The Blues’re going to be out a significant piece of the puzzle (see what I did there?) tonight, as number one defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will be out tonight with an illness. They’ve found another offensive defenseman to replace him with, as they’re calling up the AHL leader in +/- for the second time this season. Cade Fairchild was a 4th round pick in the 2007 NHL draft for the Blues, and has two goals and five assists with the Rivermen this year in 19 games.

Fairchild was called up for a couple of games last week, but did not play. Tonight will be his NHL debut, and he’s doing it against some offense that is looking to rebound after terrible play in both zones.