Bortuzzo returns to practice

HAZELWOOD - Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo joined his teammates for practice Monday for the first time since sustaining a lower-body injury in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 27.
Bortuzzo was placed on injured reserve soon after and was to be evaluated 10 days from the injury.

"Bortuzzo will be a player this week," Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock said. "When, I don't know. But he'll be a player. This morning early, he joined us at practice and got through it fine. We'll evaluate 'Bortz' (on Tuesday) and give you a better clue tomorrow."
Hitchcock said Bortuzzo has been skating on his own for the past two days. The 27-year-old defenseman has played in four games this season, registering a plus-1 rating.
The Blues will play three home games this week, beginning with Tuesday's contest against the Buffalo Sabres.