Sanford, however, sounded like he was playing.

"Obviously this is every kid's dream growing up and it's been a crazy road so far through the playoffs and it's awesome to be here," said Sanford, who grew up a Bruins fan in New Hampshire, a short drive from Boston. "I'm really excited for tomorrow.

"It's going to be fun, I think. It's a little weird playing against your team growing up. I was even talking to my mom. She was at the games in Boston and she caught herself cheering for the Bruins here and there and had to fix that. It's pretty crazy how things work out like that, but I'm excited like I said before and it should be fun."

Asked what changes with Sanford being in, Ivan Barbashev, who will now center the fourth line, said, "Nothing. It's only one game."

Berube said Thomas was "a possibility." Though the Blues haven't said it, Thomas appears to have a wrist injury.

DUNN HURTING

As for Dunn, Berube said, "He's getting close. I don't know if he's an option tomorrow. I'll know that tomorrow."

Dunn, however, didn't sound optimistic. He said the decision was now up to him and he did not make it sound like he's close. He sat in his stall, mostly looking down.