The Blues can clinch third place in the Central Division with a win if the Nashville Predators lose in regulation to the New York Islanders. St. Louis, which leads Nashville by two points, has a chance to climb as high as second in the division if they go 3-0-1 in their final four games and the Minnesota Wild lose their three final games in regulation. The Blues have at least a point in nine straight games (7-0-2) and are 12-1-2 with 20 goals-against in their past 15. Forward Jori Lehtera will play after missing the past 12 games because of concussion-like symptoms. "Every time when you're not playing, it feels way longer than it is," Lehtera said. "Even though I haven't had a single full practice with the team, I think I'm ready. A couple short shifts at the start." Coach Mike Yeo said it's vital for Lehtera to play some games before the Western Conference First Round starts next week. "This is a team that went to the Western Conference Final last year and he was a big part of that," Yeo said. "He's got the experience of playing in the playoffs, he's got a big body (6-foot-2, 212 pounds) that can hang on to the puck, can make plays, can play on special teams. Certainly excited to get him in and see how quickly we can get him up to speed here." Goalie Jake Allen will start; he's 9-1-2 with 16 goals-against and two shutouts in his past 12 games.
