Tarasenko expected to play Game 2, missed practice for son's birth

Vladimir Tarasenko was absent from the St. Louis Blues' morning workout in advance of Tuesday's Western Conference Final Game 2 versus the San Jose Sharks, but is expected to be in the lineup.

And with a little something extra to play for.

Tarasenko missed the skate to be with his wife, Yana, who gave birth to their son, Aleksandr, the club announced.

And since Aleksandr came in the morning, his volume-scoring father will not only play, but might still be able to squeeze in that pregame nap. Though for the next little while, those might be few and far between.