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Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Rare tally wins game

Bortuzzo had only registered two helpers in 30 previous postseason games before restoring the Blues' lead late in the second period. The blueliner is in the lineup due to Carl Gunnarsson's lower-body injury. Bortuzzo has managed 18 PIM, 14 hits and 14 blocked shots in eight appearances during the playoff run.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Manages to practice

The Blues have been reluctant to play Bortuzzo, even though he was technically available for Game 6 against the Jets in the conference quarterfinals. With that physical series in the books to the sheer delight of St. Louis fans, Bortuzzo has more time to prove to the trainers and coaching staff that he's fit and ready to resume playoff action.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Ready if needed

This doesn't necessarily mean that Bortuzzo will play, but the rugged blueliner evidently is feeling well enough to be an option for coach Craig Berube. We recommend checking back to see who takes warmups to get a better idea of the St.Louis lineup, with the Notes getting a chance to eliminate Winnipeg on Saturday.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Will miss Game 5

Bortuzzo took Thursday's practice off for maintenance and was considered a game-time decision ahead of puck drop. It seems now that the Ontario native will indeed miss Game 5, even though coach Craig Berube said Bortuzzo was "good to go." While the blueliner hasn't contributed any points so far in this series, the Blues will likely miss the physical threat he provides on defense.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Game-time call Thursday

Although coach Craig Berube said Bortuzzo is "good to go", the team will wait until warmups to release its final verdict. Bortuzzo hasn't contributed much offensively this series with zero points and three shots on goal, but he is a solid defender with eight blocked shots while adding a physical threat. If Bortuzzo ultimately sits out, Carl Gunnarsson will slot into the third pairing.