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The St. Louis Blue are the reigning NHL champs and are looking to defend their title. The have the sixth best odds (+1100) to win the 2020 Stanley Cup on DraftKings Sportsbook. However, reinforcements are on the way.
Top goal scorer Vladimir Tarasenko is set to return for the first time since October for the playoffs. He was nearing a return in March before hockey was shut down amid the Covid-19 pandemic and was cleared to play in June.
“He did a great job with his rehab, along with the training staff, and he kept himself in great shape. He actually came back in better shape than he came to camp (in September),” Blues coach Craig Berube said last month. “He’s been on the ice and doing things right now, so he’s ready to go.”
The winger has led the Blues in goals for five straight years but underwent surgery in October for a shoulder injury. He was expected to miss five months in recovery and has had ample time to get healthy.
St. Louis has the best record in the Central Division despite Tarasenko only playing in 10 games. Its offensive potential should improve considerably if he’s as in shape as Berube says he is.