Blues Eye Fifth Straight Win Against Rival Blackhawks

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues aim for their fifth consecutive win this Saturday when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center. The matchup, set for 3 p.m. ET, is pivotal as the Blues have recently climbed into playoff contention for the first time since early November.

Following a successful stretch after the 4 Nations Face-off break, the Blues have solidified their spot in the playoff race. Head Coach Jim Montgomery announced that forward Alexandre Texier will return to the lineup after an absence since February 4. However, Pavel Buchnevich is expected to miss the game due to illness.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, but we need to stay focused,” Montgomery said. “Chicago is always a tough opponent, and every game counts as we get closer to the playoffs.”

In net for the Blues, Joel Hofer will start. The team will continue to dress the same 18 skaters it has used over the last seven games, with players like Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou leading the charge.

The projected lineup for the Blues features forwards Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, and Zach Bolduc on the first line, while Dylan Holloway, Brayden Schenn, and Jordan Kyrou form the second line. The remaining lines will include Mathieu Joseph, Oskar Sundqvist, and Zack Bolduc, along with Alexey Toropchenko, Radek Faksa, and Nathan Walker.

On the defensive front, Cam Fowler and Nick Leddy will anchor one pairing, joined by Philip Broberg and Justin Faulk, and Ryan Suter and Tyler Tucker completing the group.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks arrive with their own challenges. Projected forwards Ilya Mikheyev, Frank Nazar, and rookie Connor Bedard lead the top line. The Blackhawks will also have Teuvo Teravainen, Jason Dickinson, and Nick Foligno on the second line, while Joe Veleno, Ryan Donato, and Tyler Bertuzzi round out their third line.

Blackhawks Head Coach Luke Richardson addressed the player injuries, particularly that of Colton Dach, who is listed as day-to-day due to a hyperextended elbow sustained in a loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. Laurent Brossoit will miss the game due to a knee injury.

“Every game is a battle, and we’re adapting as we go,” Richardson noted. “The upcoming matchup is no exception. We need to be sharp.”

The anticipated contest promises to be a highly competitive clash as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings.