41 Robert Bortuzzo D

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Healthy for Game 2

While far from an offensive threat, Bortuzzo should make an impact in the series as a physical blueliner who will block the occasional shot. The Blues managed to win the series opener despite 52 shots going at starting goalie Jake Allen, but St. Louis hopes that Bortuzzo can slide in and disrupt the Wild attack in this next one.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Unfit to play Wednesday

The shutdown defenseman's inability to practice Tuesday really clouded his chances of drawing into the playoff opener, and now the Notes will play a slightly different tune with Carl Gunnarsson syncing up with Jordan Schmaltz on the third pair.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Non-participant at Tuesday's practice

Bortuzzo missed the final five games of the regular season due to the injury. He elevated his game this season, finishing with a career-best plus-11 rating, and Bortuzzo is no longer considered just a seventh defenseman and injury fill-in guy. Once healthy, he could replace Carl Gunnarsson in the starting lineup, as he often did during the regular season.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Won't play in finale Sunday

Bortuzzo has contributed just four points in his 38 games with the Blues this season, relying more on his physical game (77 hits) and willingness to block shots (50) to keep himself in the lineup. Even if he's healthy for the playoffs, there is no guarantee he will dress on a consistent basis.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Out for two-game road trip

The rearguard stayed back in St. Louis while the team took the charter to Florida for Thursday's game against the Panthers; the Blues will next be in Raleigh to face the Hurricanes. Bortuzzo will factor into a scoring play every so often, but he's primarily a stay-at-home type, making his absence hard to notice in most fantasy settings.