Andy McDonald was at Scottrade Center briefly Sunday morning but left as the Blues took the ice for practice. Nonetheless, McDonald said he was not seriously injured in his crash into the boards Saturday against Florida.

McDonald lost his balance while racing with a Florida defenseman and flew unimpeded into the boards at Scottrade. At the last second, he lifted his head and absorbed most of the impact with his face and neck.

Had he hit the wall with his head down, he might have suffered a serious spinal injury. McDonald's status for later in the week will be evaluated each day. But his "upper body injury" recovery will have more to do with stiffness than anything else.

TWO PLAYERS ARE SENT DOWN

The Blues assigned defenseman Tyson Strachan and center Yan Stastny to their American Hockey League affiliate in Peoria on Sunday. Strachan played six games with the Blues and had two assists, while Stastny played in two games and collected one goal.

The move was made in the anticipation that several players will be returning to the lineup on Thursday, including forward T.J. Oshie and defensemen Barret Jackman and Carlo Colaiacovo.