The St. Louis Blues are gearing up to face the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday at 7 p.m. This matchup follows their recent victory against the Dallas Stars, where they showcased their best performance of the season, winning 3-1. With the team currently at a record of 3-2-0, the Blues are focused on maintaining their momentum.
Kings vs. Blues: Gameday Lineup Revealed
Blues coach Jim Montgomery has emphasized the importance of his team’s focus and work ethic. After expressing dissatisfaction during a recent practice, he appreciated the improvements seen during the morning skate before the game. He stated the importance of pushing team habits and identity as they prepare to take on the Kings.
Recent Performance Insights
The Blues are keen on starting strong, a strategy that led to their last win. Montgomery noted that commitment to a checking game is crucial for both offensive and defensive success. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to win every game decisively but will create opportunities,” he remarked.
Jordan Kyrou, who scored the opening goal against the Stars, has shown significant improvement in his game, especially in offensive zone play. Montgomery praised Kyrou’s growth, highlighting his ability to transition and support plays effectively.
Player Focus: Improvements and Challenges
Montgomery is also looking for increased production from players like Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway. Thomas has contributed only two points in five games, while Holloway has struggled post-surgery, leading to a minus-4 rating. “He’s thinking too much on the ice,” Montgomery explained, suggesting that overthinking can hinder performance. Holloway is still adjusting after recovering from an oblique injury and may be compensating in other areas of his game.
Pius Suter has been a pleasant surprise, demonstrating strong execution and strategic positioning, particularly in defensive situations. Montgomery commended him for his smart play and trustworthy presence on the ice.
Player Rotations and Injury Updates
- Blues Projected Lineup:
- Dylan Holloway – Robert Thomas – Jake Neighbours
- Pavel Buchnevich – Pius Suter – Jimmy Snuggerud
- Mathieu Joseph – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
- Alexandre Texier – Nick Bjugstad – Nathan Walker
- Defensive Pairings:
- Cam Fowler – Colton Parayko
- Philip Broberg – Justin Faulk
- Tyler Tucker – Matthew Kessel
- Goalkeeping:
- Starting: Jordan Binnington
- Backup: Joel Hofer
Logan Mailloux is a healthy scratch for this game, while Oskar Sundqvist is expected to return later in the week. Alexey Toropchenko is day-to-day with soreness.
- Kings Projected Lineup:
- Andrei Kuzmenko – Alex Laferriere – Adrian Kempe
- Kevin Fiala – Quinton Byfield – Joel Armia
- Warren Foegele – Phillip Danault – Trevor Moore
- Jeff Malott – Alex Turcotte – Corey Perry
- Defensive Pairings:
- Brian Dumoulin – Drew Doughty
- Joel Edmundson – Brandt Clarke
- Mikey Anderson – Cody Ceci
- Goalkeeping:
- Starting: Darcy Kuemper
- Backup: Anton Forsberg
The Kings will play without notable players Anze Kopitar and Kyle Burroughs, who are sidelined due to injuries. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as both teams strive for victory on the ice.
