Blues place Tarasenko on IR after huge hit

St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko skated with his team for the first time Tuesday since being leveled by Colorado Avalanche centre Mark Olver on Feb. 20.

The St. Louis Blues placed forward Vladimir Tarasenko on injured reserve Friday, the team’s general manager Doug Armstrong announced.

Tarasenko was injured during the third period of the Blues’ 1-0 overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche Wednesday when Avs centre Mark Olver drilled Tarasenko, driving his shoulder into the Russian rookie’s chin.

The team has recalled forward Chris Porter from the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League.

Olver was not fined or suspended and didn’t face a hearing from the NHL for the hit.

Tarasenko has six goals and six assists in 17 games for the Blues this season and was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month in January.

The 21-year-old was drafted by the Blues 16th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft.

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