After earning back-to-back wins, the St. Louis Blues continue their three-game road trip Thursday with their first matchup of the season against the Minnesota Wild. St. Louis will face a tough test against a Minnesota team that has started the season well, making this an opportunity for the Blues to see how their recent improvements translate against a Central Division opponent.
Last Game: Blowout Win vs Senators
The Blues earned their second consecutive victory Tuesday with a 7-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Pius Suter, Jake Neighbours and Mason McTavish each scored twice, while Adam Jiricek recorded his first NHL goal. Pavel Buchnevich added three assists, and Joel Hofer stopped 15 of 17 shots.
St. Louis Blues Gameday Preview (The Hockey Writers)
St. Louis received contributions throughout the lineup, with 13 players recording at least one point. Dylan Peterson also made his NHL debut, recording four hits and fighting Senators rookie Jorian Donovan. The win extended the Blues’ point streak to three games as they improved to 3-2-1.
Dylan Holloway — Robert Thomas — Jimmy Snuggerud
Connor McMichael — Mason McTavish — Jonatan Berggren
Jake Neighbours — Dalibor Dvorsky — Pavel Buchnevich
Ross Johnston — Pius Suter — Dylan Peterson
Philip Broberg — Adam Jiricek
Justin Barron — Colton Parayko
Cam Fowler — Brandon Carlo
Joel Hofer
Jordan Binnington
Scratched: Theo Lindstein, Zach Dean
Injured: Logan Mailloux, Tyler Tucker, Alexey Tropchenko, Dillon Dube
Blues’ Team Leaders
McTavish leads the Blues with seven points (four goals, three assists) through six games. Connor McMichael ranks second with six points (two goals, four assists), while Buchnevich is third with five points (one goal, four assists). Suter also has five points, with three goals and two assists.
Storyline #1: Top Line Slowly Starting to Produce
The Blues’ top line of Jimmy Snuggerud, Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway is beginning to find its footing. Snuggerud leads the team with three goals, while the trio has combined for 10 points through six games.
Thomas and Holloway are still searching for their first goals of the season, but both have contributed offensively. Holloway recorded three assists against Columbus, and the line will look to build on that performance against Minnesota. More production from Thomas and Holloway could give the Blues a more consistent offensive threat as they face a Wild team that has allowed few goals early in the season.
Storyline #2: Fourth Line Making a Difference
Ross Johnston, Suter and Peterson made an impression against Ottawa. Suter scored twice, while Peterson recorded four hits and fought Donovan in his NHL debut. Their physicality and forechecking helped the Blues generate energy and sustain pressure.
The challenge now is turning that performance into something consistent. With injuries affecting the lineup, contributions from depth players are especially valuable. If the fourth line can continue winning puck battles and creating chances, it could give St. Louis an advantage against Minnesota.
Storyline #3: Tough Wild Team Ahead
The Blues will need to be sharp defensively against a Wild team led by Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes. Kaprizov is a dangerous scorer who can create chances at even strength and on the power play, while Hughes adds another offensive dimension from the blue line.
Minnesota’s power play has converted seven of 19 opportunities, making discipline a priority for St. Louis. The Blues’ penalty kill has been effective, going 17-for-19 through six games, but the Wild will provide a difficult test. Limiting penalties, protecting the middle of the ice and avoiding turnovers will be important if St. Louis wants to come away with another road win.
How to Watch
The game starts at 7:00 P.M. Central Time. You can watch it on Blue Note+ and listen on 101 ESPN.
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