Alexey Toropchenko won’t be playing when the St. Louis Blues face the Calgary Flames on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. He missed Friday’s practice and was ruled out with both upper and lower-body injuries, as confirmed by Head Coach Jim Montgomery.
In his absence, Montgomery moved Alexandre Texier to the third line alongside Jake Neighbours and Pius Suter. Mathieu Joseph will join Nick Bjugstad and Nathan Walker on the fourth line. These adjustments aim to boost the team’s offensive play. “Texier provides more offense due to his skillset and puck protection capabilities,” Montgomery explained, hopeful that these changes will strengthen their performance.
The Blues are searching for their first win of the season after a rough opener against Minnesota. Montgomery emphasized the need for a tough attitude, saying, “I want to see a dogged determination with almost a scowl on your face when the game begins.” He believes that strong starts are crucial for success in the league.
In goal, Joel Hofer is expected to make his start. This game not only marks a pivotal moment for the Blues but also reflects a broader trend in the league. Recent statistics show that a strong start can significantly impact a team’s success rate throughout the season. Teams that win at least 70% of their first five games often find themselves in better playoff positions later on, making Saturday’s game even more critical.
As the Blues prepare for this challenge, fans are hoping for a turnaround that will set a positive tone for the weeks ahead. After all, in sports, every game is an opportunity to bounce back.