GameThread for Boston Bruins at St. Louis Blues, Jan 10, 2017

Some guy named David Backes is returning to Scottrade tonight. As Buffa stated earlier, some people miss him. Some people may not. I said back in November that maybe we should re-evaluate in January if the Blues miss their former captain. A few months ago, I said no, not yet.

Right now? I'll go with a yes.

I have been critical of Backes in the past, questioning his propensity for reckless play and penalty minutes that weren't necessary. I've also been critical of his role in getting the Blues over the hump - or lack thereof. Obviously, the hump is not entirely on him, but something that's been missing this season has been consistency. Perhaps Backes brought that.

Backes certainly brought a big body who wasn't afraid to go to the front of the net, and the Blues could use one of those right now.

Maybe you sympathize with Patrik Berglund, king of the hyperbole.

Berglund on Backes: "As long as I live I'll miss him." https://t.co/XQeBROlmQ5 pic.twitter.com/TGwPYr86a3

— Frozen Notes (@FrozenNotes) January 10, 2017

This is your GameDay Thread. If you're not near a TV, you can watch on NBCSN on either your phone or tablet using the NBC Live Extra app or you can watch on NBCSN's website right here.

Let's do this. Let's beat the old guy and his new team while we welcome him home. Let's Go Blues.