T.C. wrote: Wed Aug 06, 2025 7:13 am Howdy. Slow offseason. Contemplating how it will be another season without any TV and deciding if that’s good or bad, given the new crew.

At least this season you can rest assured that if you're listening on the radio, you will legitimately be getting almost the exact same product as TV.

T.C. wrote: Wed Aug 06, 2025 7:13 am Howdy. Slow offseason. Contemplating how it will be another season without any TV and deciding if that’s good or bad, given the new crew.

Exciting team to watch! Hope you get to catch some games

It was probably discussed before and I missed it, but why not just stream the games? There are many sites you can use, and the quality has gotten a lot better. I'm in Denver, so I can see most of the games with my ESPN subscription, but for certain games like if they're playing the Avs and it's blacked out, I'll just pull up the stream on the laptop and plug it into the TV. Pretty easy.

big d note wrote: Thu Aug 07, 2025 3:44 pm It was probably discussed before and I missed it, but why not just stream the games? There are many sites you can use, and the quality has gotten a lot better. I'm in Denver, so I can see most of the games with my ESPN subscription, but for certain games like if they're playing the Avs and it's blacked out, I'll just pull up the stream on the laptop and plug it into the TV. Pretty easy.

The Ballys app was fine... time to suck it up and afford the $20 a month

can I pull up an illegal stream on my laptop and cast to the TV? sure. and could I sub to some RSN app that shoves a bunch of other non-hockey content into a bundle to drive up cost, subsidizing other shitty sports, instead of the NHL using the existing national streaming platform - meaning i get 70-something games per season for $20/mo instead of 1300-something games per season for $30/mo? sure. but i'm not a) going to jump through a bunch of hoops that are illegal to watch the game, or b) going to succumb to what amounts to strong-arm robbery to support this fucking shitty model. if the NHL doesn't want to provide a legal way to watch my local team, then so be it. the only way I have to try to voice my displeasure with this model is with my wallet. if enough people had this attitude, we'd see change. but, seems like plenty of people are totally fine getting fleeced and supporting shitty RSNs, so fuck me I guess.

I can respect protesting with your wallet. Nothing wrong with that.

For me, the enjoyment I get from watching Blues games is worth the cost to me.

That's exactly what they rely on. Exploiting people that have decades of fandom with this bullshit is just evil. So what would be the line for you, if it's not $20/mo? $30? $50? Because they will charge whatever they feel like charging and will keep increasing cost while diminishing the product as long as people keep paying. Fuck them, and fuck this retarded RSN model.

T.C. wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 3:57 pm That's exactly what they rely on. Exploiting people that have decades of fandom with this bullshit is just evil. So what would be the line for you, if it's not $20/mo? $30? $50? Because they will charge whatever they feel like charging and will keep increasing cost while diminishing the product as long as people keep paying. Fuck them, and fuck this retarded RSN model.

I agree with you. I'm not wasting any more money until teams come up with a viable all inclusive package for the team of your choosing.

I illegally stream all of it BECAUSE of the highway robbery.

They wanna fuck my fellow NHL fans?

Fuck 'em.

I'll get what I want AND not pay a dime.

BluesSK wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 4:24 pm

T.C. wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 3:57 pm That's exactly what they rely on. Exploiting people that have decades of fandom with this bullshit is just evil. So what would be the line for you, if it's not $20/mo? $30? $50? Because they will charge whatever they feel like charging and will keep increasing cost while diminishing the product as long as people keep paying. Fuck them, and fuck this retarded RSN model.

I agree with you. I'm not wasting any more money until teams come up with a viable all inclusive package for the team of your choosing.

I mean, that would be ideal, but I’d be happy if they just let us sub to ALL NHL games, but actually all, no blackouts. I wouldn’t care if it were $50/mo and I only watched Blues games, I’d support it. It’s not the $20/mo, it’s the fucking bullshit model where Ballys requires me to subsidize soccer, baseball, etc., if I only care about Blues hockey for nearly the same cost as getting all 1300+ NHL games, then takes that money and axes the broadcast team, gives us the JV team. Fuck right off. Give me a way to pay money to watch only the NHL (whatever goddamn game I want to watch) and I’ll pay it.

