Erik Johnson to Return Saturday

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ST. LOUIS -- Blues defenseman Erik Johnson will return three days after hurting his surgically repaired right knee for Saturday night's game against the San Jose Sharks.

The 2006 top overall pick in the NHL draft, Johnson missed Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Kings with what the team called a slight knee sprain. He took part in a full practice on Friday and participated in Saturday's morning skate prior to facing the Sharks.

Johnson missed the 2008-09 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

Also, defensemen Roman Polak (wrist) and Alex Pietrangelo (upper body) skated but are not ready to return. Polak is still a couple weeks away from playing, while Pietrangelo, the No. 4 overall pick in 2008, is listed as day-to-day.

Good and bad news for the blues. They sure could use him given their recent depletion on the blue line, but do they really want him taking the chance?

 

[Automattic]

If it was the same knee, I wouldn't risk it. But they need some bodies back pronto. They come out with good jump, but get worn out halfway through a lot of games.

 

[NullDefault]

If it was the same knee, I wouldn't risk it. But they need some bodies back pronto. They come out with good jump, but get worn out halfway through a lot of games.

That's what I mean, it is the same knee. Him and Pietrangelo are the future of their blue line, one is sitting tonight but the other is playing. With the West being as tight as it is right now though, I guess I can understand the urgency. They have been looking a little sluggish at the end of games I totally agree.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

EJ could provide them Norris calibre defense until 2025 if he gets 100% and puts his game together. The west may be tight, but it's going to be a lot tighter long term if they don't have a healthy Johnson.


That's what she said.

 

[Automattic]

That's what I mean, it is the same knee. Him and Pietrangelo are the future of their blue line, one is sitting tonight but the other is playing. With the West being as tight as it is right now though, I guess I can understand the urgency. They have been looking a little sluggish at the end of games I totally agree.

I don't know why I read it wrong. I was thinking the other knee. My bad. Auto's coffee might of had Bailey's in it...


Another thing to consider is the amount knee on knee collisions over the past couple seasons, this season included. I think there is some over compensation when guys are avoiding hits to the head.

 

[NullDefault]

I don't know why I read it wrong. I was thinking the other knee. My bad. Auto's coffee might of had Bailey's in it...


Another thing to consider is the amount knee on knee collisions over the past couple seasons, this season included. I think there is some over compensation when guys are avoiding hits to the head.

That's a really good point, I never really looked at it that way. It's kind of like since the addition of seat belts in cars, there's been a higher number of traffic accidents due to people driving more recklessly. That makes a lot of sense.

 

[Automattic]

That's a really good point, I never really looked at it that way. It's kind of like since the addition of seat belts in cars, there's been a higher number of traffic accidents due to people driving more recklessly. That makes a lot of sense.

Bingo.

Ironically, if golf carts had seatbelts, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now...