In an unexpected turn of events, the St. Louis Blues may rely on their Emergency Backup Goaltender (EBUG), Gavin O'Brien, as they prepare to face the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. O'Brien, who has previously experienced close calls and pivotal moments in Blues history, received a text from the Blues assistant General Manager, Ryan Miller, informing him of the potential need for his services.

O'Brien, who has been an EBUG for three seasons in St. Louis, was caught off guard when he received the message during his shift at the restaurant. "I really didn't even put two and two together with them coming to St. Louis the next night," O'Brien explained. "I was downstairs changing kegs when I got the text from Ryan Miller."

This is not the first time O'Brien has been on standby for a potential goaltending appearance. In Game 3 of the second round against Colorado in 2022, he was moments away from being called into action when Blues' goalie Jordan Binnington left the game due to an injury. However, Ville Husso filled in, and O'Brien had to settle for watching from the video coaches' room, half-dressed in his gear. Reflecting on the experience, O'Brien recalled the anxiety of waiting and counting down the minutes.

Last year, O'Brien was once again on alert during a game against the Dallas Stars. With regular goalie Jake Oettinger sidelined due to a stomach flu, O'Brien was prepared to step in if needed. Fortunately, the Blues' Scott Wedgewood played the entire game, allowing O'Brien to once again spectate from the sidelines.

Blues head coach Trevor Bannister confirmed that there would be no lineup changes from their recent victory over the Ottawa Senators. Jordan Binnington, who missed part of the previous game due to injury, is set to return to the net. The team remains focused on facing the dangerous Stars, who have a reputation for their ability to score goals and execute on the power play.

The upcoming game between the Blues and the Stars marks their first meeting since the season opener, where the Stars emerged victorious in a shootout. The Stars are arriving in St. Louis after a successful game against the Senators on Friday night.

As Saturday's game approaches, O'Brien finds himself balancing anticipation and contentment with his role as an EBUG. "Anytime it kind of happens, it's a whirlwind of 'What ifs,' but I'm perfectly content with just being able to experience this and getting a good seat to watch a hockey game," O'Brien expressed.

Blues fans and players alike will be keeping a close eye on the possibility of O'Brien's involvement between the pipes against the Stars. With his past close calls and his dedication to his role as an EBUG, O'Brien stands ready to fulfill his duties if called upon.