In a bit of a surprise, reports are that David Backes is not on the ice for practice. Is this giving him just another day off? Nobody knows at this point.
Troy Brouwer is also absent from practice but the Blues have been giving him a lot more off days and latitude which could suggest a minor, nagging injury or just respect for a playoff veteran who knows what needs to be done.
Steve Ott is taking full drills at practice.
Jake Allen is on the ice for practice. Allen appears to be taking full drills. More to come.
Other injury news: - Tyler Seguin is practicing today. - Zach Parise is missing for practice as is Erik Haula. - Marc Andre Fleury is practicing today.