The Blues will continue to be without key defenseman Vince Dunn on Monday in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Bruins, coach Craig Berube confirmed to reporters at the morning skate, but said the youngster is close to returning.
Berube: Thomas in, Dunn getting close but out tonight.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 27, 2019
Berube also said Robert Thomas, who didn't skate Monday morning, would be in the lineup nonetheless for Game 1.
Dunn, who played in St. Louis' first 16 playoff games, has been sidelined since taking a puck in the face on a shot by Brenden Dillon in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Sharks.
He officially is listed with an “upper body injury” after being hit in the mouth with the puck. There has been speculation that Dunn was dealing with concussion symptoms immediately after the injury May 15.
But, according to the St Louis Post Dispatch, Dunn is with the team in Boston and is skating with a full-face shield.
Dunn, 22, had 12 goals and 23 assists during the regular season, and he added two goals and five assists in the playoffs before the injury.
The Blues and Bruins open the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at 8 p.m. ET (NBC) Monday in Boston.
