The ice time for Robert Thomas has increased by five minutes on average since Tarasenko was hurt. The 20-year-old forward has one goal in seven games this season. Forwards Zach Sanford, 24, and Robby Fabbri, 23, are expected to step up, as well, during Tarasenko's absence. Sanford scored his first goal Sunday, and Fabbri played more than 11 minutes in his return to the lineup against the Red Wings.
"We feel like we have depth on this team in all the positions," said Schenn, who leads the Blues with nine goals and 13 points. "Obviously, that's a long period of time, no doubt about it. The way he scores goals, we're going to have to even be better defensively now. He's out and scores 35 a year for us and you're going to have to replace him. I think the way you replace him is be tighter defensively and not give up as much and then you don't have to score four or five a game."
While increased production is expected across the board, the Blues need their top forwards to lead the way with Tarasenko out. David Perron has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 12 games; O'Reilly also has 12 points (three goals, nine assists); and Schwartz has 10 points (one goal, nine assists).