"I'm excited to play. It's been a week or so now," Del Zotto said after Wednesday's morning skate at Honda Center. "I was playing good hockey before I got traded, playing big minutes here in Anaheim and I felt like I was myself again. Tonight is just a matter of getting comfortable. Anytime you have a new D-partner, it takes a litte bit of time to get some chemistry and be each other's eyes and ears. Just go out there, have fun, play my game and try to initiate and just try to enjoy it. Don't think too much.

"It's nice to be able to play meaningful hockey this time of year, so I'm excited for that," he added. "Tonight is a big game for us."

Video: Del Zotto debuts in Anaheim

Del Zotto was acquired by the Blues just before the NHL Trade Deadline, giving the Blues some added depth and insurance on the blueline with Carl Gunnarsson dealing with an injury.

Del Zotto, a former first-round pick of the New York Rangers in 2008, started the season with the Vancouver Canucks but most recently played with the Anaheim Ducks. He has posted one goal and six assists in 35 games this season.

"I'm looking forward to it and so is he, obviously," Blues Head Coach Craig Berube said of getting Del Zotto in the lineup. "He's had some practice time and he's ready to go."