"Yeah, I thought obviously last year was tough with everything that was going on for sure. And even just kind of going into this year I felt a lot better, which was good," said Parayko. "I was still feeling really good. And I thought for me personally it was obviously a big step from the previous year just based on everything that was going on and so obviously happy to be where I'm at." He dealt with back problems in 2020-21, but played in 80 games this past campaign. Parayko posted six goals, 35 points, 135 shots, 169 blocks and 72 hits. 

Parayko got the Blues off to a nice start early, putting puck to net on Darcy Kuemper about four minutes into the first period. The Avalanche would outscore St. Louis 5-1 the rest of the way out, though. The goal marked just the second in nine playoff games for Parayko, who has posted a modest five points in that space. 

Parayko scored his fifth of the season and has 18 points in 38 games. He missed a couple of games last week as he was in COVID protocol but is fine at this time.

Parayko sat out two games because of COVID-19 protocol. He has four goals, 16 points, 64 shots, 84 blocks and 37 hits across 36 games this season.