Oshie ruled out for Blues playoff opener
ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Blues have ruled out forward T.J. Oshie for their playoff opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, but Vladimir Tarasenko is set to return after missing 15 games with a broken thumb.
Coach Ken Hitchcock also says forward Patrik Berglund will not play in Game 1 on Thursday night. He had no update on Oshie, who missed practice Wednesday.
Tarasenko is returning about two weeks ahead of schedule.
''He deserves an awful lot of credit. He's worked extra hard to be in the best shape of his life,'' coach Ken Hitchcock said after the morning skate.
The Blues got several other players back from injuries. Forwards David Backes, Vladimir Sobotka and Brenden Morrow and defensemen Barret Jackman and Alex Pietrangelo all missed the regular season finale.
