Russell Whitaker suited up for his first NHL game against the Dallas Stars on October 4th, 2013. He was given special permission by the team's management to wear the famed #7 jersey, which was unofficially retired for St Louis legends Garry Unger, Keith Tkachuk, Red Berenson and Joe Mullen. In the locker room, the player was visibly confident and ready for his first game.
The confidence seemed to help Whitaker, as he flawlessly integrated himself with Coach Hitchcock's defense-first plan. Him and center Patrik Berglund developed almost instant chemistry, with Whitaker earning his first point off a clean assist to an open Berglund in the slot. The Blues would go on to win the game 3-1, with Whitaker sporting a healthy 1 assist, two takeaways and a +1.
Q: "How did you feel out there tonight?"
A: "It's one of those feelings you don't forget. I felt pretty comfortable out there, though- We were getting plenty of opportunities. I feel like a few more should come my way in the future."
And they did. St Louis would take a quick charge to the top as the league's premier team, making an astounding 18-1-2 start to the season. Whitaker's third line was a huge factor in this, with the young winger notching 7 goals and 13 assists. This warranted his movement up to the second line, a more offensively styled line featuring young, talented forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and TJ Oshie.
Although they cooled off collectively, with the team going 6-2-2 in the next ten games, the second line showed promise that is reserved for elite talent. Whitaker allowed himself to shift into a more defensive role, letting Oshie and Tarasenko handle the offensive load. It earned him praise amongst the fans and NHL analysts, often shutting down the best players in the NHL. In a game against the New York Rangers, Whitaker held his opposite player, Rick Nash, to 1 shot and a -2 on the game.
After only a few games on the second line, Ken Hitchcock made the decision to finally unite Whitaker and Backes. Whitaker was now getting first line ice time with Alternate Alexander Steen and Captain David Backes, which must have put an immense pressure on the young player to produce. And produce he did.
The third game Whitaker played on the first line was against the Blues' hated rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. The intensity of the Scottrade Center was at an all-time high, with the two teams fighting in a back-and-forth battle. David Backes would sauce a perfect pass to Whitaker on the rush which he slotted away, the Blues leading 1-0 at the end of the first. The Blackhawks rallied back and scored twice, the second period finishing at a 2-1 mark.
In the third period, the offense produced, and produced well. Whitaker made a human highlight-reel move, deking through the legs of defender Nicklas Hjalmarsson and doing a power move to whip around Crawford's blocker side. The arena burst into applause, and momentum was back with the Blues. With sixteen seconds left in the third period, Whitaker burst on a two on one with Alexander Steen, taking the shot and rifling the puck past Crawford's shoulder. His first hat trick!
As the hats rained down, Steen went to pick up the puck to give to the bench. However, Whitaker had other plans. He skated with the puck to the boards, tossing over his first hat trick puck to a young Blues fan sitting in the front rows. The boy tossed his hat back, and he took that back to the bench with him.
The game finished 4-2, with former linemate Patrik Berglund icing it with the empty netter.
The gesture turned a lot of heads in the non-hockey community, earning him praise in the news as a 'people's player'. He was for sure a more popular athlete now than he was the day before.
Q: "So, a hat trick tonight for you, your first in the NHL. How does that feel?"
A: "Just the best, just the best. I really didn't expect that [third goal] to go in, but we were pushing all night and we just finally got something to go right for us."
Q: "And the young player?"
A: "I saw him waving the whole game for a puck, and I felt kind of bad that I didn't toss him one before the warmup. I hope he enjoys it, and I hope I have a fan for life now."
Q: "But you don't feel strange giving away the puck? It's a big milestone."
A: "I'll have plenty of goals in the future and plenty of pucks. That's just one of many. Besides, do you see this hat? *Is wearing the child's hat* Way better."
With the All-Star weekend fast approaching, will Whitaker make the cut? Find out next time.
oh man that's funny, looks like the coach will be mad at you
