The St. Louis Blues were dealt a major blow in their most important game of the season.
Vladimir Tarasenko left the contest midway through the first period against the Colorado Avalanche, and the club announced in the second frame that the Blues' leading goal scorer would not return with what they would only describe as an upper-body injury.
The Blues needed a single point Saturday to clinch the final Western Conference playoff spot, while the Avalanche required a win over St. Louis in regulation to claim the position.
Tarasenko came into Saturday's contest with 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games.
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