Blues vs Flames Gameday Lineup Revealed for October 11th Matchup
St. Louis Blues Look to Bounce Back After Tough Season Opener Against Minnesota Wild
Analyzing the St. Louis Blues’ 5-0 Loss
The St. Louis Blues endured a tough 5-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild in their season opener, despite analytics suggesting they had a 57% chance of winning. According to advanced statistics from sources like Moneypuck, the Blues were favored, but the actual game result told a different story.
Jake Neighbours Reflects on the Game
Blues forward Jake Neighbours noted that the game didn’t feel as one-sided as the score suggests. Despite some unfortunate bounces leading to goals against, the Blues maintained a strong 5-on-5 game, outshooting and out-Corsied the Wild. Yet, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals, which proved costly.
Preparing for the Calgary Flames
As the Blues prepare for their upcoming clash with the Calgary Flames, Head Coach Jim Montgomery emphasizes the importance of resilience. The team faces a critical road trip and cannot afford to let one loss turn into a losing streak. Playing with “dogged determination” and starting strong against the Flames is crucial for setting the right tone, Montgomery insists.
Focus on Improvement and Strategy
The team concentrated on improving their net front presence during practice. Recognizing that the Wild had a significant advantage in this area, the Blues aim to be more assertive around the net. Montgomery also worked with the team on speeding up their defensive zone coverage, aiming for rapid puck recovery to increase offensive opportunities.
Integrating Young Talent
The Blues will continue integrating promising young players like Jimmy Snuggerud and Logan Mailloux. While Mailloux had some rocky moments in his regular-season debut, Montgomery is confident in his development. The coach highlighted the distinct timeline for defensemen to mature in the NHL compared to forwards.
Team Lineup and Injury Updates
Before the game against Calgary, Montgomery will finalize the lineup. Forward Alexey Toropchenko is out due to soreness, with Alexandre Texier stepping in. Texier is set to make his season debut in a lineup that also includes notable players such as Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou. The Blues will rely on their leadership to guide the team back to a winning trajectory.
| Blues Projected Lineup | Flames Projected Lineup |
|---|---|
Joel Hofer will start in goal; Jordan Binnington will be the backup. Healthy scratch: Matthew Kessel. Oskar Sundqvist and Alexey Toropchenko are out. |
Dustin Wolf is projected to start in goal; Devin Cooley would be the backup. Healthy scratches include Justin Kirkland, Jake Bean, and Daniil Miromanov. Jonathan Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil are out. |
The matchup in Calgary serves as a pivotal point for the Blues, a chance to rebound and demonstrate their strength and determination to succeed in the early stages of the NHL season.
