Chris Stewart scratched for Game 2

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ST. LOUIS -- The Blues have made forward Chris Stewart a healthy scratch for Game 2 of St. Louis' first round series against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.

Stewart, acquired last year at the trade deadline from Colorado, will be replaced by Jamie Langenbrunner on the third line, joining Jason Arnott and Vladimir Sobotka.

"We need more from (Stewart)," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "It's certainly not just based on one hockey game. We just need more. From that position on our hockey club, that third line role, we need more tenacity, more determination, more second and third effort on the puck -- we need all of that from that position."

Stewart found out when he walked into the dressing room Saturday morning.

"My number wasn't on the board," said Stewart. "My play wasn't good enough last game. We're fighting for our lives every day. I had the opportunity to step up and didn't get the job done. At the end of the day, it is what it is. This isn't the time of the year to pout or get down on yourself. We're a team, we've got to stick together and they're going to need me eventually in this series, and when I get the chance again, I'll be ready."

It's the first time all year Hitchcock has scratched Stewart, who had back-to-back 28-goal seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11 but tallied just 15 goals this season.

"I understand the game well, so I do get where he's coming from," Stewart said of the decision. "I do hope I get a chance to get back in there and show him (Hitchcock) that I can play. Now, I'll just wait for the time."

In addition to Stewart being scratched, Hitchcock announced three lineup changes with forwards Matt D'Agostini and B.J. Crombeen and blue-liner Carlo Colaiacovo checking back into the lineup.

St. Louis trails San Jose, 1-0 in the best-of-seven series after a 3-2, double-overtime defeat Thursday.

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Pierre LeBrun

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• Covers the NHL for ESPN.com and TSN of Canada
• Six years on the "Hockey Night In Canada" Hotstove panel
• 13 years at The Canadian Press National News Agency