Blues At Predators Morning Open Thread: Shattenkirk Returns

Thank God for small miracles. After weeks of hovering at about 95%, Kevin Shattenkirk was finally activated from the injured reserve yesterday. The Blues' powerplay has missed him dreadfully, and while the team has been 7-2-1 with him gone, the record isn't fully indicative of how they've looked without him.

Shattenkirk's first challenge will be facing former Blue Barret Jackman. Sir Jaxx has been playing well with the Predators, playing up on the second pairing with Seth Jones. Blues fans might notice that this is a change from his last few years in St. Louis, where he was on the third line with whoever was the sixth defenseman that night. Jackman was an excellent mentor to Shattenkirk during his first few seasons in St. Louis, and it looks like he's been assigned that duty to Nashville's young star.

One young player who has been playing well has been Ty Rattie. We will not see him tonight, or for the foreseeable future. Why? Because he's been sent back to Chicago in favor of Magnus Paajarvi, who finally had a good game the other night, and in favor of PTO-signee Martin Havlat.

This is your morning open thread. Check back for some of CCR's Road Music, and while you're waiting on puck drop, say hi to the good people at On the Forecheck.