Blues Keep Lineup Steady as Playoff Push Intensifies

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues are maintaining a steady course as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings in a crucial matchup Wednesday night (9:30 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network, 101 ESPN). Head Coach Jim Montgomery announced that there will be no changes to the lineup as the team seeks to close in on a Wild Card spot in the playoff race.

With a record of 3-1-0 in their last four games, the Blues are eager to capitalize on their current momentum. Montgomery stressed the importance of continuity within the lines and defensive pairings, stating, “Familiarity breeds comfort, it also breeds the preparation and language you use together on a line and a D-pairing. We expect us to be good again tonight… It’s why we’re sticking with the same lineup again tonight.”

The Blues face the Kings, who have struggled recently with a record of 0-3-1. Montgomery noted that his team has exhibited renewed energy since returning from the break, saying, “This is every day that there’s energy, and I think guys are just excited to be at the rink. They’re excited to play.”

The Blues’ forwards for the game include Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and others, while the defensive line features Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko among others. Goalie Jordan Binnington will start in net, continuing his role as a backbone for the team’s defense.

Highlighting their recent performance, Montgomery pointed out that the team needs to focus on winning their battles to succeed in this playoff chase. “The good part is that you get to focus, as a player, on who you’re going against, because usually the matchups end up very similar and you get a little bit of a playoff mentality,” he said. “Every little detail becomes more emphasized and a lot more important. And that’s where, as a team, we still need to grow.”

As the regular season winds down, every point counts for the Blues in their pursuit of a playoff berth. A win against the Kings could bring them within one point of a Wild Card position, intensifying the stakes for the matchup.