Lineup in practice: Martin St-Louis opens up

It's worth noting that Nick Suzuki and Kaiden Guhle were absent for treatment. Jacob Fowler, meanwhile, is sick, which explains his absence. But the others were there.

What are the takeaways?

1. Alex Newhook was the center on the second line. Oliver Kapanen was the center on a line that isn't primarily offensive, and Jake Evans was on the wing with Phillip Danault.

Joe Veleno was filling in for Nick Suzuki.

2. Speaking of Veleno: was he surplus to requirements, or could we see him taking the place of Kirby Dach or Zachary Bolduc in the first playoff game? We'll see.

But Brendan Gallagher and Patrik Laine were definitely surplus to requirements.

3. Kaiden Guhle should play with Mike Matheson in the playoffs. The fact that Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher are rotating with the veteran is a clue: they might not necessarily play on Sunday.

Alexandre Carrier looks like a guy ready to get back in the game. Seeing him paired with Lane Hutson is also a clue.

4. If Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble really do play together, it would be the first time the two have played in the same playoff game. Last year, they alternated.

We'll see in due time.

In a nutshell

– Will the Blues' goalie be traded?

– Interesting.

– John Tavares isn't done playing yet.