The St. Louis Blues are down to their last preseason tune-up, and by the time this one is over, the guessing game gets a lot smaller.
After a 1-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the week, the Blues head into their final exhibition with only a couple of roster decisions still hanging in the air. That’s a much cleaner picture than the one at the start of camp, when far more jobs were still up for grabs.
One of the clearest battles left centers on the fourth line. Zach Dean looks likely to open the season on the NHL roster, while Pius Suter is expected to start as the fourth-line center. That situation could remain fluid, though, with Jim Montgomery able to lean on whichever player has the hotter hand.
There’s also one more roster wrinkle worth watching on defense. Adam Jiricek has already been sent to Springfield, and Calle Rosen is currently the seventh defenseman.
That said, the spot may not be completely locked in just yet. Jiricek could still be called up before the season begins, and Montgomery may have wanted one more look at Rosen before the preseason wraps.
Beyond the roster math, this game is also about chemistry. That’s been one of the biggest questions throughout camp, and this is the night that should reveal whether the group is starting to click.
So far, the Blues have been pieced together with a mix of NHL veterans, fringe players, and prospects who were always headed for Springfield. This final exhibition should look much closer to the opening night version of the team. The Blackhawks are expected to do the same, which should make the matchup feel a lot more like the real thing.
And after this, there’s only the wait. The Blues will get a break before the regular season opens on October 2 in Dallas against the Stars.
It has been a busy offseason, filled with moves, personnel changes, and a new captain at the center of it all. Now all of that gives way to one last preseason game before the games start counting.
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Why Pius Suter Could Matter More To The Blues Than Fans Think
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His role should be especially important in the quieter parts of a game, where defensive responsibility matters just as much as scoring touch. For a Blues team that wants flexibility and dependable depth, Suter gives the staff another piece who can stabilize the forward group and keep the lineup from feeling thin when changes are needed. [Read more 🡒]