THE REAPER NAMED 1ST STAR AGAINST OLD CLUB

Denver

Even with the ailing Rockies battered and bruised, nobody would have predicted Stu Grimson to be the star of the show last night in Colorado. The Rockies went into the matchup with three starters out of the line up including soon-to-be All Star Steve Yzerman; their #1 centre.

It was the second game of a back to back after a disappointing loss to the Blue Jackets in which Colorado completely dominated the game but got goalied. Calgary must have known they’d be in tough against the most explosive offensive in the entire league.

It was an odd start to the game. The first shift for either team saw Petr Svoboda kicked out after a minor hooking infraction that caused Flames’ Warren Rychel be leave the game due to injury.  After the Rockies killed the penalty they went on to score two goals in 30 seconds and never looked back.

Already up 3-0 midway through the 2nd period Colorado’s Stu Grimson scored on a Rockies power play. The Grim Reaper would add a second goal later in the game and would be named 1st Star. Grimson was asked after the game about his performance and doing so against his teammates from last season.

He said, “We played hard in Calgary last year. I know those guys. Good men. It’s a long hard road over there but a very gutsy team. Here in Denver, I’ve been given a very clear role. I’m a good teammate. I do it for the boys. Today, coach called my name and I’m happy I was able to contribute… twice!” 

Prior to the game Grimson was selected to skate as the 1st PP unit centre. A role that nobody saw coming. Grimson didn’t have one single PP goal in over 230 career games played.

Coach Savard was asked about the decision, “Listen, we’ve set up a structured way to play the game. I know Stu is a Stu-dent of the game. He watches and he learns. With Stevie down I didn’t want to pull anyone off their usual combinations. I know Reaper wanted this one badly against the old team. I saw the money on the board. Why not give the man a shot? He came through admirably”.

Savard was asked if Grimson would stay on the league’s top PP once Yzerman returned. He replied, “Come on guys, you know the answer to this. Stu is a team guy and he stepped up when his number was called. It’s a feel good story, so let the man enjoy it, ya?” 

Yzerman is set to return tomorrow night as the Rockies travel to Calgary for the second half of the home-and-home series.