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Player to watch vs. Islanders: Colton Parayko
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Colton Parayko has been called upon time and time again this season.

And the St. Louis Blues' top defenseman has answered the bell countless times.

Blues player to watch vs. Islanders: Colton Parayko (2:21)

Jordan Binnington was terrific for the Blues (32-26-3) in Monday's 2-1 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers, but Parayko was right there behind him.

Parayko, who needs one goal to tie his career-high (10), was involved heavily on both the offensive and defensive side of the ice Monday; he had three shots on goal but had eight shots in all (five were blocked), four hits and three blocked shots of his own.

He played as well positionally as he had all season and will need to be that player again tonight against an Islanders team that has won three in a row, including an impressive 5-1 win against the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

The Islanders are rested, they will want to come out fast and furious. Joel Hofer is projected to get the start between the pipes and Parayko, along with partner Nick Leddy, will need to lead that defensive unit should the Blues find a way to get two more points. He was a plus-2 in 22:19 when the Blues blanked the Islanders 4-0 on Feb. 22 and they will need a similar performance and the Blues' player to watch.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Blues and was syndicated with permission.

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