St. Louis Blues Fans Rest Easy, Darren Pang Is Back

Usually it takes a trade or lack thereof to produce such an outcry from Blues fans. This time it was at the prospect of not having one of their broadcasters return.

The St. Louis Blues created quite the uproar this past week. Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with player movement or lack thereof.

Blues fans were upset at the prospect of losing Darren Pang, the team’s current television analyst. This is not shocking as Pang has a personality that is as infectious as a baby’s laugh.

The guy is just pleasant, or at least produces that feeling on television. It’s hard to watch him and not like both him and the sport he is describing.

Of course, like anything there are fans that don’t agree. Pang is not universally loved, but nobody is. There are always those that find fault.

There is nothing wrong with that. Nobody agrees on everything and you should probably watch out for those that try to.

In seriousness though, it is good that the Blues and Fox Sports Midwest brought him back. Pang has become an adopted son of St. Louis in his short stay here.

While both he and John Kelly get a little annoying with their memories of Ottawa any time they return, they are both St. Louisans now. Pang has almost become as much a part of the broadcasts as the games itself.

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From a personal aspect, I enjoy listening to him describe the game. He’s become one of the few “between the glass” guys that are not just spewing nonsense.

Similarly, I was a fan of Ken Wilson during his days with the Blues. As I’ve grown older, I’ve understood more what people might not have liked about Wilson. However, the Oh Baby’s and his general excitement made a mundane game in late January feel like it was important.

Such is the case with Pang. It would have been just as disappointing if Pang had left as it was for me when the Blues cut ties with Wilson.

Not everyone has to love catchphrases. There are almost as many people that don’t like Oh Baby or Holy Jumpin’ or Gave him the old nine of hearts as there are that do.

Many did and do like it though. There are many more who like the people saying those lines too.

The outpouring of support for Pang on social media was something to behold. Usually Twitter and Facebook are examples of everything we should aspire not to be. In this instance it was a good tool for Blues fans to voice their displeasure at what appeared to be a low-ball offer from FSM.

This was one time the Blues and their TV partner got it right. I still wish that Wilson was around, since he is the one that got me interested in broadcasting. However, at least this was a situation they managed not to bungle.

Now, with Pang back in the fold, we can all return to the joys of the offseason. Doug Armstrong might have us with some red scalps after some head scratching moves, but it has been fun and eventful.

At least now we can return to asking if it is October yet instead of wondering who might be in the booth.

Next: Hard To Tell If Blues Prospects Are Close Or Not

The Blues open their season on October 4. We might have to wait until October 7 to hear Panger though if NBC picks up that opener against Pittsburgh.