T.C. wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 3:57 pm That's exactly what they rely on. Exploiting people that have decades of fandom with this bullshit is just evil. So what would be the line for you, if it's not $20/mo? $30? $50? Because they will charge whatever they feel like charging and will keep increasing cost while diminishing the product as long as people keep paying. Fuck them, and fuck this retarded RSN model.

Don't know what my limit is. I was able to get all their games for cheaper via ESPN+ cause I'm out of the viewing area so it's not also an apples to apples comparison.

For me, Hockey is one of my favorite things to watch so if I had to cut out something like Netlfix to make the net spend zero for Hockey, I'd pick hockey.

My way of justifying it is, if I didn't pay for it, I'd probably end up going to a bar occasionally to watch a game or two which would cost me more than the monthly subscription so in my logic this is me saving money haha. But I'm really good at finding silly reasons to justify purchases.

T.C. wrote: Sat Aug 09, 2025 8:39 am
I mean, that would be ideal, but I’d be happy if they just let us sub to ALL NHL games, but actually all, no blackouts. I wouldn’t care if it were $50/mo and I only watched Blues games, I’d support it. It’s not the $20/mo, it’s the fucking bullshit model where Ballys requires me to subsidize soccer, baseball, etc., if I only care about Blues hockey for nearly the same cost as getting all 1300+ NHL games, then takes that money and axes the broadcast team, gives us the JV team. Fuck right off. Give me a way to pay money to watch only the NHL (whatever goddamn game I want to watch) and I’ll pay it.

I completely get this, T.C. In this day and age, blackouts are just stupid. I cannot imagine in this age of cutting the cable, how many more would love the option of paying for an all inclusive NHL package. I'm one of them. But, by forcing those in the area of the team to pay for the ability to only watch one team, be it via cable or streaming service, is stupid. I don't follow the NBA, but the NHL, NFL, and MLB all stop you from watching local games. The NFL+ Premium does not allow you to watch live games that are broadcast on your local CBS, Fox, NBC channels unless you log in to your cable and/or streaming services to show you have access to the games. I just don't get it. I think the only league that lets you watch all games without blackout restrictions is MLS, but you have to subscribe to Apple+ TV and that's why I'm not watching any MLS games that aren't on available on regular TV.

To me, it just makes no sense. But, I have Spectrum for other reasons, so I get to watch them all. I do feel for you T.C. and respect your position.

stlblues1226 wrote: Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:12 am

T.C. wrote: Sat Aug 09, 2025 8:39 am
I mean, that would be ideal, but I’d be happy if they just let us sub to ALL NHL games, but actually all, no blackouts. I wouldn’t care if it were $50/mo and I only watched Blues games, I’d support it. It’s not the $20/mo, it’s the fucking bullshit model where Ballys requires me to subsidize soccer, baseball, etc., if I only care about Blues hockey for nearly the same cost as getting all 1300+ NHL games, then takes that money and axes the broadcast team, gives us the JV team. Fuck right off. Give me a way to pay money to watch only the NHL (whatever goddamn game I want to watch) and I’ll pay it.

I completely get this, T.C. In this day and age, blackouts are just stupid. I cannot imagine in this age of cutting the cable, how many more would love the option of paying for an all inclusive NHL package. I'm one of them. But, by forcing those in the area of the team to pay for the ability to only watch one team, be it via cable or streaming service, is stupid. I don't follow the NBA, but the NHL, NFL, and MLB all stop you from watching local games. The NFL+ Premium does not allow you to watch live games that are broadcast on your local CBS, Fox, NBC channels unless you log in to your cable and/or streaming services to show you have access to the games. I just don't get it. I think the only league that lets you watch all games without blackout restrictions is MLS, but you have to subscribe to Apple+ TV and that's why I'm not watching any MLS games that aren't on available on regular TV.

