UPDATE: Tyler Tucker will make his NHL debut in place of Colton Parayko tonight in Chicago.
Brandon Saad is getting into a pretty good groove.
After missing six games earlier this season with an upper-body injury, the Blues’ forward has now scored goals in three consecutive games.
“Anytime you’re injured and you’ve got to watch hockey games, it’s not fun, especially when the team is losing,” Saad said after Monday’s 3-2 win against the defending champion Colorado Avalanche. “It’s nice to be back, contributing and winning hockey games.”
Saad has put together three-game goal streaks 10 times in his career. If he scores Wednesday night in Chicago, it will set a new personal best.
Saad is expected to remain on a line with Ryan O’Reilly and Josh Leivo for Wednesday’s matchup against the Blackhawks (6:30 pm CT, BSMW, TNT, 101 ESPN). The trio has combined for four goals and four assists in at least three games, helping the Blues to three straight victories.
“I’ve got some lucky bounces,” Saad said of his scoring streak. “Our line has been playing well with puck possession, playing below the goal line, making good plays. I think we’re doing a good job of just sticking with it.”
Colton Parayko did not practice with the team on Wednesday. Blues Head Coach Craig Berube said Parayko was “getting work done” and that we would have to “wait and see” whether he could play. If Parayko is unable to play, Tyler Tucker would likely make his NHL debut.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Forwards
Buchnevich – Thomas – Tarasenko
Saad – O’Reilly – Leivo
Barbashev – Schenn – Kyrou
Alexandrov – Acciari – Pitlick
Defense
Leddy: Tucker
Krug-Faulk
Rosen – Mikkola
Goalie
Binnington
.