Feb 19, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) shoots against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at the Scottrade Center. San Jose defeated St. Louis 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the St. Louis Blues will be returning to action on Tuesday night back in St. Louis. While the Blues have managed to play competitively since the loss of Vladimir Tarasenko, Andy McDonald, and Alex Steen due to injury, the team could benefit greatly from their return.

Tarasenko has been out of the Blues lineup since February 20th when he took a huge hit in Colorado. Since then Tarasenko has been on the sidelines, but started to work out again last week. Lou Korac reported this weekend that Tarasenko was back on the ice, but, according to a quote obtained by the St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong said,

Whether he [Tarasenko] plays on this home stand, the next two weeks, three weeks, the next month … you’re only creating false hope to your fans by putting a timetable on something that there isn’t a timetable.

Meanwhile, McDonald and Steen have been out of the lineup since February 26th when they were injured in practice, but could be making a return sooner than later. At the time McDonald was listed as week-to-week on the injured reserve with a knee injury and Steen was listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Steen later noticed that he was having more pain than he initially thought and has been sidelined ever since. Now both players are back to skating in practice and could make returns during the Blues upcoming three game home stretch.

March 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Blues center Alex Steen (20) passes the puck in front of Phoenix Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko (6) in the first period at Jobing.com. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

In the Post Dispatch’s article they also spoke with Armstrong about Alex Steen’s return. Armstrong had this to say,

Alex [Steen] has taken some time and he feels better. Again, we’re working under the assumption that he’s getting stronger. If we get him on the home stand, to me, that’s a bonus. If not, it doesn’t look like it’ll be much past the home stand.

So while the Blues are feeling the loss of these players at the moment, their roster may soon see a boost from some familiar faces. At the time that Steen was injured he was leading the team in points.

Let’s hope both Steen and Andy Mac get back on the ice as soon as possible. More as we have it.

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan