Vladimir Tarasenko of Blues injured, won't play at World Championship

Forward Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues is injured and will not play for Russia at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, coach Oleg Znarok said Monday.
"We called to his agent," Znarok said. "He said that Tarasenko played with injury and needs a surgery."

Tarasenko played in all 11 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and was tied for third on St. Louis with six points (three goals, three assists). He averaged 20:49 of ice time, third among Blues forwards.
St. Louis was eliminated from the playoffs with a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators on Sunday in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round. General manager Doug Armstrong is expected to have a season-ending press conference Tuesday.
Russia defeated Germany 6-3 in a Group A preliminary-round game at Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, on Monday.