BLUES Despite playing without David Perron, Robert Thomas, Tyler Bozak, Justin Faulk, James Neal, Klim Kostin and Jordan Binnington due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols, the St. Louis Blues found themselves deadlocked in a 3-3 game with the League-leading Florida Panthers on Tuesday night at Enterprise Center.
Then, on one play in the the third period, goalie Ville Husso and defenseman Jake Walman sustained injuries to leave the Blues even more shorthanded.
Goalie Charlie Lindgren came in off the bench, seeing his first NHL action in almost two calendar years, made three saves before Pavel Buchnevich scored a wraparound overtime game-winner, helping the Blues to three of a possible four points in a home-and-home set with the Panthers.
In addition to three players on the Blues' COVID-19 list, the team's AHL affiliate - the Springfield Thunderbirds - has 13 people (coaches, trainers and players) on the COVID list, which really limits the Blues' options.
The team did recall forward Nathan Walker on Wednesday under emergency conditions.
"We're working through it, trying to do the best we can to put a product on the ice that is competitive," said Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong. "I tip my hat to the guys for what they did (Tuesday) against a very good Florida team."
With Binnington out until next week and Husso being evaluated for a lower-body injury, Lindgren will start for the Blues on Thursday against the Red Wings. The team signed Jon Gillies to a one-year, two-way contract on Wednesday. Gillies will serve as the backup.
RED WINGS The Detroit Red Wings were limited to just 16 shots on goal on Tuesday night in a 5-2 loss against the Nashville Predators at Little Caesars Arena.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Detroit. The streak began with a 4-2 win against the Blues on Nov. 24.
"I didn't think we were ready to play hard and compete at a high level tonight," Red Wings Head Coach Jeff Blashill said after the game. "(Nashville) wanted those two points more than we did."
The Red Wings currently sit in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a 13-10-3 record (29 points).
HEAD-TO-HEAD The Blues and Red Wings will meet Thursday for the 288th time in the regular season.
The Blues have collected points in five straight games against Detroit at Enterprise Center (2-0-3).
Brayden Schenn has 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 20 career games against the Red Wings.
