
Once again, the Blues are Team Canada in the NHL. The 16 Canadians on their opening-day roster is the highest representation of any country on any team's roster.
• According to VividSeats, the average price of a Blues ticket on the secondary market for the opener was $286; last year it was $92 for the home opener.
• Besides Gunnarsson, forward Zach Sanford was the Blues' other healthy scratch Wednesday.
Blues go from celebrating to losing
Photos: Stanley Cup banner raised to kick off Blues home opener
Banner raised, Stanley Cup comes home
The St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
The Stanley Cup sits on display while the St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup championship banner for the 2018-2019 season is raised before the start of the season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo skates with the Stanley Cup before the season opener on Oct. 2 at Enterprise Center.(Post-Dispatch photo by Laurie Skrivan)
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Fans watch with smiles and jaws wide open as the St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner for their 2018-2019 season before the start of the season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
The St. Louis Blues stand arm and arm as they raise their Stanley Cup championship banner for their 2018-2019 season before the start of the season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Banner raised, Stanley Cup comes home
The St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates around with the Stanley Cup before the start of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) skates around with the Stanley Cup before the start of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Banner raised, Stanley Cup comes home
The St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
The Blues stand arm-in-arm as the team's Stanley Cup championship banner is raised at the season-opening game last Oct. 2 at Enterprise Center. (Post-Dispatch photo by Laurie Skrivan)
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo skates around with the Stanley Cup before the team's season opener, against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at Enterprise Center. (Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com)
Banner raised, Stanley Cup comes home
The St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
The St. Louis Blues stand arm and arm as they raise their Stanley Cup championship banner for their 2018-2019 season before the start of the season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Banner raised, Stanley Cup comes home
The St. Louis Blues raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Blues fans and players celebrate a goal by Sammy Blais in the season opener against Washington last October. (Post-Dispatch photo by Laurie Skrivan)
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues Jaden Schwartz works under pressure from Washington Capitals Nick Jensen as he looks to shoot in the second period against goalie Braden Holtby on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) continues to fight for the puck against Washington Capitals defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler (34) and Washington Capitals right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the first period against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. (Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com)
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues Tyler Bozak, center, is called for tripping Washington Capitals Jonas Siegenthaler in the second period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington keeps eyes on the puck, pursued by Washington Capitals T. J. Oshie in the second period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Blues open season against Capitals
The Blues' Robby Fabbri (second from left) mixes it up with Washington's Radko Gudas in the second period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. (Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com)
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates around with the Stanley Cup before the start of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) drops to his knees as he shoots and scores during the first period of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Blues fans erupt as Alex Pietrangelo celebrates his first-period goal in the season opener against the Capitals at Enterprise Center. (Post-Dispatch photo by Laurie Skrivan)
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues Sammy Blais pursues Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin as Martin Fehervary, left, joins in during the second period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo gains control of the puck during the season opener against the Washington Capitals at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
Fans erupt as Alex Pietrangelo celebrates a goal during the season opener against the Washington Capitals. (Post-Dispatch photo by Laurie Skrivan)
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
]Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) stops a shot by St. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly (90) during the first period of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) drops to his knees as he shoots and scores during the first period of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues Jaden Schwartz is pressured by Washington Capitals Dmitry Orlov during the third period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues David Perron awaits a rebound against Washington Capitals Dmitry Orlov in the third period on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues center Robby Fabbri (15) chases the puck into the corner with pressure from Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) and Washington Capitals defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in third period action during the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly (90) fights off pressure form Washington Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen (3) to get a shot off in third period action during the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly (90) loses the puck in third period action during the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) keeps the puck away from Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) in third period action during the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues V Washington Capitals
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a pad saving during overtime in the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Blues open season against Capitals
St. Louis Blues goalie buries his head after Washington Capitals Jakub Vrana scored in overtime to beat the Blues 3-2 on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Pregame celebration
Photos: St. Louis Blues players greet fans before home opener
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz walk the blue carpet outside of the Enterprise Center and greet fans before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on October 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
The keeper of the Stanley Cup allows St. Louis Blues fans to touch the trophy at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis before the Blues opening game against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Zach Sanford signs a jersey for a fan outside of the Enterprise Center before the St. Louis Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Brayden Burthardt, 14, and his siblings Landen and Ava, 10, wait for the St. Louis Blues players to walk the blue carpet outside of the Enterprise Center before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Kyle Pfeffer of Pontoon Beach takes a selfie with the Stanley Cup outside Enterprise Center before the Blues home opener Oct. 2, 2019.
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko greets fans outside Enterprise Center before the season opener on Oct. 2. (Post-Dispatch photo by Troy Stolt)
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Said Reichert, 4, of Creve Cover sits on a barrier gate outside of the Enterprise Center as he waits for the St. Louis Blues Players to walk the blue carpet prior to the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt. tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
The keeper of the Stanley Cup allows St. Louis Blues fans to touch the trophy at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis before the Blues opening game against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
The keeper of the Stanley Cup allows St. Louis Blues fans to touch the trophy at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis before the Blues opening game against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues mascot Louie the bear high fives fans on the blue carpet outside of the Enterprise Center on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt. tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues fans line up outside of the Enterprise Center before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on October 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues right wing Alexander Steen high fives fans outside of the Enterprise Center before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington autographs a fan's painting before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
Alexander Steen waves to Blues fans outside Enterprise Center before the home opener last October. (Post-Dispatch photo by Troy Stolt)
St. Louis Blues opening night pregame celebration
St. Louis Blues Left Wing Robby Fabri walks down the blue carpet and greets fans outside of the Enterprise Center before the Blues home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 2, 2019. Photo by Troy Stolt, tstolt@post-dispatch.com
Source: https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-notebook-for-first-time-since-2016-fabbri-in-opening-night-lineup/article_084fdd6f-2022-5a63-9ab4-bf7ac9e15cce.html
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