The St. Louis Blues will be without their first-line center for Game 3 of the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.
David Backes has been ruled out after taking a vicious head shot from Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook in Game 2. The NHL suspended Seabrook three games for the hit.
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Backes is a quality offensive player who also provides exceptional defense, great leadership and the ability to consistently win faceoffs. The captain’s absence likely will be a huge factor in the outcome of Game 3 as Chicago attempts to prevent going down 0-3 in the series. Steve Ott is the top candidate to replace Backes at center on St. Louis’ top line.
The Blackhawks will insert veteran defenseman Sheldon Brookbank into the lineup as Seabrook’s replacement. The 33-year-old has 18 games of playoff experience.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@NHL
