Backes (face) remained away from the team during Tuesday's practice a night after taking a puck to the mouth area, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Backes left Monday's game in the first period before returning with a face cage in the second, but didn't suit up for the final 20 minutes. Fortunately for Backes, the Blues have ruled out a concussion, which have the plagued the center the last couple of seasons. Instead, it appears some facial lacerations and dental work were the primary concerns for Backes, who remains in plenty of discomfort. The Blues will reassess his condition at Wednesday's practice before determining if he might be able to play Thursday versus the Islanders.