Blues' Allen to miss start of camp with back spasms

The St. Louis Blues will be without starting netminder Jake Allen for the beginning of training camp, as he's set to miss 10-to-14 days due to back spasms, the team announced Wednesday.

Allen is coming off a poor showing in 2017-18, during which he managed a .906 save percentage in 56 starts. His performance this season will be pivotal for the Blues, who raised expectations this summer by trading for Ryan O'Reilly and signing both Tyler Bozak and David Perron, among other moves.

Blues camp is set to open Friday.