THE VAN PROVIES NIGHTLY AWARDS

BEST SIDE SHOW

“He competed hard and blocked a shot with his face and did everything we wanted to.” — Alain Vigneault on Alexander Sulzer, who stayed in the lineup with the return of Aaron Rome.

Keith Ballard was a healthy scratch. The talk-show phone lines will be heating up with

speculation.

BEST REALITY CHECK

“I thought I was a pretty good coach from the 30th row and it looked like I could do the job and the first two games I was not good. I didn’t even know who was in the penalty box. I was way behind. The players were carrying me and I thought my middle name was “Who’s Up?” It’s hard to coach when you’re looking at your card all the time.” — Blues coach Ken Hitchcock on

his transition back to the NHL.

BEST MEMORY LANE

“Before I came here they finished first, then I came here and they went the other way.”

— Alain Vigneault on his 42 games as a Blues defenceman. St. Louis won the Smythe

Division in 1980-81.

BEST PRE-GAME

“This isn’t Game 7 of the playoffs, but it’s great to be on the other side and not have a meaningless game where you’re just trying to get your head above water. We have to make sure teams get everything they earn against us. It’s enjoyable to come to the rink and put the work in. We know we’re building something and you’re anxious to get even better.” — Blues captain David Backes

on a 19-5-6 record since Ken Hitchcock took over on Nov. 6.