Blues’ Tarasenko feels ready for season
Vladimir Tarasenko was back on the ice Monday for informal practice with some teammates, which is a positive sign for the Blues’ star that he should be ready for the upcoming NHL season.
Tarasenko underwent reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder less than four months ago.
“I need to talk about it with the doctors more, but I’m cleared to skate with the group, but only with some contact right now,” he said. “But I can shoot. I feel great and I feel stronger. I’m ready for the season.”
Check out 2018-19 Stanley Cup Finals Futures Odds
Tarasenko has moved on to regaining his strength after getting the full range of motion back in his shoulder. He’s hungry to get the Blues back into the playoffs after the club missed the postseason for the first time in six years. St. Louis added talent to its roster this offseason, trading for Ryan O’Reilly and signing Patrick Maroon.
According to oddsmakers, the Blues are 28/1 to win the 2018-19 Stanley Cup. The Lightning remains favored to win the Cup at 15/2, followed by the Predators at 17/2. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are 9/1, followed by the Capitals at 10/1 and the Bruins, Penguins, Golden Knights and Jets at 12/1, respectively.