As the Olympic break approaches, the St. Louis Blues find themselves at a critical juncture. They are set to face off against their rivals in Dallas on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center, with the game starting at 8:30 p.m. This matchup, broadcasted on TNT, HBO Max, and 101 ESPN, marks their final opportunity to make a statement before the league steps away for the Olympics.
The Blues are eager to head into this break on a positive note, especially after suffering a disappointing defeat earlier this week in Nashville. Head Coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the importance of putting forth a strong performance, stating, "We’ve got to come back with a really good effort, so we head into the break feeling really good about ourselves." He also reflected on the last dozen games, noting that while the team has shown determination and hard work, there is still a need to refine their execution and learn how to seal the deal in close contests.
When it comes to the lineup for Wednesday's game, Montgomery has yet to finalize his decisions. He hinted at the possibility of experimenting with a configuration of 11 forwards and seven defensemen, though he may opt for the traditional setup of 12 forwards and six defensemen instead. This uncertainty adds an element of intrigue as fans speculate which lineup will take the ice.
In goal, Jordan Binnington is confirmed to start, and Nathan Walker will be rejoining the team, which could bring a fresh dynamic to their strategy.
For those eager to see how the team will look, be sure to check back during the warm-ups, where specific line combinations and defensive pairings will be revealed. Will the Blues manage to turn things around just in time for the break? The excitement is palpable, and opinions may vary on what changes could lead to success! What are your thoughts on the upcoming game and the potential lineup shifts?