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St. Louis — It’s been a week since Jordan Binnington last guarded the net for the St. Louis Blues. Binnington had a tough outing in the Blues’ 7-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, allowing six goals on 25 shots before being pulled from the game.
Joel Hofer has taken over starting duties for the past three games, including backstopping the Blues to a 1-0 shutout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday. However, Binnington is set to return as the starter for Game 2 of a back-to-back series when the Blues (13-15-7) face the New York Rangers (16-15-4) on Thursday at 7 p.m. (FDSNMW, ESPN 101.1-FM).
Blues coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged that the team needed time to reset following a rough patch. “Binnington was affected by how poorly we’ve played. He’s been on the ice during some tough games lately, but this break has allowed him to refocus and prepare to return to the elite level that coaches recognize in him,” said Montgomery.
The Blues will adjust their lineup for Thursday’s game, with forward Robbie Fabbri and Tyler Tucker getting the nod over Matthew Kessel. Fabbri started the season strong with assists in the first two games but had limited shifts in the recent game against the Jets. Montgomery spoke positively about Fabbri’s performance but indicated that fresh legs are needed against a bigger, faster team.
Alexei Trobchenko will be promoted to the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. Though usually a fourth-line winger, Montgomery trusts Trobchenko’s intelligence and defensive awareness will complement the creative play of Thomas and Buchnevich and help the team maintain its lead.
Tyler Tucker, sidelined on Wednesday due to soreness from a heavy hit in Monday’s game, will return to provide physicality in the lineup. Montgomery explained that Tucker’s absence wasn’t due to a lineup decision but managing his injury. Matthew Kessel had played well in his stead but the back-to-back schedule calls for Tucker’s energy.
First-round draft pick Otto Stenberg made his NHL debut Wednesday, skating 1:38. Montgomery praised Stenberg’s hockey IQ and instincts, sharing an example where he demonstrated excellent defensive awareness by staying disciplined and avoiding a risky play, a sign of future promise.
Injured players Jordan Kyrou (lower body), Jimmy Snuggerud (wrist), and Nathan Walker (upper body) practiced on Thursday but won’t suit up. Meanwhile, Dylan Holloway (high ankle sprain) and Nick Bjugstad (upper body) remain out. Montgomery expressed optimism as players near recovery despite the team dealing with many injuries.
For the first time at home this season, the Blues will wear their road white jerseys after sporting their previous home uniforms (now their third jersey) on Wednesday.
Projected Blues lineup:
- Alexei Trobchenko – Robert Thomas – Pavel Buchnevich
- Jake Neighbours – Brayden Schenn – Otto Stenberg
- Pius Suter – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jonathan Berggren
- Matthew Joseph – Oskar Sundqvist – Matt Ruff
- Defense pairs: Philip Broberg-Colton Parayko, Tyler Tucker-Justin Falk, Cam Fowler-Logan Mailloux
- Goalies: Jordan Binnington (starter), Joel Hofer (backup)
Projected Rangers lineup:
- Will Cuyl – Vincent Trocheck – JT Miller
- Artemi Panarin – Mika Zibanejad – Alexis Lafreniere
- Connor Clifton – Ryan Reaves – K’Andre Miller
- Gabreil Perreault – Sam Carrick – Matt Lempke
- Defense pairs: Vladislav Gavrikov-Braden Schneider, Carson Soucy-Will Borgen, Matthew Robertson-Scott Morrow
- Goalies: Igor Shesterkin (starter), Jonathan Quick (backup)
Fan Take: This report highlights the Blues’ efforts to rebound from recent struggles by adjusting their lineup and relying on Binnington’s comeback, which is crucial for their playoff chances. Hockey fans should watch how the young talent like Stenberg and the tactical decisions by Montgomery influence the team’s trajectory this season.
