Toward the end of the Blues’ practice Wednesday, tempers flared and two
players had to be separated.
In a battle drill, captain David Backes and Vladimir Tarasenko were going against each other in a sequence that ended with Backes dropping his gloves and surging toward Tarasenko.
The skirmish lasted approximately 30 seconds before several teammates stepped in to break them up. Among the first was
veteran defenseman Barret Jackman, who held Backes while he was still yelling at Tarasenko.
“It’s something that maybe has been building up,” Oshie said. “When your captain says something, whether you have 18 goals or whether you have a slumping one goal, you listen. You listen to Backes ... if you don’t listen, that’s what happens.”