Stastny set to play in 700th NHL game

ST. LOUIS - When Paul Stastny learned his 700th game would be tonight when the Blues host the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scottrade Center (7 p.m., FSMW, KMOX), he said those 700 games have flown by... for the most part.
"I think the first 300 games fly by, and you don't even think about it," Stastny said of the milestone. "And then after that, it seems like every 100 (games) takes longer and longer. You appreciate it for what it is… you appreciate the longevity you have and just want to keep going."

Stastny ranks fifth on the club in points this season, scoring six goals and seven assists (13 points) in 23 games. He is the third Stastny to play for the Blues: his father, Peter, and brother, Yan, both previously wore the Blue Note.
"Since (Alexander Steen) went out (with an injury), he's carried a heavy burden. He's had to do everything," Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He's had to play against the other team's top players, he's had to score points, he's had to be good on penalty kill, he's had to quarterback the power play. It's funny, the more we need him, the better he plays. With added responsibility, it seemed to really engage him more than ever. We expect a lot of him, but when we give him that responsibility, he's really delivered."
Stastny was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round (44th overall) back in 2005. The Quebec City, Quebec native has recorded 192 goals and 374 assists (566 points) in his NHL career.