The St. Louis Blues are looking toward redemption as they get set to face off against the Nashville Predators for the second time in three games. They were demolished 7-2 in the previous encounter, but there is hope that after the most recent win against Chicago, it might sway the win in their favor.
The Blues have been up and mostly down all season, but this most recent win felt a lot different. It finally felt like this team played a complete game and showcased a lot of positive things.
Now, they have a chip on their shoulder and have to use it to stay ahead of a red-hot Predators team that has won four of its last six games. Let’s talk about who can set up the Blues with a much-needed victory.
Robby Fabbri
There have been two players who have had a big impact for the Blues recently, and they are both going to be listed here. Robby Fabbri has been a really nice addition to this Blues team when they absolutely needed it most. This team has been riddled by injuries, and there is a long timetable before most of those injuries are healed and back in the lineup.
The new No. 9 has two assists in the two games since he was signed back. Fabbri has shown initiative, laying the body as much as anyone who has played for the Blues for the entirety of this season. Additionally, he has been able to slide right into the lineup and highlights one of the best lines for this team right now, alongside Pius Suter and Dylan Holloway, and hopefully Holloway is not injured too badly after going down in practice on Sunday.
Robert Thomas
This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, but Robert Thomas is always a key player to watch. He is undoubtedly the best player on this team, and he has put this team on his back lately to keep them in the wildcard hunt.
Can he push his four-game point streak to five games?
Joel Hofer
The goaltender for tonight’s matchup has not been decided yet, but there should be a sense that it will be the hot hand, Joel Hofer. Goaltender Jordan Binnington was rocked in his last go-around with the Predators, allowing six goals on 19 shots and ultimately losing the momentum of the game in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Hofer has been a lot better than when he started the season, saving 119 of his last 128 shots faced over his last five appearances. He has a record of 2-1 over that stretch, with some of those performances coming in relief of Binnington. With another win, or even a solid performance, there is a chance for his role to be switched with Binnington, effectively making him the starter for the rest of this season.
We will see who head coach Jim Montgomery decides to go with against Nashville.