Tribute Vladimir Tarasenko Appreciation Thread

[PJJJP]

Vladdy was my favorite player when I first started following the Blues. Will be sad to see him go but I'm happy we got tp see him raise the cup with us

 

[Memento]

Man, I'm gonna miss Tarasenko. I remember being so excited when my dad called me saying that we traded Rundblad for the sixteenth pick, which we used to draft a Russian player, and I was absolutely through the moon.

I paid attention to any highlight I could get because I was so damn sure Vladi was going to be a star - and I was right, along with damn near every Blues fan.

I'm just glad that guys like Tarasenko won a Cup here, that he helped end the long wait.

 

[Mike Liut]

Man, I'm gonna miss Tarasenko. I remember being so excited when my dad called me saying that we traded Rundblad for the sixteenth pick, which we used to draft a Russian player, and I was absolutely through the moon.

I paid attention to any highlight I could get because I was so damn sure Vladi was going to be a star - and I was right, along with damn near every Blues fan.

I'm just glad that guys like Tarasenko won a Cup here, that he helped end the long wait.

Same here. I remember watching all the YouTube videos on Tarasenko after we drafted him. Man, time flies

 

[Hrkac Circus]

Never forget some of those highlights from him.

That highlight against Frederic is precious .

 

[542365]

Speaking of videos around draft time, remember his combine interview? I still remember my favorite quote(in his surprisingly good broken English at the time), “If I see a teammate in perfect position I always give him pass, but if I have a choice: Score goal or give pass, I think I score goal.”

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

There was a game on the road vs either Ottawa or maybe Calgary where someone passes it to Tarasenko from the corner, and he had the puck on his stick for maybe 0.4s. The first evidence he had scored a goal was the clink when the puck hit the bar, and it was like AFTER that, that my eyes registered the wrist shot. It was such a lightning quick pinpoint shot. But I remember the camera panning the opposing bench immediately after and guys were sitting with their mouths hanging open, nit even trying to hide the awe. Wish I could find a clip of that one.

 

[Kreegz2]

The first year I played fantasy hockey was vladi's rookie year. I took him in the last round of my draft. After his NHL debut where he scored two goals, including a hilight reel undressing of Quincy, he rocketed up from 10% ownership to 90% ownership. I'll never forget how hyped I was watching that game.

 

[Falco Lombardi]

He reinvigorated the franchise that night he debuted against Detroit. I think he was an awesome Blue and one of the guys I was happiest for individually to get to hoist the Cup here. He seemed like a guy that loved the city as much as we loved him and he’s apart of many of my best Blues memories.

He followed up an offseason last year where he expected his trade request to be honored only to not get his wish and he responded by never being a distraction and having arguably his best season ever. Always loved that.

I’ll be cheering for the Rangers to win the Cup this year, no doubt.

 

[Xerloris]

We've never experienced this before. A beloved Blues player being traded away and the fans having a weird feeling because we don't have to be upset that we have to watch him lift the cup with another team.

 

[EastVillageBlues]

Probably the 2nd best sniper in Blues' history. And arguably the most exciting player to play on the team this century.

Hope we somehow get another one like him soon.

 

[GoldenSeal]

So much to say... No matter what happens tomorrow your name is among those immortalized as the ones who finally brought the Cup to the STL.

God speed you along your way and may your days ahead be bright.

Forever a Blue.

 

[shpongle falls]

Reading all these posts brings back so many great memories! Like all of you I was super pumped when he was drafted and still vividly remember his first two goals in the NHL, you just knew that he was going to be star. He’s a true pro and a leader and always seemed like a humble dude. His best quote ever “Whats a rub off means?” Lol.

I hope it goes well for him and his family in New York, a Panaring-Zib-Tarasenko line should be lethal and a hell of a lot of fun to watch, going to have to tune in to some Rangers games now.

 

[Bluesish]

One of my all-time favorite players. Might not be an HOFer but just so important to the last decade of this franchise. Go terrorize the East Vova!

 

[pld459666]

Been a fan of Tarasenko for a while.

I know he's had some issues and last year looks to have gotten past those.

Who are we getting today? Is he still that 30+ goal guy??

 

[542365]

Been a fan of Tarasenko for a while.

I know he's had some issues and last year looks to have gotten past those.

Who are we getting today? Is he still that 30+ goal guy??

Yeah, I think he still has at least a couple more good years in him. He’s not as dynamic with the puck as he once was, and his shot isn’t quite what it used to be, but Tarasenko’s shot at 90% of what it used to be is still better than the vast majority of players. When Vladi is invigorated and engaged he’s still a force who can take over games. He’s been a bit checked out recently with the poor team play and his impending trade, but I think you’ll get Vladi firing on all cylinders playing with his buddy Panarin. Good teammate, fun personality, humble guy. He’s a good one.

 

[jura]

from yamagoo <3 to Stanley cup champion <3 <3


thanks for good times, love ya!

 

[Brian39]

Who are we getting today? Is he still that 30+ goal guy??

He hasn't been this year, but I don't think that means that he can't be that guy. His release isn't what it was in his prime, but his passing and vision is probably the best it's ever been. But to be clear, he was a 40 goal guy in his prime. He had a 3 year run of 37 goals (in 77 games), 40 goals and 39 goals and that was at a time when goals were worth a bit more than they are today. The Rocket winner had 53, 50, and 44 goals in those 3 seasons. Tarasenko's 116 goals across those 3 years was 2nd in the league to only Ovechkin.

I think it is important to remember that when we talk about Tarasenko's shot not being what it once was, part of that is because he once had the 2nd best shot in the league.

He's still a 25 goal guy and I wouldn't be at all surprised if a jolt of energy with Panarin and a new team gets him right back to being a 30+ goal guy.

You're getting a good player who should be very motivated. It took him 20+ months to get this trade, he's good friends with your best forward and he's playing for his last big payday. I'm happy with our return given his regression from last year, but I think this is a really good trade for you guys.

 

[BrokenFace]

Favorite Blue of all time along with MacInnis. People have already posted about how good he is. He also added excitement. Being a Blues fan has just been more fun with him around.

 

[PocketNines]

YAMAGOO ... OMG ... I can't breathe ... that's right ...

 

[MissouriMook]

Been a fan of Tarasenko for a while.

I know he's had some issues and last year looks to have gotten past those.

Who are we getting today? Is he still that 30+ goal guy??

I could see him clicking with Panarin and scoring 15 goals in your last 31 games. He has always been a playoff beast.

 

[BadgersandBlues]

Holy shit I had totally forgotten about Yamagoo. That's some fire nostalgia right there.

 

[ScratchCatFever]

In 90 playoff games Vladi put up 60 points, 41 of which were goals. I have to think that is a stat that may have helped us squeeze the 1st from New York. The guy always showed up for us in the post season.

 

[TheDizee]

Been a fan of Tarasenko for a while.

I know he's had some issues and last year looks to have gotten past those.

Who are we getting today? Is he still that 30+ goal guy??

Yes but he comes with flaws as well. He is a floater and refuses to one time pucks. He should thrive in NYR imo, especially playing with Panarin.

I think it is a great move for NYR if they are trying to win now. 91 can still put the puck in the net.

 

[PocketNines]

YAMAGOO ... gets to 2:13 of the video then they do the slow breakdown ...

 

[pld459666]

Thanks guys.

I was hopeful that Blais was gonna work out here. Hope he does for you what we couldn't get him to do here (through no fault of his own)