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 wouldn't return with what they would only describe as an upper-body injury.
Blues head coach Mike Yeo said postgame that Tarasenko sustained a significant injury, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac, who added that Tarasenko appeared to have his left arm in a sling in the dressing room.
The Blues needed a single point Saturday to clinch the final Western Conference playoff spot, while the Avalanche required a win in regulation to claim the position.
Colorado defeated St. Louis 5-2 to secure the berth.
Tarasenko came into Saturday's contest with 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games.
