McDonald may be given go-ahead

The Blues may be getting a shot in the arm Sunday when they face the San Jose Sharks.

Veteran left winger Andy McDonald, who has missed the last 51 games with a concussion, is expected to return to the lineup, according to sources.

"I feel really good," said McDonald, who remained coy on whether he would play Sunday. "I've been clear on the ice for a while now and I'm really close. ... I'm looking forward to getting back in."

McDonald has been out since Oct. 13, the third game of the season, after a combination of a hit from a Dallas Stars player and a teammate knocked his head back. He passed the NHL's in-game concussion testing and returned for the third period, but was diagnosed the next day with his second concussion in 10 1/2 months.

McDonald has been practicing for weeks with the Blues and he recently shed his no-contact jersey. Whether he suits up Sunday "would be a joint decision between the training staff and doctors, and the coaches will have a say in it, too," he said. "But I felt really good today and I feel like I'm ready to play."

McDonald missed two months with a concussion in 2010-11 and was a major factor when he returned. He rejoined the roster Feb. 4, 2011 and posted 12 goals and 33 points in the final 33 games of the regular season.

The Blues, who beat Colorado 3-2 in overtime Saturday, are hoping for similar production when McDonald comes back this time, but like McDonald, head coach Ken Hitchcock wouldn't confirm when that would be.

"Don't even go there," said Hitchcock, who has grown wary of the question. "Until I see the whites of his eyes or his number and his name on the bench, I'm not going there. I've been down that path before and when he's ready to play, he's ready to play. If it's (Sunday), that's great. I'll deal with that tomorrow."

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