Blues winger Paul Kariya suffered a “lower-body” injury in the second period Wednesday night against Anaheim and did not return to the game.

Today, Kariya is returning to St. Louis for an MRI, which means he won’t play in tonight’s game against San Jose and he’s probably doubtful for Saturday’s game in LA.

Some have speculated that Kariya got hit with a puck last night. At today’s morning skate, Blues coach Andy Murray made that sound like an unlikely cause for the injury.

“It was something that has been bothering him for a while,” Murray said. “It wasn’t necessarily in last night’s game.”

A week or so ago, Kariya skipped a morning skate (which is pretty normal) and was questionable for that night’s game with a “lower body” issue. He ended up playing that night, so it didn’t become an issue.

Murray said today that Andy McDonald will get more ice time in Kariya’s absence and other players will be double-shifted.

In other news, Ben Bishop will get the start tonight in goal tonight, after backing up Chris Mason Wednesday in Anaheim.

No word on a call-up from Peoria to replace Kariya. As it stands now, that means David Koci will be in the lineup against San Jose tonight.

JR