To me, it just makes no sense. But, I have Spectrum for other reasons, so I get to watch them all. I do feel for you T.C. and respect your position.

It's ideal, in an ideal world. The problem is these networks are paying HUGE sums of money for these contracts that the amount the NHL would need from each fan individually to match it would be an amount most would never pay.

Unfortunately, no team is going to agree to cut their TV revenue in half(or whatever number) in order to appease fans. That's not the world we live in.

https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/1957789779518431373

It's just a PTO, it's just a PTO, it's just a PTO...

Dave's a mess wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 9:08 am https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/1957789779518431373

It's just a PTO, it's just a PTO, it's just a PTO...

He hasn't played in over a year, but he's trade bait at best

Dave's a mess wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 9:08 am https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/1957789779518431373

It's just a PTO, it's just a PTO, it's just a PTO...

I think this really is a win/win for both the Blues and Lucic. He's battled his demons and now I really hope he wants to show he still has what it takes to be an NHLer. Let's not forget, Monty was given a second chance by the Blues after his issues and he's made the most of it. Finally, Lucic could have signed with anyone, but chose to try out for his former coach. I honestly don't see a downside to this move by the Blues.

We know they can't really sign him until Krug's salary goes to LTIR when the season starts, or there about. So, Lucic gets to camp, works with the Blues, and if everyone is happy with how things go, I'm confident Lucic will get a very cap friendly deal for probably just one season.

Peter Chiarelli gives it the stamp of approval.

Didn't he beat on his wife?? Signing a washed player with baggage to a try out doesn't make a lot of sense.

Also, let's not conflate abusing alcohol with abusing a spouse. They are not equal.

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:44 am Peter Chiarelli gives it the stamp of approval.

Didn't he beat on his wife?? Signing a washed player with baggage to a try out doesn't make a lot of sense.

Also, let's not conflate abusing alcohol with abusing a spouse. They are not equal.

I just figured with the article saying "Lucic took an indefinite leave of absence from the team and later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program." that it was a substance abuse issue. After looking into it, you are correct, it was a domestic abuse situation. That's a whole different ball of wax, but I still believe in giving second chances. Although, in all honesty, if it was my sister, my opinion would probably be different.

stlblues1226 wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:52 am

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:44 am Peter Chiarelli gives it the stamp of approval.

Didn't he beat on his wife?? Signing a washed player with baggage to a try out doesn't make a lot of sense.

Also, let's not conflate abusing alcohol with abusing a spouse. They are not equal.

I just figured with the article saying "Lucic took an indefinite leave of absence from the team and later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program." that it was a substance abuse issue. After looking into it, you are correct, it was a domestic abuse situation. That's a whole different ball of wax, but I still believe in giving second chances. Although, in all honesty, if it was my sister, my opinion would probably be different.

Second chances are fine, I'm just not sure I get the upside here. He wasn't good the last time he was in the NHL which was a couple season's ago. Not sure where he'd fit on this roster. Especially with what appears to be a loaded 4th line of Torpo Bjugstad Walker with Sunny and Joseph hanging around.

Who knows, we'll see. Gives us something to talk about and it's just a PTO.

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:13 am

stlblues1226 wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:52 am

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:44 am Peter Chiarelli gives it the stamp of approval.

Didn't he beat on his wife?? Signing a washed player with baggage to a try out doesn't make a lot of sense.

Also, let's not conflate abusing alcohol with abusing a spouse. They are not equal.

I just figured with the article saying "Lucic took an indefinite leave of absence from the team and later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program." that it was a substance abuse issue. After looking into it, you are correct, it was a domestic abuse situation. That's a whole different ball of wax, but I still believe in giving second chances. Although, in all honesty, if it was my sister, my opinion would probably be different.

Second chances are fine, I'm just not sure I get the upside here. He wasn't good the last time he was in the NHL which was a couple season's ago. Not sure where he'd fit on this roster. Especially with what appears to be a loaded 4th line of Torpo Bjugstad Walker with Sunny and Joseph hanging around.

Who knows, we'll see. Gives us something to talk about and it's just a PTO.

