"We discussed playing tonight but he really pushed, he wanted to play," said Blues Head Coach Craig Berube before Tuesday's game. "He doesn't want to be out any longer."
The same drive to come back to the team early is likely responsible for why Krug is off one of the best starts of his career. Playing defense with energy while making plays in the offensive zone, Krug has two goals and six assists (eight points) in the nine games he's played this season.
"(He's) great. We all know about his puck movement and power play and things like that. The puck movement is really important," Berube added.
Krug has been the top defenseman on the power-play unit this season, one of the key strengths for the Blues as they have gone 7-1-1 with Krug in the lineup in 2021-22. Krug has one goal and three assists (four points) on the power play this year.
He's also been reliable in the clutch this year. His power-play goal on Oct. 30 vs. Chicago was the only goal scored in a 1-0 shutout Blues victory, and he also netted a shorthanded goal with less than 10 seconds remaining to tie the game and earn the team a point at Los Angeles on Nov. 3.
"I'm just excited to get back, to be around the guys again, and (to) have a chance to compete. Very excited," Krug said prior to his return on Nov. 16. "It's tough when you have no control over (the games), you can't put in your two cents or pull on your end of the rope and be a part of it."
Krug is ready to roll, and the Blues are excited to have him back.
