Poll: Cole or Huskins if Petro is out for Game 2?

Blues defenseman Ian Cole may be called on to fill in for Alex Pietrangelo in Game 2 on Monday night if Pietrangelo can not play due to concussion like symptoms. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The St. Louis Blues dropped Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs second round series to the Los Angeles Kings by the score of 3-1.  While the Blues lost the game and fell behind in the series, their biggest loss may have occurred when star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was planted face first into the boards by Kings forward Dwight King in the second period.

Pietrangelo suffered a cut on his chin and left the game and did not return and is being ruled as day-to-day by the Blues as they prepare for Game 2 at Scottrade Center on Monday night.

While head coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters not to rule anything out just yet, it looks as though Pietrangelo will likely miss the crucial Game 2 contest.

So it brings up the question of who should replace Pietrangelo if he can not go?

The Blues only have three right-handed defenseman, so they will have to turn to either younger Ian Cole or veteran Kent Huskins, both left-handed sticks, if Pietrangelo can not go on Monday night.

Cole, the former first round pick in 2007 out of Notre Dame, is just 23 years old and has not suited up since March 22, ironically enough against the Kings.  Cole provides plenty of upside as a tough, rugged player with a bit of offensive flair.  Cole did tally six points and a plus/minus rating of plus seven in 26 games this season.  But is the upside worth the risk of playing an inexperienced and likely rusty player?

Huskins on the other hand is nearly the exact opposite of Cole.  Huskins is 33 years old and has playoff experience with his time with San Jose and Anaheim.  While solid defensively, his upside on offense is limited.

So who should Hitchcock turn to if Pietrangelo is unable to play?  Vote now and leave your comments on the Pietrangelo injury below.