My hope is that if the Blues do sign him, they'll use his grit and tenacity on the 4th line, maybe 3rd. The Blues really haven't had a serious shit disturber to get under the oppositions skin since they let Pat Maroon go. Or, he could turn out to be a great press box guy that can fill in when needed.

In the end, I have to trust that Army has a plan and knows what he's doing.

stlblues1226 wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:37 am

Dave's a mess wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 9:08 am https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/1957789779518431373

It's just a PTO, it's just a PTO, it's just a PTO...

I think this really is a win/win for both the Blues and Lucic. He's battled his demons and now I really hope he wants to show he still has what it takes to be an NHLer. Let's not forget, Monty was given a second chance by the Blues after his issues and he's made the most of it. Finally, Lucic could have signed with anyone, but chose to try out for his former coach. I honestly don't see a downside to this move by the Blues.

We know they can't really sign him until Krug's salary goes to LTIR when the season starts, or there about. So, Lucic gets to camp, works with the Blues, and if everyone is happy with how things go, I'm confident Lucic will get a very cap friendly deal for probably just one season.

Monty's job doesn't depend on being able to skate like an NHL caliber player. I imagine he won't make the team, but I just legitimately don't see any upside to this.

I'm not sure how much a 37 year old who's been out of the game for the better part of two years can add to the team but it should make for some good competition on the lower lines.

Prospects toiling in the minors can't be too excited about another body in front of them.

These PTO's rarely turn into anything... a lot never even lace up for the pre-season. HIs personal life... is nobodies business. If the coaches think he can contribute, then it looks like he will get a chance to play. As to what a 37 year old might contribute... that isn't fucking old. If the guy is in shape he could bring that physical presence the Blues were lacking last season. Maybe he will beat up Kyrou in practice.

To the idea that a person should only pay for the portion of a channel they specifically have interest in is ludicrous. Channels have other content... when you go to the store part of the price of bananas is to support Fritos and Fritos support salad dressing... and on and on until your little old cart is filled up with goodies and you go home to your little house and have snacks. Pay the $20, ya damn Grinch!

CaptSMRT wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 8:10 pm These PTO's rarely turn into anything... a lot never even lace up for the pre-season. HIs personal life... is nobodies business. If the coaches think he can contribute, then it looks like he will get a chance to play. As to what a 37 year old might contribute... that isn't fucking old. If the guy is in shape he could bring that physical presence the Blues were lacking last season. Maybe he will beat up Kyrou in practice.

To the idea that a person should only pay for the portion of a channel they specifically have interest in is ludicrous. Channels have other content... when you go to the store part of the price of bananas is to support Fritos and Fritos support salad dressing... and on and on until your little old cart is filled up with goodies and you go home to your little house and have snacks. Pay the $20, ya damn Grinch!

The last notable one I can remember is James big game Neal who lasted I think a dozen uneventful games or so?

Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Wed Aug 20, 2025 8:39 am

CaptSMRT wrote: Tue Aug 19, 2025 8:10 pm These PTO's rarely turn into anything... a lot never even lace up for the pre-season. HIs personal life... is nobodies business. If the coaches think he can contribute, then it looks like he will get a chance to play. As to what a 37 year old might contribute... that isn't fucking old. If the guy is in shape he could bring that physical presence the Blues were lacking last season. Maybe he will beat up Kyrou in practice.

To the idea that a person should only pay for the portion of a channel they specifically have interest in is ludicrous. Channels have other content... when you go to the store part of the price of bananas is to support Fritos and Fritos support salad dressing... and on and on until your little old cart is filled up with goodies and you go home to your little house and have snacks. Pay the $20, ya damn Grinch!

The last notable one I can remember is James big game Neal who lasted I think a dozen uneventful games or so?

Yeah, the only one that had any staying power was Hoffman a year or two before, but that was a PTO in name only as there were some cap shenanigans involved. He signed a 1 year $4 million deal after the PTO expired, so not exactly the same thing. He also scored 59 points in 69 games the year before, so there wasn't really a question that he was an NHL player.