The Blues’ preseason rematch with Dallas ended the same way the first one did: a 2-1 loss. But this one still gave St. Louis a few things to like, especially with a more NHL-ready group on the ice and several roster battles starting to come into focus.
One of the clearest positives came from the first line look of Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway. It was the first time that trio got a run together, and even without a point to show for it, the chemistry that surfaced late last season still seemed to be there.
The three combined for 11 of St. Louis’ 31 shots on goal, which is a strong early sign with two preseason games left.
The game also brought a tense moment for Holloway. After Snuggerud was boarded from behind by Stars defenseman Kyle Burroughs, Holloway stepped in and dropped the gloves.
The fight ended with Holloway heading to the locker room, and for a moment it looked like the Blues might be dealing with something bigger. He did return to the ice when the third period began, easing the concern after a very uneasy stretch for the team and its fans.
In goal, Joel Hofer gave St. Louis a steadier night.
After Jordan Binnington struggled in the first preseason game, Hofer stopped 17 of 18 shots and looked comfortable throughout most of the night before being pulled to start the third period. He also made six saves while the Blues were shorthanded.
With Binnington unavailable to deliver a strong outing in the opener, the pressure now shifts to Hofer, who is expected to shoulder the load as the Blues’ starting goaltender. These next few preseason games should keep giving him work, and this one was a solid step forward. The roster should also get a different look soon, with Pavel Buchnevich and Connor McMichael still yet to play and expected to be in the mix for the third preseason game against Chicago on September 24.
There was also a note of encouragement in Mason McTavish’s first appearance in a Blues uniform. He fit in well right away, another small but meaningful positive from a night that otherwise ended in another one-goal loss to Dallas.
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That uncertainty opens a door for Adam Jiricek, the Blues 2024 first-round pick, to make a real push for roster consideration. Jiricek is still expected to start the season in the AHL, but injuries have a way of reshaping camp competition quickly, and Tuckers absence gives the young defenseman a chance to show he can stay in the conversation a little longer. [Read more 🡒]
Blues May Have Found A Goalie Answer Sooner Than Expected
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Romanovs rise matters because the Blues are still sorting out their future in net, and depth at the position rarely comes easy. He is not being handed anything yet, but the early returns suggest the club may have a real option developing behind the current group, one that could grow into a backup role as other prospects continue to move through the system. [Read more 🡒]
Blues Blue Line Has One Problem That Could Decide Everything
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Even with that depth, the lineup does not fully sort itself out. The final rotation spot among Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek and Tyler Tucker could end up mattering more than it seems in camp, because the Blues need reliable minutes beyond the top four and cant afford to guess wrong on their sixth defenseman. Jiricek appears to be the likeliest to begin in Springfield, but that only underscores how much the competition still depends on who shows the most readiness before opening night. [Read more 🡒]