Eriksson good to go for today’s game against Ottawa.

Feb 6, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie

(41) blocks the shot of Boston Bruins left wing

(21) during the third period at Scottrade Center. The St. Louis Blues defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in Overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins forward Loui Eriksson has had his roughest season to date in the NHL. In his seven seasons in Dallas, he never had to sit out for more than three games in any stretch as a member of the Stars. In Boston however, he’s been sidelined with two concussions already and Thursday’s game against the Blues didn’t do him any favors.

Near the end of the first period, Eriksson received a face full of lumber courtesy of the Blues Maxim Lapierre. Lapierre has already been suspended once this season for his hit on San Jose Sharks player Dan Boyle in October. The shot bloodied his face and pushed in several of his teeth. As usual, the NHL referees were watching something else of interest and missed the hit completely. They refused to rule a penalty even when Eriksson’s face was full of evidence that something had happened to him. Instead of a double minor for high-sticking, the Blues quickly got their first goal of the night. They went on to win in overtime at the TD Garden 3-2.

Would Loui Eriksson sit out the last game before the Olympic break? No, he won’t.  Claude Julien assured the media that Eriksson will be in the line up for tomorrow’s game against their division rival, the Ottawa Senators.

“Loui’s doing OK.” said Coach Claude Julien to the press after the morning skate. When Jordan Caron was skating on the third line in Eriksson’s place, it led to speculation on whether or not he’d play against the Senators. “The only reason he missed is he’s obviously getting some dental work done and making sure he’s all fixed up before tomorrow and before he leaves for the Olympics,” said Julien. “He should be in the lineup tomorrow; there’s no reason why he shouldn’t. I think it’s going to be a long day for him [today], getting his mouth fixed.”

Eriksson has found his rhythm playing on the Kelly line (which is quickly turning into the ‘Need for Swede’ line). He’s had two points in his last five games, and is even on the plus/minus while averaging fifteen minutes of ice time. Hopefully, the Bruins will go into the Olympic break further on the upswing, as they are 7-1-2 in their last ten games. The puck drops at 3:05 at the TD Garden, and will be covered by NESN.