Getting To Know The St. Louis Blues’ Black Aces: Chris Porter
By Darla Yocom
The St. Louis Blues provided quite an intense challenge for the Chicago Blackhawks during the first two games of round one in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Blues have handpicked a few talented players from their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, to help the team in the playoffs due to recent injuries during the end of the regular hockey season. During game one, the Blues called up Forward, Adam Cracknell (#79) of the Chicago Wolves who powered forward within minutes of the very first period to put the Blues on the scoreboard. In game two, the Blues utilized the remarkable skills of the Chicago Wolves’ Forward, Chris Porter, who I will highlight in this segment. Chris Porter is a solid hockey player that has tremendously grown since he first joined the AHL and could continue to be a beneficial piece to our team during the playoffs. Let’s get to know the Blues’ next Black Ace, Chris Porter (#32).
Apr 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Chris Porter (32) during the first overtime in game one during the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
On Saturday, the Blues gained another fantastic player off the injured list, Forward T.J. Oshie. His return to the active roster did not leave a lot of room for active players on the bench. A lot of fans speculated as to who would be a healthy scratch and/or if any of the Chicago Wolves’ players would be sent back down to the AHL to make room for the shooting phenom, T.J. Oshie. Thankfully Chris Porter was one of the players left on the Blues’ active roster Saturday, as was his fellow CPR line partner, Adam Cracknell.
Chris Porter and Adam Cracknell continue to have an amazing chemistry on the ice together and continue to compliment each other on the ice when playing for either the Blues or Wolves this season. Based upon their individual and group success thus far, this could only have a positive impact to the team’s confidence on the ice.
Taking a step back, we look at Chris Porter’s “Blue” roots to get a better idea of how much he has flourished since he joined the teams. The Toronto native began his association with the St. Louis Blues during the 2007-2008 regular season with their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. He was first chosen to play for the St. Louis Blues during the following regular season, playing in a total of six games and accumulating two points (1 goal, 1 assist). Porter steadily increased his game time with the Wolves (322 regular season games & 7 playoff games) and Blues (149 regular season games & 8 playoff games) over the years. He has continued to show that he has the speed, focus and talent to be a huge asset to both teams. Porter has the ability to adapt to any situation on the ice and is always ready to play hard for his team. Hopefully he continues to improve his abilities, demonstrate that he belongs in the NHL and help the Blues bring home the Stanley Cup.
If we can keep the team healthy and zone in on our overall vision to break down the Blackhawks’ game plan, we should be able to continue our winning streak during round one of this series. We have a lot of tough players on the team and plenty of talent, including Porter and Cracknell. We also have several Black Aces up our sleeves that can come aboard, should the St. Louis Blues experience any injuries during the playoffs.
After yet another amazing overtime win tonight against the Blackhawks, the Blues now focus on traveling to Chicago for the next two games in round one.
On a more serious note, the team and fans hope that Captain, David Backes is healthy and able to return to the ice as soon as possible after sustaining a horrendous hit during the third period by Chicago’s Defenseman, Brent Seabrook (#7).
Apr 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) is escorted off the ice by linesman Brad Kovachik (71) with a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct after after a hit on St. Louis Blues center David Backes (not pictured) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Check out the next game, which will be in Chicago on Monday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m.
Let’s win the Stanley Cup! LGB! Long Live The Note!
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