St. Louis Blues’ Dvorsky Set for NHL Debut Against Predators

St. Louis, MO — Dalibor Dvorsky, a promising forward for the St. Louis Blues, is poised to make his NHL debut this Sunday when the team faces off against the Nashville Predators at 5 p.m. at the Enterprise Center. The 19-year-old Dvorsky will be the youngest player in Blues history to debut since Jake Neighbours in 2021.

Recalled from the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, Dvorsky has had an impressive season in North America, netting 20 goals and 23 assists for a total of 43 points in 57 games, placing him third among AHL rookies in goals.

“Do what got you here. Play to your strengths,” said Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery, emphasizing the importance of Dvorsky maintaining his successful style of play. “It’s a great day for him.” Montgomery acknowledged the challenges of excelling in the AHL, stating, “The American Hockey League is the toughest league to score in. You don’t get the same rest… but it’s important to learn how to grind and play when you’re tired.”

In preparation for the game, Dvorsky will replace Oskar Sundqvist on the third line, which Montgomery noted was out for “maintenance.” Pavel Buchnevich will also remain unavailable due to illness. Notably, goaltender Jordan Binnington is projected to start in goal for the Blues.

The Blues carry a five-game winning streak into the matchup and are aiming for their sixth consecutive victory. “We’re excited to watch him play tonight, as I’m sure all of our fan base is,” Montgomery added.

The Predators come into the game having lost three of their last four, making this matchup crucial for Nashville’s playoff aspirations. The Blues, battling for a playoff spot themselves, are focused on solidifying their recent success against a formidable opponent.

As for the projected lineups, the Blues will feature Dvorsky alongside Mathieu Joseph and Alexandre Texier on the third line. The full lineup is as follows:

Forwards: Jake Neighbours – Robert Thomas – Zack Bolduc, Dylan Holloway – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou, Alexandre Texier – Dalibor Dvorsky – Mathieu Joseph, Alexey Toropchenko – Radek Faksa – Nathan Walker.

Defense: Philip Broberg – Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler – Matthew Kessel, Ryan Suter – Tyler Tucker.

Goalie: Jordan Binnington.

The Predators anticipate a challenging contest as they aim to turn their season around. Head Coach Andrew Brunette will need to motivate his squad to deliver a crucial win, having expressed hopes for greater emotional investment in their recent performances.

Both teams recognize the importance of this game, and as the puck drops, their respective playoff hopes hang in the balance.