When Robert Thomas plays today against the New York Islanders, it will be the St. Louis Blues’ No. 1 center’s third game back since returning from a fractured right ankle.
There was some thought when Thomas returned, he would be somewhat eased into the lineup.
Hardly.
Upon his return, Thomas played 23:07 against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, then followed it up with 23:18 in a 3-2 shootout win against the San Jose Sharks; he had an assist in each game and has four in his past three games.
It’s no secret the Blues, who have scored two or fewer goals in 12 of 21 games this season, are having issues putting pucks away.
Thomas’s return should help; his success against the Islanders in his career could help fuel matters with nine points (four goals, five assists) in nine games.
Playing with Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou, that line has a 61-35 Corsi-For and will be counted on to lead the charge.
“‘Tommer’ can hold onto the puck well,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “He holds onto the puck so well and it’s tough to get it away from him. It’s obviously a good bonus to have him back.”
