When they arrived at Scottrade Center Thusday night, defenseman Ian Cole and forward Chris Porter didn't know if they were in the Blues' lineup. Cole was awaiting word on Kevin Shattenkirk's flu battle and Porter was on hold until it was known what style of lineup Anaheim would employ.

Both players got the go-ahead in pre-game to suit up, which wound up in the Blues favor, as Cole and Porter each scored goals in the Blues' 4-2 win over the Ducks.

"That was really helpful," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "Those guys contributed. They were in on a couple of goals ... they really helped us."

Cole's goal was his first of the season and he added an assist. He was a plus-2 in 17 minutes, 54 seconds of ice time, is plus-7 for the season and hasn't had a minus-rating in any of his 11 games.

After holding down the fort for the Blues recently while Carlo Colaiacovo sat out with a hamstring injury, Cole went back to being a healthy scratch Tuesday against Detroit. He would have been Thursday as well if not for Shattenkirk's illness.

"It's not the ideal situation ... you want to be able to get some consistency, some flow and know you're going to be going every night," Cole said. "But with where I am right now, I just need to be ready no matter what the game is, no matter what the situation is. Like today, have no idea coming to the rink, but just always be ready and hopefully get that chance."

ARNOTT MILESTONE

Blues forward Jason Arnott, 37, became the 89th player in NHL history Thursday to play in 1,200 games. Among active players, he is sixth in career games, trailing Nicklas Lidstrom (1,520), Roman Hamrlik (1,334), Jaromir Jagr (1,295), Teemu Selanne (1,286) and Brian Rolston (1,209).

"It's been a fun ride," Arnott said. "A dream come true. Any kid that wants to play hockey in Canada in a small town growing up just dreams of playing one day, one game in the NHL. I've had the opportunity to play 1,200."